You could argue that the last thing New York
City needs is another hotel room in the crowded over $200 a night
category. But if that hotel is located in an under-served yet
in-demand neighborhood, like lower Manhattan, and it offers
sophisticated, urban boutique luxury, I say bring it
on. In a previous, much shabbier life, the Exchange Hotel
was known as the Manhattan Seaport Suites. But a lot has changed
since then, including a top-to-bottom remodeling and
re-outfitting of each of the current 53 rooms and suites which
was completed in the fall of 2005.
Every room now features one very
chic wall of color (either a rich red or a deep brown) and floors
covered in a creative puzzle of milk chocolate and oatmeal
colored carpet squares that evokes the feeling of plush carpet,
but the look of tile (you'll spend your whole stay wondering why
you didn't think of such a brilliantly simple interior design
idea yourself).
The marble and dark wood
bathrooms are stocked with elegant Tarocco toiletries which were all taken home
and tested by senior staff before they made it into the hotel.
Olevia LCD flat screen TVs were also added to
each room along with Sony Dream Machine radio/CD players. Other little bonuses include a copy of Time Out New
York magazine, always helpful when planning out a stay.
Suites come with a spacious
living room full of elegantly geometric furniture upholstered in
rich leather plus a kitchen that's refreshingly equipped with
full-size appliances. The cupboards are extremely well-stocked,
but when I failed to find champagne flutes I phoned reception and
requested a pair, which arrived within three minutes of making
the call. However,
the rooms on the hotel's top floor are the real jewels, offering
a unique amenity that very few New York City hotel's can claim: a
sunroof over the bed which makes these rooms bright and romantic
and truly memorable.
In April, 2006 the hotel also opened
the Lounge at the Exchange, a large and inviting area just off
the lobby. In the morning, this is where hotel guests enjoy the
complimentary breakfast served by Exchange Hotel which includes
fresh pastries and good, strong coffee. In the afternoon and
evening, it's the place to unwind with a cocktail at the sociable
bar or hold one last business meeting in one of the more private
sitting areas.
Rates at Exchange
Hotel even include preferred fees of $25 a day at a local paring
lot””a huge bonus in parking-starved lower Manhattan””and use of
the nearby New York Sports
Club for just $10 a day.
All this within easy access (often just walking distance) of the
shopping, sightseeing and dining of the South
Street Seaport, Statue of Liberty tours, Trinity Church and
Ground Zero as well as Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange
and the very heart of Manhattan's financial district.
Like
New York City itself,
Exchange Hotel is hip and well-dressed, but 100% serious about
business. No wonder it's where many actors, directors, producers
and organizers involved in the city's annual Tribeca Film
Festival stay!
Winter Rates:
$219-$289
Exchange Hotel
129 Front Street
New York, NY 10005
Phone: (212) 742-0003
www.exchangehotel.com
In April, 2006 peripatetic journalist Karen Catchpole left her
job as deputy editor of SHOP Etc. magazine in New York
City, jumped into a Chevy Silverado and embarked on the Trans-Americas
Journey, a three
year, 70,000+ mile road trip through North, Central and South
America. When she's not reviewing luxury hotels, resorts, ranches
and B&Bs, she can be found enjoying the nearest camp
ground.
