Travel:
New York: BEEKMAN TOWER HOTEL
Written by: Katherine
Brodsky
3 Mitchell Place | At 1st
Avenue and East 49th Street, New York City, New York 10017, United
States
It’s unlikely that I will ever
find a hotel in New York that will replace the landmark Beekman Tower
as my all-time favorite. After
all, it’s a perfect haven in every way.
The Beekman is nestled in a very
nice, quiet neighborhood that is only a few blocks away from the
United Nations. Not
surprisingly, many ambassadors and other dignitaries stay here.
The added convenience is that each suite
has a mini-kitchenette (with a stove-top, microwave, sink &
fridge), a spacious living room to receive guests and a separate
bedroom. Just in case for
some reason you are suffering from a rare condition and don’t have
anything to do in New York, there are television sets in each room.
Although the lobby is fairly small (standard for New York), the
suite is particularly large.
The décor is gorgeous Art Deco,
which provides plenty of old-fashioned charm to this hotel.
Lately it has become increasingly difficult to find a hotel
that doesn’t look like every other hotel—and this one certainly
doesn’t look like any other hotel.
The staff was extremely helpful,
going above and beyond duty. There were no attitudes.
Just a very laid-back and helpful vibe.
Needless to say, there were no disturbances, no noise,
everything was in perfect working condition and clean.
And when luggage needed to be stored away, there were no
problems there either.
Coming back to the Beekman each
night was like coming back home, but cozier.
It felt like a luxurious private apartment more than a hotel.
If I could, I’d move in permanently.
(Who knows, maybe one day they'll put out an ad for a
writer-in-residence)
SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT:
The Top of the Tower restaurant
was named in a book as one of the most romantic places in New York.
It’s easy to see why. Although I cannot comment on the quality of
food, the Cosmopolitans I had were divine (though no inexpensive—but
worth it!). But it’s really not so much about the drinks or the food
as it is about the experience. Having
drinks at that restaurant around 2am was probably one of the most
memorable experiences in my life.
Naturally the company had quite a bit to do with it, but
the atmosphere was pure magic.
It felt like a scene from a movie.
The view of the harbor was mesmerizing, like it was shot and
presented by some legendary cinematographer, the flickering candles
and the classy-yet-so-down-to-earth service provided the ideal setting
and the real treat, the pianist, was not merely the score, but also
the soul of this picture. He
played both old and new favorites (though I much prefer the old) with
his own unique touch without ever destroying the appeal of the song.
CONS:
-Although it’s a very pleasant location, it does require a bus or
short (five dollar) taxi ride to most attractions
-It’s not the least expensive hotel around, though deals do come
around and its price vs. value ratio is ideal
VERDICT:
4.5 out of 5
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