33 Seaport

"Why book? Old World meets New York at this downtown hotel, where modern European hospitality and refined Italian fare are served in a setting that’s unmistakably NYC—complete with views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Set the scene: Visitors who’d rather be somewhere neighborhood-y than touristy, the expense account set needing to be close to downtownm, and fans of the Cipriani brand—which oversees the Mr. C hotels—can all be found sipping their complimentary-upon-arrival Bellinis at this quiet hideaway in the Seaport area. As one of the few Leading Hotels of the World member hotels in New York City, the hotel also appeals to travelers looking for a five-star experience that’s a little more boutique and intimate than you might find at a bigger brand-name spot. The backstory: Conceptualized by Maggio and Ignazio Cipriani, the fourth generation of the noted restaurant and bar family, the Mr. C brand launched first in Beverly Hills before opening this outpost 2018; there’s now also a third hotel in Coconut Grove, Florida. At the time of this hotel’s opening, the historic Seaport district of downtown Manhattan was well into a planned (and still somewhat ongoing) revitalization, and the arrival of a high-end hotel—set in what was once a Best Western—was seen as further proof that the neighborhood was evolving. The rooms: The overall look here is modern Italian elegance, and you’ll find plenty of that in the 66 well-sized rooms, from the gleaming polished teak accents and sedate color palette to the La Bottega bath products and made-in-Italy linens and furniture. All also have 55-inch 4K HD TVs with Chromecast, so you can continue your latest binge watch, and many have views of the Brooklyn Bridge, East River, or Financial District skyscrapers. For some private outdoor space, book one of the Premier Peck Slip King Terrace or Premier Front Street King Terrace rooms, which are located on the sixth and seventh floors and have furnished verandas, or upgrade to a corner Signature Suite or the Mr. C Suite, both of which have expansive wrap-around terraces looking east to the river. Some rooms do get steady street noise, so bring that up at check-in if you’re a light sleeper. Food and drink: Sip Italian wine and spirits in the chic bar or the lobby lounge, which also serve light bites, or savor something more substantial at the signature Bellini restaurant, which focuses on Italian classics presented with a lighter touch. There’s a selection of crudo, shareable cheese-and-charcuterie boards, lunchtime sandwiches (including a burger), lots of seafood, and, of course, favorites like bucatini cacio e pepe. In-room dining is also available. The spa: There’s no spa, but the gym is stocked with the latest equipment from—what else?—Italian brand Technogym. The neighborhood/area: It’s a short walk to Pier 17, home of performance venues and a range of restaurants and bars, and to the Brooklyn Bridge, if you’re up for a stroll over to another borough. Or head west to find City Hall, the Financial District and—a bit further along—the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and Brookfield Place. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the nearest subway. The service: While the setting may feel formal, the service is more “white glove-with-warmth;” it’s definitely geared towards a refined clientele, but with less formality than you’d find at a grande dame hotel. For families: It pays to a be a kid here, as younger guests are treated to amenities from the Little C program. These include teddy bears, coloring books, bath and body products from The Honest Company and homemade cookies topped with Nutella. Accessibility: A wide range of accessibility features have been implemented in the ADA rooms, from roll-in showers and AV-equipped doorbells for the hearing impaired to widened doorways and lowered sinks.  Anything left to mention? Complimentary house cars are available on a first-come, first-served basis to ferry guests within 20 blocks of the hotel—a particularly welcome service on a windy or snowy day." - Sandra Ramani