TRAVEL
Originally published on Monday, 20 April 2009
The Greenwich
Boutique, but not as you know it, The Greenwich is an eclectic (and a little eccentric) oasis in the heart of NYC. And with the Tribeca Film Festival right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to check in.
Where
The corner of Northmore and Franklyn in TriBeCa. What? You missed it? Don’t worry – that’s the point. This is one hotel that (purposefully) blends into its surroundings.
The Lowdown
The names behind this haunt read like an A-list role-call. De Niro (owner), Rockwell (designer), Drukier and Born (developers, of Bowery and Mercer fame) and Weinstein (restaurant investor) are all involved, though they certainly don’t shout about it.
Style
Think eccentric English manor house by way of Morocco, Kyoto, Italy, and maybe even Miami. Throw in some New York chic and a twist of mother nature, and you’d be close. One look at the interior here and you’ll be wishing De Niro would come and have a crack at your flat. Individual pieces that have a history (reclaimed bookcases, 30ft windows, factory beams, hand cut brick, mismatched furniture, hemlock and oak hardwood floors) make this space comfortable yet classy.
Go here for
Some peace and quiet, and a relaxed (yet very professional) vibe in the heart of one of NY’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. With a luxe spa, quiet courtyard, top -notch restaurant, and ultra cosy rooms, this is the perfect spot to base your stay.
The rooms
Each one of the 88 generously sized rooms is an individually designed labour of handpicked love. UJ loves the mahogany beds, thoughtfully chosen in-room libraries, Moroccan-themed washroom (the turquoise tiles, we lust!), and compact sitting areas. Mod cons are as good as expected (XXL plasmas, iPod Bose docks), but it’s the soft lighting, baskets of American treats, and wake up calls followed by a pots of coffee that we really love. Top tip: We say plump for the fireplace suite – you only live once.
To dine: Ago
With floor to ceiling windows, well-spaced tables, antique oak chairs and rustic Italian fare, Ago does casual elegance to perfection. Crisp white tablecloths played against a brick and wood backdrop set the scene perfectly. Top tip: The 90,000 ceiling bound wine corks hint at a serious wine list on the ground. Ask the well-versed sommelier if you need help navigating.
Treat yourself
If you can’t bring yourself to test-drive the hemlock hardwood floor gym, book into a massage. Japanese-styled treatment rooms in the Shibui spa (a 250-year-old farmhouse transported from Kyoto and apparently re-erected without a single nail, impressive) come complete with plunge pools and ceiling bars (so your therapist can walk on your back, of course). Top tip: Set aside some time for a dip in the lantern-lit indoor pool.
Insider tip
Forget the Wallpaper guide, the concierges here know their stuff. Ask and you shall receive. And in-room check-ins are available, so get settled in comfort. They’re also well dressed (we loved the contrasting ties on the front desk duo), so don’t turn up in your long-haul sweats.
Why now
Forget Sundance and Toronto, Cannes and Venice. As far as film festivals are concerned, it’s all about Tribeca, which runs from April 22-May 3. http://www.tribecafilm.com/festival/
Details
The Greenwich
377 Greenwich Street, TriBeCa - +1 212 941 8900
Room rates from $625
**For more information about exclusive access/accommodation packages at the Greenwich for the Tribeca Film Festival (another De Niro production) email the Innerplace This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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