The Greenwich Hotel

Discreet, elegant and luxurious downtown hotel with stunning Japanese spa and A-list owner in arty Tribeca

Magpie-ing antiques, resurrecting old wood, tile and mirror, and fashioning the whole lot into exquisite interiors is nothing unique in the world of elite hotels. Dismantling an ancient barn, shipping it across the world and handcrafting it into a Japanese spa, however, is probably a first. As is having Hollywood’s Godfather at the hotel’s helm. But what’s really resplendent about Robert De Niro’s hotel only hits you when you’re sitting cosily on a Chesterfield, fire roaring, a glass of Italy’s finest in hand. De Niro, helped by an army of creatives, has crafted his hotel with love. Not a narcissistic-celebrity type of love, more a personal ode to perfection that radiates through everything, from his father’s artwork on the walls to Tuscan floor tiles imported because he fell in love with them.

Outside, Tribeca epitomises desirable downtown living, where well-heeled artists stroll loft-lined streets packed with trendy eateries. De Niro’s own culinary contenders, Tribeca Grill and Ago bookend the hotel; the delights of West Village, Soho and Nolita wait to be discovered.

Highs

• 88 beautiful rooms, each unique
• Lantern-lit heated saline pool and spa with exotic Japanese treatment list
• Rich with reclaimed materials (the hotel is 95% recycled) and custom-made furniture
• Comfortable shared spaces include a large drawing room, bar, restaurant, lounge and outside courtyard
• Exclusive yet central location; rooms well insulated from street noise
• Morning newspaper (from your home town) and bespoke duvet and pillow service

Lows

• An ugly building opposite blocks what could have been glittering Hudson views
• Fans of dry saunas will be disappointed to find the authentic Japanese spa only has a steam room
• Because the pool area is heated, the pool itself feels chilly when you get in
• The drawing room’s Chesterfield sofas are crying out for cushions, the bedroom walls for artwork; the ethos is deliberately low key