Casa Cipriani New York

Casa Cipriani was designed by Thierry Despont and is housed in the Beaux-Arts Battery Maritime Building—alongside a fashionable members’ club, to which guests have access. The property is intimate, with just 47 polished, nautical rooms—the best of which have terraces with views of the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Amenities include see-and-be-seen Cipriani dining venues and a modern spa and wellness center.

• The Art Deco interiors, which were inspired by the 1930s ocean liner the Normandie (it’s all very glossy)
• The terrace suites with views of the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge
• Dinner on the outdoor patio, followed by cocktails in the club lounge

Casa Cipriani is located in the Financial District, within the Battery Maritime Building, which is a historic landmark of the city; as such there are many protected elements throughout the hotel. The property operates as a members-only club, with 47 rooms and suites that can be booked by non-club members. Hotel guests have access to all property facilities, including the private club on the top floor, with multiple bar lounges and one main Cipriani restaurant, a rooftop with a pool, a large, airy fitness center with a workout studio for classes, and a spa (the hotel has partnered with KX, a London fitness studio and spa, for the wellness programming). The hotel and club sit within the back of the building, on the waterfront, while the front, city-side wing contains Cipriani events spaces.

Casa Cipriani has generated a lot of buzz since its opening in 2021, and its elite set of patrons includes Cipriani loyalists, fashion editors, celebrities and bankers (in ages generally ranging from 30s to 60s). The hotel-and-club combination is a unique offering in New York, and it wows with beautiful views over the Hudson. While the downtown location may be less ideal for many, the buzzy yet exclusive and private atmosphere and club amenities are enough of a reason to stay out of the way. (The hotel sits at the bottom of Manhattan, between the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and the Blade helicopter pad.) There is a strict dress code (men must wear jackets to the club, and hats and shorts are not allowed), which makes the entire experience on-property feel much like a country club.

The rooms and suites themselves are quite large for a city hotel, and they occupy only two out of the five floors of the hotel. The junior suites and suites are the top option, and a water view is worth the splurge—you'll get completely unobstructed views of the East River, and in certain suites, you can even see the Brooklyn Bridge or the Statue of Liberty. Several rooms have private balconies or rooftop spaces, either overlooking the water or the city; connecting rooms are available, and there are a few corner suites that have sweeping water and city views. The style of the rooms and entire property was inspired by a vintage cruise liner—and it feels glamorous, not kitschy. The Cipriani family worked with designer Thierry Despont (who also designed Claridge’s and the Ritz Paris, to name a few) for the interiors. Rooms have a masculine ochre, mustard and brown color scheme, with windows facing out over the water. There’s lots of leather, and most of the furniture is Italian-made, with Cipriani touches everywhere (from lamps to plates).

"Unlike other clubs in the city, people are going here to stay under the radar and enjoy a private experience away from the hustle and bustle. There is an understated element of privacy, which really makes you feel you are part of something exclusive." — Charlotte Clayson, Trip Designer

Couples who are looking for a staycation or those who want a city hotel that truly offers an experience of its own, who will enjoy the FiDi location. The property is de-facto adults only—although guests of all ages are welcome to stay in the rooms, the club spaces, restaurants and rooftop are 21+. The only F&B option for guests under 21 is a small café near the fitness center, for light bites.