Incentra Village Hotel

Trimmed with tall teal shutters, the two brick townhouses that together make up this well-preserved hotel were erected in 1841 and still look thoroughly charming from the street. Happily, evidence of Incentra Village’s early Victorian pedigree can be found inside as well: for example, the Stable Room—now discreetly decorated with a yolk and cart wheel, did indeed serve as a stable for the cart maker who originally lived here. Better yet, the vintage vibe is apparent in the general tenor of the place, thanks, in part, to well-mannered staffers who seem genuine rather than jaded. Note that the hotel caters only to adults, many of them older gay couples who appreciate the hotel’s intimate homey atmosphere.

Situated on a mixed commercial and residential street in the historic West Village, this classic brick edifice seems far removed from Midtown's contemporary skyscrapers—and that’s precisely why so many guests are drawn to it. The surrounding streets, much of which is a designated preservation area, offers an assortment of shops and services. West Village attractions (including the iconic Stonewall Inn and sections of the popular Hudson River Park) are also near at hand. Moreover, the hotel puts you very close to other hipper hoods: artsy Chelsea, for instance, is just a few blocks uptown, and the buzz-worthy Meatpacking District is a few blocks west. For guests who want to go farther afield, Incentra Village is a mere three-minute walk from the A, C, E, and L subway lines at 14th Street and Eighth Avenue. The three main airports serving NYC (J.F.K., LaGuardia and Newark) can all be reached by car in 45-minutes or less assuming the traffic cooperates (which, of course, it rarely does).

• Three-minute walk to A, C, E subway station
• Seven-minute walk to the High Line
• Seven-minute walk to the Whitney Museum of American Art
• Eight-minute walk to the Stonewall Inn
• Eight-minute walk to the Chelsea Market
• 12-minute walk to Washington Square Park
• 12-minute walk to Hudson River Park
• 15-minute walk to Bleecker Street
• 17-minute walk to Union Square
• 20-minute walk to Pennsylvania Station 
• 28-minute drive to Newark Airport
• 35-minute drive to La Guardia Airport
• 45-minute drive J.F.K. Airport

Typically outfitted with only one double or two single beds, the individually designed rooms here tend to be cramped (remember, this is New York), plus the furnishings are showing some signs of wear and tear. The overall impression, nevertheless, is a positive one. Done up in tasteful muted tones, the accommodations adhere to a common aesthetic that is traditional without being twee. High ceilings, hardwood floors, and antique appointments underscore the heritage ambience while original art and thoughtful details (perhaps a stack of leather-bound books or a tabletop objet that looks like a family heirloom) give the whole place a homey quality. All units include air-conditioning, ironing equipment, digital safes, small flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, tiny but contemporary en-suite bathrooms, and Lilliputian kitchenettes that come with microwaves, mini-fridges, toasters, and tea/coffeemakers (though not necessarily tea or coffee themselves). Working fireplaces and/or exposed brickwork are added bonuses in some. Multilevel options add living rooms or sleeping lofts, while the Garden Room (which incidentally boasts the biggest kitchen facilities) gives guests exclusive access to a diminutive garden in the warmer months. 

Some properties are better defined by what they don’t have, and such is the case here. After all, Incentra Village isn't just missing a breakfast room, business center and fitness facilities; it's missing an elevator as well (upper floors are accessible by stairs only). On-site parking is another no-show, although there are a few metered spaces in front of the building. What it does offer, in addition to a friendly staff, is a lovely little antique-strewn parlor that doubles as the lobby and lounge. Equipped with a fireplace (and a wee TV), it's an inviting place for guests to linger.