Honestly, New York City hotels usually fall into two categories. They’re either glass-box towers that feel like living inside a smartphone, or they’re dusty "grand dames" where the carpets smell like 1984.
Then you have The Beekman.
Located at 5 Beekman Street, this place is basically a time machine. I'm not being dramatic. If you've ever walked into the lobby of the Beekman Hotel NY NY, you know that moment when you look up and your brain just stops for a second. It's the atrium. That nine-story, Victorian-era masterpiece with the cast-iron railings and the pyramid skylight that was boarded up for like sixty years.
People call it "Old New York," but it’s more like "Cool New York" that just happens to be 140 years old.
The Temple Court Secret
Most people don't realize this building was originally the Temple Court Building, finished back in 1883. It wasn't even a hotel. It was an office building for lawyers and publishers.
For decades, that famous atrium was hidden behind walls because of fire codes. Basically, they just boxed it in and forgot about it. When the developers bought it in 2012, they ripped down the drywall and found this perfectly preserved architectural ghost.
It’s kinda wild.
Today, it's a Thompson Hotel (under the Hyatt umbrella), and it’s become the anchor for the Financial District’s "revival." If you're staying here, you aren't just getting a bed; you’re staying inside an official New York City Interior Landmark.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let’s get real about the rooms. New York hotel rooms are notoriously tiny.
The Beekman manages to dodge that "shoebox" vibe because the ceilings are incredibly high. The design, handled by Martin Brudnizki, is very "dark academia" meets luxury lounge.
- The Vibe: Deep jewel tones, aged oak floors, and those iconic leather headboards.
- The Bathroom: Carrara marble everywhere. The rainfall showers actually have decent water pressure, which is a rare win in FiDi.
- The Mini Bar: It’s not just a fridge with $12 Pringles. They have custom cocktail tables and high-end spirits.
- The Beds: Sferra linens. If you know, you know. They’re crisp, heavy, and feel like money.
One thing to watch out for: natural light. Because of the way the building is shaped, some rooms look out into the atrium rather than the street. Some people love this because it's quiet and you get to see the ironwork all day. Others hate it because they want to see the city. If you want sun, ask for a "Premium" room on a higher floor.
Dining Under the Skylight
You can't talk about the Beekman Hotel NY NY without talking about Tom Colicchio.
The Bar Room at Temple Court is basically the living room of Lower Manhattan. It’s moody. It’s covered in plush velvet. It’s where you go to feel like a 19th-century industrialist while sipping a $22 cocktail.
Then there’s Le Gratin.
This is Daniel Boulud’s spot. It’s a French bouchon inspired by Lyon. If you go, get the Gratin Dauphinois. It’s basically just potatoes and cream, but it’ll change your life.
Honestly, the service here can be a bit "New York." It's professional but fast. Don't expect a 20-minute chat with your server about the wine list during the 7:00 PM rush. They’ve got tables to turn.
The "Turret" Penthouses
If you're really balling out, the hotel has these two penthouses tucked inside the building's iconic turrets. They are two stories tall and have private roof terraces.
They feel like something out of a Batman movie.
Most of us won't stay there, but even the standard "Superior King" feels like a significant step up from the Marriott down the street.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that the Financial District is "dead" on weekends.
Maybe ten years ago.
Now, with the Oculus, the Seaport, and all the new residential buildings, the area around the Beekman is actually pretty lively. You’re a five-minute walk from the Brooklyn Bridge entrance and about ten minutes from the 9/11 Memorial.
Plus, the subway access is insane. You have the A, C, 2, 3, 4, 5, J, and Z trains all right there at Fulton Center. You can get to the West Village in 15 minutes.
The Noise Factor
Is it loud?
Well, it’s New York. But the Beekman has a specific noise issue: the Bar Room. Since the atrium is open all the way up, sound travels. If there’s a rowdy crowd at the bar on a Friday night, you might hear a low hum of chatter and jazz even on the 4th floor.
It’s not "club music" loud, but it’s not library quiet either. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room further down the hallway, away from the atrium opening.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
1. Join World of Hyatt
Even if you don't travel much, book through the Hyatt site. You’ll get a better rate than the random travel sites, and you're more likely to get that atrium-view upgrade.
2. The "Hidden" Alley Cat
There’s a lounge called Alley Cat Amateur Theatre in the cellar. It’s a bit of a "speakeasy" vibe. It’s way cooler than the main lobby bar if you want to actually have a conversation without a hundred tourists taking selfies around you.
3. Check the Destination Fee
The hotel charges a daily "Destination Fee" (usually around $45). It covers things like the gym, premium Wi-Fi, and some bottled water. Just factor that into your budget so you aren't annoyed at checkout.
4. Weekend Jazz Brunch
If you aren't staying at the hotel, go for the Jazz Brunch. It’s one of the best ways to experience the architecture without paying $600 for a room.
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5. Walking to the Seaport
Instead of heading toward the crowded World Trade Center area for dinner every night, walk ten minutes East to the South Street Seaport (Tin Building). The food options there are much better and it feels more "local."
The Beekman isn't the cheapest stay in the city, but it’s one of the few that actually delivers a "New York" experience that feels authentic. It’s gritty but polished. Historical but not stuffy. Basically, it's everything the Financial District is trying to be.