Lately lower Manhattan has been looking up, starting with the W New York Hotel downtown.
Situated just off lower Manhattan’s financial district is the W New York Downtown. Unusually for this city this hotel is waterside, offering views of Lady Liberty herself and only a stone’s throw from the One World Trade Centre and NYSE. Of course it’s a go to district for you business types, but for those visiting the big apple for leisure – why stay downtown over midtown? Well, it’s easily accessible to some of New York’s trendiest neighbourhoods like Soho and the meat-packing district but also close to attractions such as the Brooklyn bridge and Battery Park. If you want to head into the bustle of midtown all it takes is a quick subway ride.
The hotel’s Living Room bar and terrace is situated on the fifth floor is probably the hotel’s biggest selling point. It’s a room with a view and New York cool decor to match – it’s definitely worth a visit even if you are not staying at the hotel. The cocktail menu is almost as impressive as the skyline and with the exchange rate looking as good as it has been for us Brits, I could try a dangerous few. After enjoying a Yankee Clipper and a Seaport Smash (both highly recommended) it’s safe to say I was feeling elated, in an Empire state of mind and ready to take on the city.
In reality after the cocktails I was undoubtably ready for bed – there really is nothing like waking up in the city that never sleeps when you’ve got a great big luxury hotel bed to enjoy. All 217 guest rooms are furnished with super swish modern decor and kitted out with all the latest mod-cons (tv, entertainment system). For the ultimate W experience and extra space, you can try a WOW suite up on the sixth floor.
As an animal enthusiast I found another neat feature of this hotel is P.A.W (which stands for pets are welcome, of course). If you’re someone who likes to travel with pets this hotel accommodates for animals as well as it does its guests. Is it your pets birthday? They’ll make them a cake. Does your pet need to be pampered? They can enjoy their own downtime in downtown. I couldn’t quite get my head around this feature – but for those folk without animals in tow the hotel also comes with a fully fitted gym and impressive concierge service ‘Whatever/Whenever’ to make your stay as easy breezy as possible.
