Is the role of a hotel to shield its guests from the outside world or render them participants to the goings-on of the city they get to temporarily call home? If you’re leaning towards the former, then the Greenwich Hotel, the eight-story luxury abode near Tribeca that's partly owned by actor Robert De Niro, is where you’ll want to stay while in town.
Nestled on the corner of North Moore Street and Greenwich Street right by the West Side Highway, the building boasts 73 rooms, some of which overlook an interior courtyard, 11 suites and two duplex penthouses that are aptly named The Greenwich and The North Moore.
On a recent visit while staying in a luxurious suite on the second floor, I was struck by one aspect of the experience: I forgot I was in New York. When looking out the window and into the courtyard, I noticed the absence of the very things that make the city what it is on a visual level. There were no buildings, no people rushing down the street and all was… quiet?
Despite the disconnect from its surroundings, the hotel offers a premium experience when it comes to your actual stay: the beautiful bathroom, complete with a shower and a bath, was stocked with Red Flower products developed specifically for the hotel and the bed, by British company Savoir, was particularly comfortable.
But there’s more: guests receive a complimentary newspaper every morning and the mini bar is filled with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to be enjoyed completely gratis (keep in mind that the en-suite alcohol comes at a price—and we’re not just talking about a hangover).
The Drawing Room, where guests can enjoy an evening cocktail or morning breakfast, is also deserving of attention: filled with bookshelves and top-notch decor, the space leads to the internal courtyard where dining service is also offered.
Most astounding, though, were the two main experiences adjacent to the traditional hotel: the on-site Shibui Spa, modeled after a Japanese onsen, and Locanda Verde, the famous Italian taverna that celebrity chef Andrew Carmellini opened in 2009.
To access the spa, you’ll have to take the elevator to the basement of the building, walk by a state-of-the-art gym that guests can use for free and walk down a set of stairs, where you’ll find yourself in an oasis of calm. Unlike the bedrooms upstairs, which feel disconnected from New York in a somewhat odd way, the silence at the spa adds an aura of serenity and luxury to the wonderful massages. It feels quiet for the right reasons.
And then there’s Locanda Verde, a celebrity hangout spot revered by the city’s culinary circles—and for good reason: the drinks hit the spot, the food is thoughtfully prepared and presented and the restaurant is reminiscent of a New York that once was, where folks of all ages and social calibers rub elbows while devouring pasta dishes.
On a random recent weeknight, Locanda Verda was packed and, although a draft provoked by a door leading directly into the hotel, certainly affected the dine-in experience, the meal was top-notch.
So if it’s a pretty good hotel with outstanding amenities that you are after, then De Niro’s Tribeca empire is sure to satisfy.
Neighborhood
Nestled in the heart of Tribeca, which stands for “triangle below Canal” and is, perhaps, one of the most residential neighborhoods in Manhattan, the Greenwich Hotel surely leans into that aspect of its surroundings, offering a homey feeling all throughout. The hotel, just a couple of streets down from the Hudson River, is easy to reach via public transportation: the Franklin Street, Canal Street and Chambers street subway stations are all nearby, offering access to the 1, 2, 3 and N, Q, R, W lines.
Nearby
1. Grand Banks: For cocktails and oysters to be enjoyed on the deck of a fishing boat.
2. Laughing Man Cafe: For a properly prepared Australian flat white.
3. Tamarind Tribeca: For upscale versions of classic Indian food served in a high-end setting.
Time Out tip
Make a reservation at Locanda Verde and book your treatment at Shibui Spa as soon as you call about your room. Both spots are extremely popular!