Categories Design, LifestylePosted on

The Beekman. A Thompson Hotel | Downtown NYC Luxury Hotel

The Beekman Hotel in Lower Manhattan is a standout for its dazzling drinks, exquisite food, and architectural splendor.

A Storied Setting

  • Housed in the landmark Temple Court building, originally constructed in 1881–1883, The Beekman was one of Manhattan’s earliest skyscrapers, featuring a soaring nine-story atrium topped by a pyramidal skylight and ornate Victorian cast-iron railings.
  • Over the years, it hosted Shakespeare’s first NYC performance of Hamlet, NYU’s inaugural classes, and literary icons like Poe, Twain, Thoreau, and Emerson at its Clinton Hall iteration.
  • After years of abandonment, a 2016 revamp by Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel Architects and design by Martin Brudnizki restored its historic elegance while introducing modern luxury

The Bar Room: Drinks & Atmosphere

  • Located beneath the grand atrium, The Bar Room is a cocktail lounge curated by Tom Colicchio. Its design—burgundy leather, teal stools, vintage rugs, high bookshelves—channels Gilded-Age grandeur and literary charm.
  • Drinks are inspired, seasonal creations including standout offerings like the James DeVille cocktail and vintage fernet, supported by an extensive amaro list.
  • What makes it extra special? Cocktails come with elevated bar snacks and small dishes—think salmon à la Oscar, chicken fricassée with morels, and a memorable baked Alaska—all staying true to New American cuisine.
  • Though popular and busy during peak hours, staff generally serve well; it’s wise to arrive early or beat the crowds if you want a seat at the bar.

Dining Options & Culinary Highlights

  • Temple Court, overseen by Tom Colicchio’s Crafted Hospitality, offers refined American dishes—from Maine lobster to Berkshire pork chops—often with elegant, nostalgic twists.
  • Nearby Augustine, the French brasserie by Keith McNally, serves classic brasserie fare—Waldorf salad, cheese soufflé, French onion soup, filet au poivre—elevated with fresh, market-driven ingredients.
  • For something different, the Alley Cat Amateur Theater, a speakeasy-inspired lounge, offers Japanese‑inspired cocktails and live music late into the night.

Guest Experience & Atmosphere

  • The hotel includes 287 rooms, including penthouse suites in the signature turret towers, blending historical character with modern amenities like Carrara marble baths, rain showers, in-room bar carts, and DS & Durga toiletries.
  • Guests rave about the ambiance: stepping inside feels like being transported back to another era, but with all the comforts of today’s luxury standards.
  • However, some atrium-adjacent rooms can pick up bar noise at night—those seeking quieter stays often request higher rooms away from the atrium.
  • Travelers commend the breakfast (especially items like French toast and eggs benedict), and the hotel is frequently considered more memorable than equally upscale alternatives in NYC

In short, The Beekman Hotel combines architectural grandeur, literary pedigree, and top-tier culinary and cocktail experiences—making it both a beautiful destination and a beloved Lower Manhattan hub. Whether you’re savoring cocktails in the dramatic Bar Room, dining by Colicchio or McNally, or admiring one of NYC’s most iconic skylit atriums, this is a place worth remembering.