There are touches of the enigmatic and elusive Archer all over his Manhattan hotel, and although you won’t meet the fictional custodian, his style and character inform every design choice and service. A dashing raconteur, well groomed and suavely dressed, Archer has unveiled this New York pad, rising 22 storeys in a mid-block spot in the garment district, to join those already well-established in Napa and Austin.
Glen Coben of Glen and Company delivered the Archer philosophy from an architectural and interior design point of view, paying respects to the district’s industrial heritage with the use of brick, steel and glass. For the accommodation, Coben designed four room templates onto which individual elements are placed, giving a boutique feel despite the large size (there are 180 guestrooms). The hotel has a prominent art collection curated with a strong New York theme, and striking pieces such as local artist Thea Lanzisero’s dress sculpture enhance the overall black-tie vibe. One little Archer-ism worth paying special attention to are the playing cards bearing etiquette reminders. These cards, dealt out to guests at the discretion of the Archer staff for acts of courtesy and kindness, are worth $10 and can be used at all the hotel’s retail points, so it’s worthwhile remembering to hold the door open for your fellow guests. Also of note are the wonderful views from the rooftop bar, and chef David Burke’s restaurant fabrick.
