The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel

The Beekman is based within New York’s Financial District, close to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and is housed within an historic Victorian landmark once known as Temple Court, one of the city’s original skyscrapers. Opening in 1883, contemporary with the nearby Brooklyn Bridge, this extraordinary building of restored mosaic floors, wood panelling, vintage bespoke Art Deco furnishings and a curated art collection, once housed the Mercantile Library Association frequented by such literary heavyweights as Edgar Allen Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Mark Twain. Opening as a restored hotel in 2016, the star of the show is undoubtedly the stunning nine-story glass topped atrium complete with swirling cast iron balustrades drawing the eye ever upwards and a reception desk lined with Persian rugs. The 287 rooms and 37 suites offer high ceilings and oak flooring, enjoying a spacious, clean lined feel with a muted colour palette, marble bathrooms and just enough vintage velvet and leather furnishings to complement the age of the building. Artworks accent every room and public space, curated by world renowned art collaborator Katherine Gass, whilst each guest room offers custom beds with leather headboards; luxurious linens; gourmet minibars; dimmable lights; black out curtains and state of the art tech as envisaged by designer Martin Brudnizki. Ranging in size from the 26 square metre Queen or King Bed through to the 44 square metre one bedroom and studio suites, there are also 54 square metre corner suites, complete with craft cocktail bars, an 83 square metre Deluxe Corner Suite looking out over the neighbourhood and the 102 square metre Thompson Suite which is more like an apartment than a hotel suite. The stars of the show are undoubtedly the couple of wood panelled, duplex Turret Penthouses with private entrances, stone fireplaces and vintage leather armchairs – 111 square metres of living space complete with a private terrace, 12-metre-high ceilings and a master bedroom balcony overlooking the living space. 

When it comes to quality wining and dining, you are in good hands with chefs Tom Colicchio and Daniel Boulud overseeing Temple Court and Le Gratin respectively. Temple Court is housed within an extraordinary space full of multicoloured stained glass and grey leather and mohair banquettes. Chandeliers hang overhead with large windows letting the light flood in, enhanced by reflective surfaces, serving a menu of old and new classics as reimagined by Chef Colicchio. The Bar Room at The Beekman meanwhile, also comes under Tom’s domain, sitting under the magnificent glass atrium and serving handcrafted cocktails and all-day dining with a weekend jazz brunch. Le Gratin could easily be sited in France and is a proper Bouchon Lyonnais offering a casual turn of the century environment and a menu of Lyonnaise classics within table, banquette and bar seating. For relaxation, arrange in room spa treatment, yoga sessions with the concierge or head to the dual level, 24/7 Fitness Centre. If heading around town, there is a luxury house car for drop offs within a 1.6-kilometre radius of the hotel.