The Bowery Hotel is a dreamscape, a place where reality fades away into a haze of old-world beauty. The lobby is like a portal to another world, with its dimly lit, moody atmosphere, and plush furnishings that invite you to sink in and stay awhile. The rich, dark wood paneling and vintage rugs create a sense of warmth and comfort, while the antique chandeliers and intricate tile work add a touch of glamour and sophistication. The Bowery Hotel is a place where time stands still, where the cares of the world melt away, and you’re transported to a realm of pure magic and wonder.
Do I love it there? Yes, yes I do. So very much.
About the Bowery Hotel
The Bowery Hotel is a historic hotel located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The building was originally constructed in 1929 as a YMCA, providing affordable housing and community services to young men in the city.
Over the years, the building underwent various transformations and renovations, including a period in the 1970s when it was converted into a homeless shelter. In the early 2000s, the building was purchased by a group of investors who saw the potential to transform it into a luxury hotel.
The renovation process was extensive, taking over four years to complete. The goal was to preserve the building’s historic character and charm, while also updating it with modern amenities and design elements. The result is a stunning hotel that seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary luxury.
The Bowery Hotel officially opened its doors in 2007 and quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The hotel features 135 guest rooms, a fitness center, and several dining and drinking options, including the renowned Lobby Bar and Gemma restaurant.
Throughout its history, the Bowery Hotel has played an important role in the cultural and artistic scene of New York City. It has hosted countless events and parties and has been a favorite destination for musicians, artists, and creatives of all kinds. Today, it continues to be one of the city’s most iconic and beloved hotels, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for its guests.
How to get to the Bowery Hotel
The Bowery Hotel is located in the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant Bowery neighborhood, at 335 Bowery, New York, NY 10003. There are several ways to get there, depending on your starting point and mode of transportation.
If you’re traveling by subway, the closest station is the 2nd Avenue Station on the F line, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, the Bowery Hotel is also within walking distance of several other subway lines, including the B, D, and 6 trains.
If you’re driving, there are several parking garages in the area, including one right across the street from the hotel. However, be aware that parking in this part of the city can be expensive, so it’s often more cost-effective to take public transportation or a ride-sharing service.
Finally, if you’re arriving by plane, both LaGuardia Airport and JFK Airport are within easy reach of the Bowery Hotel. You can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or public transportation to get to the hotel from either airport.
About the Bowery neighborhood
The Bowery has a rich and varied history, dating back to the mid-19th century when it was a thriving theater district and the birthplace of vaudeville. Over the years, it has been home to a diverse array of residents, from working-class immigrants to artists and musicians to the city’s elite.
Today, the Bowery is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and cultural institutions located in the area. It’s also home to some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and nightlife spots, as well as several historic landmarks, including the Bowery Mission and the Bowery Ballroom.
Despite its transformation over the years, the Bowery retains a gritty, urban edge that makes it one of the most unique and exciting neighborhoods in the city. It’s a place where the past and present intersect, creating a dynamic and constantly evolving community that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Weddings at the Bowery Hotel
One of the first things that I love about weddings here are the getting-ready rooms for you and your spouse as well as rooms that your guests can stay in.
The hotel rooms at The Bowery Hotel are luxurious and spacious, designed to provide guests with the ultimate in comfort and style. Each room is individually decorated with a mix of vintage and modern furnishings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both elegant and understated.
The rooms feature plush beds with high-quality linens and down comforters, as well as oversized windows that offer stunning views of the city skyline. They are also equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, and high-speed internet access.
The bathrooms are equally luxurious, with marble-tiled floors, deep soaking tubs, and high-end bath products from REN Skincare. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s 24-hour room service, which offers a range of delicious dining options.
In addition to the standard rooms, The Bowery Hotel also offers a range of luxurious suites, including the Bowery Suite, which features a separate living area and a private balcony with stunning views of the city. The Terrace Suite boasts a large outdoor terrace, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful New York City skyline.
The light in the hotel rooms is simply spectacular. The rooms are known for their abundant natural light, which floods the space and creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The oversized windows in each room offer stunning views of the city skyline and allow natural light to pour in throughout the day. The light is precisely the kind of light I adore, and it suits my style of photography perfectly.
I also love that the Bowery Hotel offers a few options for wedding ceremonies, each with its own unique charm and style
The hotel’s grand ballroom is a popular choice for couples who want to exchange their vows in a grand and elegant setting. With soaring ceilings, antique chandeliers, and rich wood paneling, the ballroom exudes a timeless glamour that is perfect for a formal wedding ceremony.
For couples who prefer a more intimate ceremony, the Drawing Room is a cozy and inviting space that is perfect for smaller gatherings. With its comfortable seating, warm lighting, and vintage decor, the Drawing Room has a charming and romantic ambiance that is perfect for a romantic ceremony.
Finally, the Terrace Room offers a stunning outdoor setting for a wedding ceremony. With its lush greenery, twinkling lights, and stunning city views, the Terrace Room provides a picturesque and unforgettable backdrop for a romantic and intimate ceremony.
All of those spaces are also great choices for your wedding reception locations as well!
Wedding photo locations at the Bowery Hotel
The Bowery Hotel is a gorgeous location for wedding photography, with plenty of stunning spots both inside and outside the building.
One popular location for wedding photos is the hotel’s grand staircase, which features a beautiful wrought-iron railing, vintage light fixtures, and intricate detailing. This staircase provides a dramatic and elegant backdrop for your portraits together, wedding party images, group photos, and other shots.
The hotel’s elegant lobby is another favorite location for wedding photos, with its rich wood paneling, plush seating, and vintage decor creating a luxurious and timeless ambiance. The lobby is also filled with natural light, providing a beautiful glow that enhances any photo.
For outdoor shots, the Bowery Hotel’s terrace provides a beautiful and unique setting, with its lush greenery, twinkling lights, and stunning city views. This terrace creates a romantic and intimate backdrop for couples’ portraits and other outdoor photos. It’s one of my top locations for family and wedding party locations as well. If you love terraces and want a more private location, book one of their suites and you’ll have your own personal spot for photos.
In addition to these locations, the Bowery Hotel has plenty of other beautiful spaces for wedding photography, including the Drawing Room, the grand ballroom, and the hotel’s rooftop bar. Whether you’re looking for a classic, timeless look or a more modern and edgy feel, the Bowery Hotel offers a variety of options to suit your style and vision.
Wedding photo locations near the Bowery Hotel
If you’ve got time and want to explore areas near the hotel for more photos, here are my top 20 favorite spots and what they are:
- The High Line – Elevated public park on an old railway track
- Washington Square Park – Historic park with an arch and fountain
- Tompkins Square Park – Dog-friendly park with a community garden
- Cooper Union – Iconic architecture and a modern art gallery
- Lower East Side Tenement Museum – Historical museum about immigrant life
- Little Italy – Historic neighborhood with Italian restaurants and shops
- SoHo – Artistic neighborhood with fashion boutiques and galleries
- Chinatown – Colorful neighborhood with authentic Chinese cuisine
- East Village – Vibrant neighborhood with trendy bars and restaurants
- Brooklyn Bridge – Iconic bridge with stunning views of Manhattan
- One World Trade Center – The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere
- The Statue of Liberty – A symbol of freedom and democracy
- Central Park – A sprawling park with lakes, gardens, and scenic walks
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art – A world-renowned art museum
- The Guggenheim Museum – A modern art museum with a unique spiral design
- The Whitney Museum of American Art – A museum dedicated to American art
- The New York Public Library – A historic library with stunning architecture
- The Empire State Building – A towering skyscraper with panoramic views
- The Chrysler Building – An iconic Art Deco skyscraper
- The Flatiron Building – A triangular-shaped historic skyscraper
In conclusion…
In conclusion, I believe that The Bowery Hotel is one of the most beautiful and romantic wedding venues in New York City, and I am always honored to capture the love and magic of a wedding there.
With my emphasis on emotion, dramatic lighting, and attention to detail, I believe that my photography style is a perfect match for the elegant and vintage-inspired atmosphere of The Bowery Hotel.
