Sugar Hill Harlem Inn Review

There is a spot on the wall at the Sugar Hill Harlem Inn (460 W 141st St New York, NY 10031 - www.sugarhillharleminn.com) that I didn't notice until just before we were checking out. This is one of those spots which is so illuminating not only of the owner but of the property itself. In a neighborhood with such an unruly reputation and with an owner who is able to find and in a way, create, all this joy and peace in this neighborhood it is a quote which makes perfect sense.

"Always follow your bliss."

This is the ringing credo of the innkeeper at Sugar Hill Harlem, Jeremy Archer, and anyone who spends any amount of time with this fascinating chap will surely agree. He has worked in the garment industry for thirty years, lived for a time in Paris, is himself, European and now is the proprietor of this great inn in this always changing and constantly revitalized neighborhood: Harlem.

Mr. Archer was quick to see the opportunity in a neighborhood like Harlem; former President Clinton's taking up residence just south of where Sugar Hill is located on 125th Street cemented what Mr. Archer had always felt; that there was a growing movement northward. Fortunately for him, his investment in this property came in the late 1990's.

While the Sugar Hill Harlem Inn is not officially in the historic district and neighborhood known as Sugar Hill, it does neighbor it directly. Also the infusion of artwork, images, posters, and other likenesses definitely pays homage to the Harlem Renaissance for which the Sugar Hill neighborhood in Harlem is known.

"Sugar Hill," was a name which took hold in the early part of the 20th century. A number of prominent and preeminent African American figures took up residence in the area of Manhattan which stretched from 155th to 145th north to south and Edgecombe Ave and Amsterdam Ave east to west. Thurgood Marshall, Adam Clayton Powell, Duke Ellington, and W.E.B. DuBois are a notable few names of former residents.

So when Mr. Archer set up the Sugar Hill Harlem Inn he did so with many of these individuals in mind. Their spirit embodies these hallowed halls and there is respect and reverence for their spirit virtually all around you. Mr. Archer has not only kept the spirit of the history in tact; he's also kept much of the work within the family; many of the pieces at the Sugar Hill Inn are the work of his brother in law; a flavorful local artist.

When it comes to the property itself, the Sugar Hill Harlem is totally vintage. Some of these elements are authentic; large ceilings, big rooms, big windows. To some, there may be elements which are at once foreign to them. Specifically if you've never lived in an old building in New York City, creaking floors, weak plumbing, antiquate archways, and an older water system may seem arduous. However one of the real fun things about this property was being able to overcome these challenges. For instance when I first checked in, Mr. Archer showed me the room and gave me the keys. When I went up myself though, I could not open the door! I've lived in apartments where the door is a difficult open but this was a door jam on par with a rubix cube or some other difficult to solve puzzle. When I learned that all I had to do was (literally) put some elbow into it (read: turn the key and thrust my stocky left shoulder into the door) I felt an enormous sense of empowerment.

But these small challenges were no match for the rooms themselves. There are five rooms at the 141st property and the room which we stayed in "Lena's Room" (named, of course, for the venerated Lena Horne) was a true joy. Soft, king sized framed bed with cascading enclosure, huge television, two desks and immaculate bathroom sealed the deal. There was even a reading nook with a comfortable chair and a lamp! If you have trouble sleeping and are interested in what's on TV at three in the morning, this is the place to be. The Sugar Hill Harlem Inn has all premium cable channels so you can surf till your hearts content. There are a number of open networks in the area but the Sugar Hill Harlem Inn has a private network which you should ask for the password to if you're staying there and plan to surf the net.

Bed & breakfasts in New York City are notorious for not being true B&B's in that many do not serve breakfast! Even though they call themselves B&B's. No such trouble at The Sugar Hill Harlem Inn. While breakfast was offered and did include a variety of foods we were sadly unable to attend. Back to the rat race of New York City life and our mornings were otherwise occupied (we weren't even living anywhere yet!)

If you're looking to host an event or a large group of visitors, then the Sugar Hill Harlem Inn is just what you're looking for. A little bit off the beaten track, beautiful, clean, and quiet, this place and it's sister property a short six blocks away are just what you've been looking for. So next time you're staying in New York City and you're tired of the pulse and throng of Marriott or Best Western, why not give Jeremy Archer a call and find out about his properties up in Harlem?