You could argue that the last thing New York City needs is another hotel room in the crowded over $200 a night category. But if that hotel is located in an under-served yet in-demand neighborhood, like lower Manhattan, and it offers sophisticated, urban boutique luxury, I say bring it on. In a previous, much shabbier life, the Exchange Hotel was known as the Manhattan Seaport Suites. But a lot has changed since then, including a top-to-bottom remodeling and re-outfitting of each of the current 53 rooms and suites which was completed in the fall of 2005.

Every room now features one very chic wall of color (either a rich red or a deep brown) and floors covered in a creative puzzle of milk chocolate and oatmeal colored carpet squares that evokes the feeling of plush carpet, but the look of tile (you’ll spend your whole stay wondering why you didn’t think of such a brilliantly simple interior design idea yourself).

The marble and dark wood bathrooms are stocked with elegant Tarocco toiletries  which were all taken home and tested by senior staff before they made it into the hotel. Olevia LCD flat screen TVs were also added to each room along with Sony Dream Machine radio/CD players. Other little bonuses include a copy of Time Out New York magazine, always helpful when planning out a stay.

Suites come with a spacious living room full of elegantly geometric furniture upholstered in rich leather plus a kitchen that’s refreshingly equipped with full-size appliances. The cupboards are extremely well-stocked, but when I failed to find champagne flutes I phoned reception and requested a pair, which arrived within three minutes of making the call.  However, the rooms on the hotel’s top floor are the real jewels, offering a unique amenity that very few New York City hotel’s can claim: a sunroof over the bed which makes these rooms bright and romantic and truly memorable.

In April, 2006 the hotel also opened the Lounge at the Exchange, a large and inviting area just off the lobby. In the morning, this is where hotel guests enjoy the complimentary breakfast served by Exchange Hotel which includes fresh pastries and good, strong coffee. In the afternoon and evening, it’s the place to unwind with a cocktail at the sociable bar or hold one last business meeting in one of the more private sitting areas.

Rates at Exchange Hotel even include preferred fees of $25 a day at a local paring lot—a huge bonus in parking-starved lower Manhattan—and use of the nearby New York Sports Club for just $10 a day.
All this within easy access (often just walking distance) of the shopping, sightseeing and dining of the South Street Seaport, Statue of Liberty tours, Trinity Church and Ground Zero as well as Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange and the very heart of Manhattan’s financial district.

Like New York City itself, Exchange Hotel is hip and well-dressed, but 100% serious about business. No wonder it’s where many actors, directors, producers and organizers involved in the city’s annual Tribeca Film Festival stay!

Winter Rates: $219-$289

Exchange Hotel
129 Front Street
New York, NY 10005
Phone: (212) 742-0003
 
www.exchangehotel.com

In April, 2006 peripatetic journalist Karen Catchpole left her job as deputy editor of SHOP Etc. magazine in New York City, jumped into a Chevy Silverado and embarked on the Trans-Americas Journey, a three year, 70,000+ mile road trip through North, Central and South America. When she's not reviewing luxury hotels, she can be found enjoying the nearest camp ground.

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