The Vibe: Modern, yet cozy this boutique hotel is the right mix of cool with a residential feel. Found in the lower part of Manhattan in the Tribeca neighbourhood, this area was put on the map thanks to the Tribeca Film Festival, which launched in 2002. Here you’ll find young families with strollers, trendy restaurants, and some of the most expensive housing in Manhattan can be found here — a fantastic alternative to the hustle and bustle of midtown.
The Facts: Offering a total of 43 loft-style rooms and suites to choose from, from the outside you could miss the entryway, but it’s not hard to miss the black awning and floor-to-ceiling windows that line their on-site restaurant Mehtaphor. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, complimentary access to the nearby Equinox gym, and the option to borrow an iPad during your stay. Plus it’s pet-friendly too.
The Experience: We received a warm welcome upon arriving, with a speedy check-in and a thorough run-down of the hotel’s amenities. Instead of wasting prime real estate on a large lobby, the majority of the ground floor is saved for their lobby bar and restaurant. The only downside to this is the entrance way to the front desk is narrow and can be constricting when there are numerous guests checking in or out with luggage. The hotel has one elevator to serve the building and it’s not exactly the fastest thing in the world, despite there being only six floors. We suggest when you don’t have luggage (or tons of shopping bags) to use the stairs if time is of the essence. Their smallest room is a Superior King, but with all rooms having 11-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, the space feels that much bigger. We stayed in the spacious Junior Suite that included a living room, perfect for planning out the day with a coffee from the in-room Nespresso machine. Plus in addition to the full bathroom with spa shower, there is also a powder room, complete with eco-friendly bath products from REN. The walls are tad thin, although you won’t find rowdy types checking in here. We only noticed some chatter in the early evening while we decompressed from a busy day. For food, on-site you’ll find Mehtaphor (read our review), a top Zagat-rated restaurant run by Chef Jehangir Mehta of Iron Chef fame. Serving up Asian and Indian-inspired cuisine, it’s the right balance between casual and sophisticated. When it comes to breakfast there are so many amazing places in the city to choose from, so be adventurous and venture outside.
Room to Book: For a girls’ weekend, we suggest booking the Junior Suite. Ideal for two to four people, it’s really all about the second bathroom that helps to make getting ready pain-free, not to mention the pull-out couch.
Insider Tip: In the afternoon the lobby serves up complimentary cookies and juice — so don’t miss out on the sweet pick-me-up!
Getting There: The three main airports that get you into New York City are JFK (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR). A ride in a cab can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes depending on the time and day and traffic. Expect to pay anywhere from $40-60 (plus 15-20% tip) for a cab from the airport depending on what airport you are coming from. An alternative cash-saving option is taking a shuttle bus, such as the GO Airlink NYC, which will take you get you dropped off right at your hotel.
Price: $$$
Standard rooms start a $250/night, while suites start at $500/night.
Where to Find:
The Duane Street Hotel
130 Duane Street
New York, NY 10013
212-964-4600
duanestreethotel.com
