NYC is often a trendsetter and an incubator of the cool. New shops, restaurants, and hotels constantly redefine what’s hip and trendy. It is no surprise that 9 out of 15 of the best hotels in NYC (according to Travel+Leisure) are boutique properties. On a recent visit, I decided to stay at one of them: The Beekman – a Thompson Hotel.
I had heard so much about this hotel, read about recent industry accolades, and seen so many pictures on social media that I had to experience it for myself. I was curious to understand this buzz and to see how The Beekman suddenly made Lower Manhattan cool and a place where you would actually go for a drink.
The Beekman is located steps away from the Brooklyn Bridge and Ground Zero, in one of the narrow, winding streets around Wall Street. This is a rather daring location for a boutique hotel, as Lower Manhattan is traditionally reserved to the finance world.
The hotel’s friendly doormen greet you as you exit from your taxi and escort you to the beautiful, colorful, yet dark lobby. The eclectic furnishing and the unique front desk – covered in an 1881 rug – instantly signal this is a hotel with a soul and a past.
A member of the staff accompanied me to the room, passing through the separate Clefs d’Or Concierge Lounge, and by the impressive atrium where we took the elevator. Before reaching the room on the 9th floor, JT introduced a little about the story of this fascinating building and its transformation.
The nine-level atrium framed by Victorian railings and topped by a pyramidal skylight is without a doubt the ultimate wow factor of The Beekman. It is grand, chic, and reminiscent of the bygone cast-iron era that defined the US.
I booked a Premium King room and received room 912 on the top floor. Despite checking in on a dreary day, the room felt bright and the light was abundant, coming from a 3-panel picture window.
Here again, the decor is unique: furniture is a mix of vintage and antiques, with a mismatch of styles that works. It feels inviting and personal and reminds you of a private home. The light fixtures, benches, and decorative items look like they’ve been carefully handpicked, specifically for this room. For instance, I loved this Chinese lamp that reminds you that Chinatown is just a couple blocks North. Guestrooms offer the latest tech like free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, Bluetooth speakers, and TVs that can pair to devices via a Chrome app. You’ll especially appreciate the abundant outlets/USB ports located all around the bedroom.
Separated by a barn door is the Carrara-marble bathroom. Everything is on point, from the marble traditional subway tile work to the vanity, and from the oversized walk-in shower to the fragrant D.S & Durga bath products. I also loved that lights were on dimmer.
Unfortunately, there is no complimentary water bottle in the room until turndown service, and coffee is only available from Temple Court, the main breakfast area of the hotel.
Located on the ground floor is Temple Court, a lively bar (and restaurant) straight from the Gilded Age, serving delicious cocktails. Plush banquettes and armchairs, green and white marble tables, and oriental rugs make the space look full and warm. The Bar Room is the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the in-house art collection. The Beekman Art Collection represents nearly 20 known and emerging artists, whose pieces pay homage to the hotel’s geographic location, as well as influencers who once visited, like Edgar Allen Poe – whose portrait hangs in the Bar Room.
The next morning, before going down for breakfast, I decided to check out the gym, located on floors 2 and 3 and connected by an impeccably restored cast-iron spiral staircase. Here again, cachet. The space functions very well, with plenty of free weights and machines on the upper floor, and cardio equipment downstairs.
Breakfast is served daily at Temple Court and in-room. It is not included in most room rates but offers an interesting selection of breakfast essentials. I opted for the continental breakfast with juice, coffee, assorted pastries, and seasonal fruits. I enjoyed all of it – the pain au chocolat was especially tasty – but at $23, I would have expected butter and jam to accompany.
Check out was efficient and the staff remembered which card to use to process the charges – which every frequent traveler knows is not always the case. The friendly bellman was here, ready to store my luggage before my last outing.
Although I would not have booked in this area without the incentive of trying this acclaimed property, I am glad I did. It reminded me how incredible and diverse the architecture is in this neighborhood, how walkable and accessible downtown is, and how nice it feels to have both rivers so close to enjoy a nice breeze during hot summer days. The Beekman is a trendy property that lives and breathes New York and managed to convince even Upper West Siders and Soho fans that there is a bar downtown that’s worth the trip. Its name is Temple Court.
Where: The Beekman Hotel
123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038, USA
Phone: +1 212-233-2300
Note: The critic was invited by the hotel but all the opinions expressed herewith are his own
Geoffrey Ravoire
Geoffrey is a Hospitality specialist, Luxury enthusiast, and Marketing expert. His favorite things include unique hotels, superyachts, real estate, and fine watches and jewelry. French born, Geoffrey has accumulated an extensive experience abroad, thanks to regular visits to foreign countries and territories (over 55 and counting) but also thanks to years of expatriation. Currently based in Chicago, Geoffrey has already lived and worked in New York, Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore and Monaco. You can meet Geoffrey on Twitter and Linkedin.
