The Greenwich Hotel

The Scene

Tribeca (short for “Triangle Below Canal” Street) is a small, wealthy enclave just south of Soho. It might just be one of New York’s most exclusive and romantic neighborhoods with its cobblestone streets, low-rise buildings and relatively serene atmosphere. And while it feels secluded, it is very well connected to subway lines and well positioned next to Soho, Chinatown and other downtown neighborhoods. A block west of the hotel you`ll find the Hudson River Greenway, over 11 miles of pedestrian and bike trails that run along the Hudson river, and expect to have a myriad of stylish boutiques, shops, bars and restaurants at your doorstep, after all, this is an upscale but highly fashionable area.

The Concept

Mirroring its Tribeca location, The Greenwich Hotel exudes an air of exclusivity and serenity that’s hard to replicate. Perhaps that’s because every detail---from its location to its design and service---seems to have been carefully chosen and thought of by a team of professionals and experts---not the least of whom is actor Robert De Niro, a co-owner in the hotel. And yes, being a De Niro hotel does attract some extra attention and hype to it, but gladly it is all positive and just enough to make a stay there that more interesting. However, despite its evident celebrity appeal, it is its sense of seclusion that is mostly reverenced and cultivated at The Greenwich, from very private and cozy interiors to a Tuscan-style courtyard to a lantern-lit subterranean pool and lounge to a bamboo farmhouse (reconstructed especially for the hotel by Japanese craftsmen) and award-winning spa. Not to be forgotten is Locanda Verde, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, which serves Chef Andrew Carmellini’s ‘soul-satisfying’ Italian menu in a similar cozy and welcoming setting.

The Look

No two rooms are alike at The Greenwich. This wasn’t only done intentionally but somewhat out of necessity since most of the furniture, artwork and design materials were handpicked and are actual limited-edition and often vintage pieces (and not mass produced to look like it). For instance, the exposed bricks were hand-made in Pennsylvania; the floors and ceiling beams were made from re-claimed timber; the terracotta floors were molded by a family-owned, artisanal shop in Italy; and some of the mirrors are antiques from New York’s famous Flatiron Building. The 88 rooms also feature other unique décor elements including Tibetan silk rugs, English leather settees and a handpicked collection of art and photo books; bathrooms are done in Italian Carrara marble or in unique patterns of hand-laid Moroccan tiles ---all of which help complement the old-world romance feel in a delightfully luxurious but understated way.

In Short

Like Tribeca itself, The Greenwich exudes old-world romance and a sense of exclusivity. Boasting meticulously-designed interiors and great attention to detail, it stands as an oasis of understated luxury and serenity in downtown Manhattan.