The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel

This trendy property fuses modern, downtown cool with old New York charm.

• The Bar Room, beneath the stunning, nine-story Victorian atrium and skylight.
• The impressive contemporary art collection.
• The two fabulous restaurants – Le Gratin and Temple Court.

Located in the heart of the Financial District and a stone’s throw away from 1 World Trade Centerand the Brooklyn Bridge, the latest Thompson property is right at home in one of Manhattan’s first skyscrapers, Temple Court. Prior to the construction of the landmarked building, this site housed the Clinton Hall library, where luminaries such as Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain wrote. The current building was built in 1881 and is today fully restored to its former glory with a majestic nine-story atrium and pyramidal skylight.

The theatrical décor, with custom-made and vintage furniture sourced from around the world, pays homage to the intellectual set who frequented the original site. You could imagine Edgar Allan Poe feeling right at home in the dark, mahogany-paneled lobby. The Beekman’s art collection, which comprises the works of local, up-and-coming and established artists, was curated with the theme of magical realism inspired by Poe and other 19^th-century writers. This motif is present throughout the hotel, especially in the Bar Room, an elegant living room-esque space surrounded by glass cases overflowing with books and curiosities.

The 287 rooms, including 38 suites, are residential in vibe and mismatched in aesthetic, recalling a wealthy eccentric’s home. Whimsical touches abound: emerald-colored velvet settees, lamp bases in the shape of Chinese dragons and silk table skirts that cleverly conceal the minibar. The sleek bathrooms juxtapose the eclectic design of the rooms and are outfitted in polished white marble. The most magnificent accommodations are the two penthouses, located in the building’s turrets, which each boast private rooftop terraces with spectacular views.

The in-room dining, as well as The Bar Room and Temple Court are well executed by Tom Colicchio’s hospitality team. Daniel Boulud’s bistro, Le Gratin, is inspired by the bouchons and bistros of  the Michelin-starred chef's hometown in Lyon with marble floors, coffered ceilings, mirrored walls, cozy banquettes and painted tiles, along with work by Brooklyn artist Marc Dennis. The menu mixes traditional rustic classics such as  Lyonnaise salad and Quenelle de Brochet au gratin with bistro favorites such as Steak frites, roast duck and spit-roasted chicken. The Bar Room draws a chic crowd of locals for after-work drinks, where Vogue editors mingle with Wall Street types. For those wanting to exercise after such indulgences, there is a state-of-the-art fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows.

** **The Beekman is right for young couples and groups of friends who want to take advantage of the buzzy atmosphere, as well as history buffs and architecture lovers who will appreciate the building’s past. There is no spa, so spa mavens should consider the nearby Greenwich Hotel.