December in New York City is magical — holiday lights twinkling, window displays on Fifth Avenue and the festive energy in the air. As I mentioned in my last blog, my fiancé and I had a holiday getaway with a short stay at Walker Hotel in Tribeca, and it set the tone perfectly for our holiday adventures. It might have even sparked a new yearly tradition.

© The Walker Hotels

From the moment we stepped into the hotel’s elegant lobby we knew we were in the right place. The space has this effortlessly chic vibe, mixing classic New York charm with a modern twist. Think velvet armchairs, dark wood and plenty of cozy corners — perfect for unwinding after a busy day. The attention to detail is spot-on, and you can tell the Walker really puts thought into creating a comfortable yet stylish environment for guests. The coffee shop in the lobby was convenient and always lively with a bold espresso that packed a punch. Although the hotel offered breakfast in a separate restaurant, it was so cozy to just curl up with a good cup of coffee among large plate-glass windows looking out to a rainy Manhattan morning.

© The Walker Hotels

One of the things I loved most was how the hotel strikes the perfect balance between luxury and warmth. It’s not over-the-top but still feels special. It felt like we were staying in someone’s beautifully curated apartment — if they happened to be an interior designer.

Tribeca itself was a treat to explore. We squeezed in all the touristy classics — read about these in my other blog, as well — and Walker Hotel’s location made it all easy. It was quiet enough to retreat back to after a day of city hustle but close to everything we wanted to see.

The West Village was our post-dinner hangout where we strolled the charming streets with their holiday displays and cozy cafés. It’s hard to top a perfect day like that, and our stay at Walker Hotel made it even better. I’ll share more in a full review coming out in an upcoming issue of Global Traveler. For now, I’ll say this: If you’re planning a quick stay in the city and want a place that combines comfort, style and a prime location, Walker Tribeca is hard to beat.

— Yasser Ogando, executive director, media