... AND THE HOTELS TO VISIT IF YOU WANT TO BLOW THE BUDGET
THE BEEKMAN
This 19th-century time capsule has been beautifully renovated and harbours one of the world’s most stunning hotel atriums – a nine-storey affair capped by a pyramidal skylight. Instagram heaven.
The renovation of The Beekman, in the Financial District, has made it one of New York’s hottest hotels. The building, erected in 1883 and originally called Temple Court, was one of the city’s first skyscrapers.
Over the years it housed architect and law firms, but it fell empty in 2001. The building was later purchased by Thompson Hotels, which spent two years transforming it into a glamorous, 287-room hotel. It opened its doors in 2016. Our one-bedroom suite was beautiful, with aged oak floors, a sumptuous bed and marble bathroom.
A highlight was our meal at the Temple Court restaurant, run by celebrity chef Tom Colicchio. The highly impressive tasting menu included sablefish mousseline, butter-poached prawns with pea ravioli, and wagyu with morels. Double rooms from €450 a night (thebeekman.com)
THE WAGNER
The Wagner is at the southwestern tip of Manhattan by Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty is just over half a mile away across the water, in plain sight of many of the bedrooms. Needless to say, it’s easy to reach the Statue by boat from the hotel – sightseeing ferries leave from a pier just yards away.
Our suite featured soothing pastel colours, a ginormous bed and a swanky bathroom with double sinks. The bedside lamps and bathroom lights have dimmer switches, so a cosy atmosphere can be rustled up in seconds.
The Wagner may be in the Financial District but it’s easy to see why this area is enticing for tourists, too. Statue of Liberty Suite from €670 a night (thewagnerhotel.com)