The West Farms Hotel is a historic hotel located in the West Farms neighborhood of the Bronx in New York City. Sitting majestically on the corner of Tremont and Boston Road, this hotel has a rich history and charming, old-world architecture.
History of the West Farms Hotel
The West Farms Hotel was constructed in 1892 by developer William W. Niles. Built in the Queen Anne style, it originally operated as an apartment building known as “The Regina.” It was one of the first apartment-style residential buildings of its kind when it opened.
Transition to Hotel
In 1940, the building was converted into a hotel by new owners. It was renamed the West Farms Hotel and has operated under the same name for over 80 years. The new owners performed some renovations while retaining much of the building’s original historic architectural details.
Over its long lifetime, The West Farms Hotel has hosted many guests, events and memories, making it an iconic part of Bronx history. Let’s explore more of this hotel’s rich past and offerings.
Historic Architecture and Design
Part of what makes the West Farms Hotel so special is its distinctive historic architecture. Designed in the Queen Anne style, the building contains many of the architectural details associated with that late 19th century design movement.
Unique Queen Anne Exterior: The outward-facing facade of the West Farms Hotel is truly stunning. It features Queen Anne style copper bays, stone balustrades, decorative brickwork, and a corner turret with a conical roof. The wraparound porch adds old-world charm while allowing guests to relax outdoors and take in views of bustling Boston Road.
Nineteenth Century Interior Details: Inside, the hotel still contains many original interior details from the late 1800s and early 1900s. These include the lobby’s mosaic tile floor, carved oak woodwork, interior arches, and fireplace. The winding main staircase also remains intact along with some portions of the early 20th century ornamental plaster.
Guest Rooms and In-House Amenities
Beyond its historic architecture, the West Farms Hotel is still a comfortable and welcoming place for guests to stay. It contains 63 guest rooms decorated in an elegant early 20th century style. Room sizes ranges from cozy single rooms to spacious suites.
Vintage Styled Guest Quarters
Guest quarters contain design callouts to past eras like carved wood beds, floral upholstered chairs, and vintage travel trunks. Technology isn’t lacking either with Smart TVs, complimentary Wifi, and charging stations also offered in rooms.
On-Site Conveniences for Guests
Beyond the comfortable rooms, hotel guests have access to some great on-site amenities. There is an elegant first-floor dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can also take advantage of the 24-hour fitness center, self-service laundry room, and heated underground parking.
The friendly front desk staff provides concierge services like local recommendations and coordination of rideshares, show tickets, restaurant reservations and more. Everything a guest could need for an enjoyable Bronx visit is available on-site.
Neighborhood Attractions Near the Hotel
The West Farms Hotel enjoys a vibrant neighborhood location at the junction between Bronx neighborhoods of West Farms and Van Nest. Its proximity to the elevated subway and several major roadways makes it easy for guests to explore top attractions in the borough and city.
Close to Major Bronx Institutions
The New York Botanical Garden, Arthur Avenue Little Italy, Bronx Zoo and Lehman College are only a short drive or train ride away. Yankee Stadium is under four miles away also. The hotel’s Boston Post Road location also provides quick access to major highways.
Steps from NYC Subway
The West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue elevated subway station is literally steps outside the hotel entrance. From here, guests can access MetroNorth commuter rail at the Morris Park stop or be in Midtown Manhattan in under 30 minutes via B and D line express trains.
Dynamic, Multi-Ethnic Area
The surrounding West Farms area also has plenty for visitors to explore. There is an abundance of Caribbean, Italian, Mexican, Asian and Jewish cuisine reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse ethnic makeup. Historic churches, vibrant street life and small shops line East Tremont Avenue.
Overall the West Farms Hotel location allows one to conveniently experience the best Bronx attractions through lodging steeped in history.
Nearby Attractions for Hotel Guests to Enjoy
The excellent location of West Farms Hotel places it within close proximity of many top Bronx and New York City attractions and destinations. Guests will find it easy to access famous sites via nearby public transportation or within a short ride.
- Thriving Little Italy on Arthur Avenue: The real Little Italy of New York City is found on Arthur Avenue and East 187th Street, just over 2.5 miles from the hotel. Here you’ll find authentic Italian restaurants, delis, bakeries and markets selling homemade pastas, cheeses, pizza and more. The area comes alive during farmer’s markets and festivals.
- New York Botanical Garden: This 250-acre oasis features stunning gardens, plant collections and scenic landscapes perfect for relaxing strolls just 3 miles from the hotel. Seasonal events like the Holiday Train Show and orchid exhibitions provide extra color. The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory’s classic architecture adds old-world charm.
- Iconic Bronx Zoo: At the world-famous Bronx Zoo 5 miles away, guests can see exhibits of gorillas, snow leopards, red pandas and other exotic creatures. Lion, sea lion and penguin feedings offer fun learning opportunities for kids and adults alike at New York’s largest urban zoo.
- Yankee Stadium: Baseball fans will appreciate the short 3.7 mile trip to Yankee Stadium where the 27-time World Champion New York Yankees play. Stadium tours and the on-site Yankees Museum provide behind-the-scenes access on non-game days.
With quick transportation access, Hotel West Farms guests can take full advantage of iconic attractions throughout the Bronx to round out their stay. The hotel’s neighborly location enhances opportunities to experience the borough’s unique appeal and cultures.
Historic Event Hosting Venue
In addition to guest lodging, the regal architecture and spaces of West Farms Hotel provide a unique backdrop for hosting special events. The hotel’s ornate lobby, second floor ballroom and executed dining room are popular for weddings, corporate events and galas.
Elegant, Flexible Special Event Venues
The West Farms Hotel ballroom impresses with gleaming ornamental plasterwork crowns, chandeliers and tall arched windows. The majestic grand lobby, wrapped in oak and marble finishes, acts as a lovely pre-function gather area or distinct event space. For more intimate affairs, the main dining room with original fireplace provides a refined backdrop.
Event planners also appreciate the adaptable venue layouts and ability to accommodate groups from 25 up to 200 guests. The on-site kitchen team underscores the event experience by providing customized menus featuring Continental or contemporary American cuisine.
Historical Setting for Lifetime Memories
In all, the West Farms Hotels symbolic architecture and connection to history enhances its special event hosting. It has been the backdrop for many Bronx weddings, corporate galas and nonprofit fundraisers. The unique event spaces help create lifetime event memories just as the hotel has built lifetime memories for its many past guests.
For those looking to host an important affair wrapped in history and elegance, the West Farms Hotel Near NYC provides a prime option to consider.
Dining at the Hotel and Nearby
Guests of West Farms Hotel have access to delicious dining options without even having to leave the hotel grounds. But venturing into the surrounding neighborhood also yields many culinary gems reflecting the area’s diversity.
Hotel Dining: Gabriel’s Restaurant & Lounge
For sophisticated yet comfortable dining, the onsite Gabriel’s Restaurant & Lounge offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The intimate space centered around a stone fireplace provides a refined setting. Menus focus on American and Continental cuisines including signature dishes like seared duck breast, grilled Norwegian salmon and certified Black Angus NY strip steaks.
Gabriel’s also contains a candlelit bar area serving handcrafted cocktails, local beer on tap and curated wine lists. Happy hour specials on drinks and bar bites draw both hotel guests and locals.
Neighborhood Favorites Nearby
West Farms Hotel sits in one of the Bronx’s most diverse neighborhoods in terms of cuisine. Just steps outside the doors, you’ll find Caribbean spots for jerk chicken, Italian bakeries and pizzerias, Jewish delis, and fantastic Latin American eateries. Top-rated options on East Tremont Avenue include:
- Royal West Indian Bakery: Jerk chicken roti and curried goat
- Mario’s Restaurant: Classic red-sauce Italian, pizza and fresh pastas
- Cafe Ole: Churrasco steak, tacos and frozen margs
- Moishe’s: Matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwiches
- judy’s Gourmet: Kosher deli and bagels
So whether sticking close by at Gabriel’s or branching out into the neighborhood, outstanding dining options abound near West Farms Hotel. The hardest part is deciding what to try amongst the global offerings!
Recent Awards and Accolades
In recent years, the historic significance and offerings of West Farms Hotel have been acknowledged through some prestigious recognitions and coverage. These awards speak to everything the hotel has preserved from the past while still evolving to meet guest needs.
Part of National Register of Historic Places
In 1982, the West Farms Hotel earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Placess part of the “West Farms Historic District.” This honor from the National Parks Service verifies the hotel building as a significant historic and cultural contributor on a national level.
Recipient of Preservation Award
Staying true to historic preservation has earned West Farms Hotel some regional praise as well. In 2019, they received a Pillar Award for Preservation from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. The award highlighted the care taken by ownership over the years to retain original architectural details in sensitive ways during improvement projects.
Profiled by Leading Travel Guides
Well-regarded travel guides like Frommers and Fodor’s have recognized West Farms Hotel in their guides for its historic design and welcoming accommodations. Most recently, Tourist Journey Magazine spotlighted the convenient location and event spaces as strong lodging choice for those looking to experience Bronx tourism or host an event.
With these recent accolades, its clear industry experts acknowledge everything the West Farms Hotel brings to visitors as an iconic part of Bronx history re-imagined for modern travelers.
Services & Amenities at West Farms Hotel
To meet the needs of leisure and business travelers, West Farms Hotel offers thoughtful amenities and convenient services.
Complimentary Services: All hotel guests can take advantage of these free amenities:
- Free wireless high-speed Internet access throughout hotel
- 24-hour access to business center with computers/printers
- Self-parking in onsite garage
- Access to 24-hour fitness center
- Daily newspaper delivery
- Overnight shoeshine service
- Local phone calls
Concierge Services: The friendly hotel concierge desk provides assistance booking tours, theater tickets, restaurant reservations, transportation and recommendations on area attractions.
Meeting & Event Services: The hotel’s event planning team can coordinate business meetings, weddings and social events in the hotel’s versatile indoor venues accommodating 25 to 175 guests. State-of-the-art AV equipment available.
Additional Amenities (fees apply): For further convenience, additional services like room service, laundry/dry cleaning, and valet parking are offered for a nominal fee. Pet-friendly accommodations also available.
With this range of service, West Farms creates a comfortable, hassle-free stay for tourists and business travelers alike. Contact the hotel to learn more about amenities for your upcoming Bronx visit.
West Farms Hotel Room Rates and Packages
| Room Type | Starting Rate | Bedding | Amenities | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic King | $99 | One King bed | In-room coffee, TV, private bath | 2 adults |
| Classic Double | $89 | Two twin beds | In room coffee, TV, private bath | 2 adults |
| Superior Queen | $129 | One queen bed | Premium bath products, bathrobes, hardwood floors, etc. | 2 adults |
| Deluxe King Suite | $169 | King bedroom + separate living room | Expansive living space, gas fireplace, jetted tub | 2 adults |
| Two Room Double Suite | $199 | King bedroom + twin bedroom | Perfect for families, two HDTVs, mini fridge | 4 adults |
| Package | Rate | Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Romance | $249 | Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, late 2 PM checkout |
| Family Value | $179 | Free breakfast for kids under 12 years old |
| Bed & Breakfast | $129 | European continental breakfast included daily |
FAQs
The hotel opened in 1892 as an upscale apartment building called The Regina. It operated as an apartment building until 1940 when it was converted into a hotel called the West Farms Hotel. The structure was designed in the Queen Anne architectural style.
Yes, the elegant Gabriel’s Restaurant & Lounge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. It offers American and Continental cuisine and also contains a cocktail lounge.
The hotel contains 63 guest rooms ranging from classic rooms with twin beds or king beds to spacious multi-room suites. Certain categories feature jetted tubs, premium bath products, and separate living space.
Yes, there is a second floor ballroom and lobby area suited for weddings, corporate events and social galas. The spaces accommodate 25 to 200 guests.
Absolutely. Certain multi-room suites work well for families. The hotel also offers discounted “Family Value” lodging packages that include free breakfast for kids.
Seasonal packages provide discounts on room rates. Current packages include Romance (champagne, strawberries), Family Value (kids eat free), and Bed & Breakfast (free breakfast daily).
Conclusion
The West Farms Hotel stands as a refined lodging venue steeped in the fascinating history of the Bronx and filled welcoming spaces. Dating back to 1892, the structure itself pays homage to late 19th century architecture with extraordinary preserved Queen Anne style details. Today its elegant guest rooms, event venues and location help visitor connect to the borough’s rich past while enjoying modern amenities.
For history buffs, tourists or event planners, the West Farms Hotel extends a unique and accessible opportunity to tap into New York history. Over the years, the hotel has demonstrated a commitment to retaining its heritage while continuing to evolve. Surely this balancing act will allow the West Farms Hotel to keep making history for another hundred years serving the Bronx community and its visitors.