Review: Nine Orchard
Paul Oswell
Where: New York City, New York, USA.
Long story short: This lovingly renovated former bank is enjoying a new lease of life in one of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. It’s an instant landmark property in the Lower East Side, with remarkable architecture, some truly outstanding city views and endlessly tasteful interior design
Short story long: The first thing to love about this hotel, before you even step inside, is the location. You can step out of the hotel into the historic neighbourhood of Chinatown and walk just a few minutes to Little Italy, both areas jam-packed with intriguing dining options. Orchard Street is full of charming independent stores selling everything from used books to vintage clothing, and it’s a rare part of Manhattan that doesn’t feel overly tourist-heavy. Two nearby subway stations – East Broadway and Grand Street – offer handy public transportation links.
The building was constructed as a bank in the Beaux-Arts style in 1912, and has enjoyed some exotic incarnations since, a piano factory and kimono salesroom among them. It has been overhauled in recent times, though some original features survive. The stunning, carved marble ceiling of the Swan Room (the lobby bar) is reminiscent of the famed Grand Central Terminal interior, and the high ceilings throughout hark back to a glamorous bygone age. The plush public spaces enjoy rich fabrics and bold colour palettes, evoking a decadent residential ambience. Stepping back from the building, look out for the 60ft rooftop tempietto, lovingly reconstructed from the original plans and a strikingly romantic addition to the skyline.
With the clientele skewing young and creative, the relaxed but attentive attitude of the genial hotel staff dovetails perfectly. Everyone I interacted with was polite and helpful, without a hint of the stuffiness that permeates some upscale New York hotels. There are some lovely hospitable touches, such as complimentary hot drinks, pastries and newspapers in the Swan Room in the morning, as well as very welcome cookies delivered with the evening turndown service. Everyone was brimming with local recommendations, too; a real boon if you’re in town for the first time, or returning after a long absence.
The 116 rooms and suites are labelled as New York apartments might be (mine was 11Y), enhancing the residential feel to the hotel. Earthy yet urban tones such as dark browns and greens reflect the brickwork buildings and miniature parks of the surrounding downtown. The high ceilings and oversized windows allow sunlight to flood in – a rare joy in high-rise Manhattan. Entry-level Studio Queen rooms are relatively spacious for Manhattan, and boast the tasteful restraint of all the accommodations. Wooden bed and mirror frames as well as cabinets and side tables hint at the elevated craftsmanship, and thick velvet curtains maintain a visual warmth while keeping the city clamour at bay. Cute pocket doors separate the chic bathrooms, either with walk-in showers or deep, window-adjacent bathtubs in the suites. Other thoughtful additions include universal power adapters, steamers instead of irons, curated book selections (by nearby Sweet Pickle Books) that you can take with you, and mercifully uncomplicated touch-responsive light switches.
The aforementioned Swan Room is a destination cocktail lounge in its own right. As well as the memorably elaborate marble ceilings, the velvet booths and esoteric artefacts mean that it’s a stylish place to relax, whether it’s over a morning coffee or a late-night snifter. The cocktail programme is worthy of a visit in its own right, and sipping a martini in century-old surroundings is one of those classically timeless New York experiences.
The food offering, curated by Ignacio Mattos, also shines in the Corner Bar. This is the main dining room, a bright, buzzing brasserie with a decidedly French flair. Breakfast options include continental treats such as gruyere omelette ($21/£17) and saumon fumé ($28/£23), and I luxuriated in a Gallic feast of trout carpaccio and canard à l'orange for dinner.
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Paul Oswell
Where: New York City, New York, USA.
Long story short: This lovingly renovated former bank is enjoying a new lease of life in one of Manhattan’s most dynamic neighbourhoods. It’s an instant landmark property in the Lower East Side, with remarkable architecture, some truly outstanding city views and endlessly tasteful interior design
Short story long: The first thing to love about this hotel, before you even step inside, is the location. You can step out of the hotel into the historic neighbourhood of Chinatown and walk just a few minutes to Little Italy, both areas jam-packed with intriguing dining options. Orchard Street is full of charming independent stores selling everything from used books to vintage clothing, and it’s a rare part of Manhattan that doesn’t feel overly tourist-heavy. Two nearby subway stations – East Broadway and Grand Street – offer handy public transportation links.
The building was constructed as a bank in the Beaux-Arts style in 1912, and has enjoyed some exotic incarnations since, a piano factory and kimono salesroom among them. It has been overhauled in recent times, though some original features survive. The stunning, carved marble ceiling of the Swan Room (the lobby bar) is reminiscent of the famed Grand Central Terminal interior, and the high ceilings throughout hark back to a glamorous bygone age. The plush public spaces enjoy rich fabrics and bold colour palettes, evoking a decadent residential ambience. Stepping back from the building, look out for the 60ft rooftop tempietto, lovingly reconstructed from the original plans and a strikingly romantic addition to the skyline.
With the clientele skewing young and creative, the relaxed but attentive attitude of the genial hotel staff dovetails perfectly. Everyone I interacted with was polite and helpful, without a hint of the stuffiness that permeates some upscale New York hotels. There are some lovely hospitable touches, such as complimentary hot drinks, pastries and newspapers in the Swan Room in the morning, as well as very welcome cookies delivered with the evening turndown service. Everyone was brimming with local recommendations, too; a real boon if you’re in town for the first time, or returning after a long absence.
The 116 rooms and suites are labelled as New York apartments might be (mine was 11Y), enhancing the residential feel to the hotel. Earthy yet urban tones such as dark browns and greens reflect the brickwork buildings and miniature parks of the surrounding downtown. The high ceilings and oversized windows allow sunlight to flood in – a rare joy in high-rise Manhattan. Entry-level Studio Queen rooms are relatively spacious for Manhattan, and boast the tasteful restraint of all the accommodations. Wooden bed and mirror frames as well as cabinets and side tables hint at the elevated craftsmanship, and thick velvet curtains maintain a visual warmth while keeping the city clamour at bay. Cute pocket doors separate the chic bathrooms, either with walk-in showers or deep, window-adjacent bathtubs in the suites. Other thoughtful additions include universal power adapters, steamers instead of irons, curated book selections (by nearby Sweet Pickle Books) that you can take with you, and mercifully uncomplicated touch-responsive light switches.
The aforementioned Swan Room is a destination cocktail lounge in its own right. As well as the memorably elaborate marble ceilings, the velvet booths and esoteric artefacts mean that it’s a stylish place to relax, whether it’s over a morning coffee or a late-night snifter. The cocktail programme is worthy of a visit in its own right, and sipping a martini in century-old surroundings is one of those classically timeless New York experiences.
The food offering, curated by Ignacio Mattos, also shines in the Corner Bar. This is the main dining room, a bright, buzzing brasserie with a decidedly French flair. Breakfast options include continental treats such as gruyere omelette ($21/£17) and saumon fumé ($28/£23), and I luxuriated in a Gallic feast of trout carpaccio and canard à l'orange for dinner.
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When is a Moxy not a Moxy?
How Sydney's Capella Hotel gets it right
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