NYC’s Andaz Wall Street Hotel
Back in January, I wrote about how I was able to score a good deal on a room at the Andaz Wall Street during the busy holiday season in NYC. That makes this review a little late, but I figured better late than never.
The New York Stock Exchange.
The Location
Located one block from the Wall Street subway station on–wait for it–Wall Street, the Andaz Wall Street is located in the heart of the financial district. The Wall Street subway station is on the #2 and #3 lines (red). The #2 line also serves Penn Station and Times Square making it possible to get to many of the city’s attractions without switching lines. While the financial district is less desirable as a jumping off point for the city’s main attractions, being on the #2 line made getting around fairly easy. Both the 9/11 Memorial and Battery Park are within easy walking distance of the hotel. If you plan to visit the 9/11 Memorial, be sure to reserve your visitor passes online in advance. Same-day passes are only available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Because the financial district is not a tourist draw like Midtown and Times Square, I’ve found it’s possible to find much lower rates at financial district hotels during the weekend when the business travelers have gone home. Overall, I enjoyed the location. The financial district is relatively quiet on the weekends and offered a nice reprieve from the massive crowds on Fifth Avenue and at Rockefeller Center.
One downside of being in the financial district on the weekend is fewer eating options, so we mostly ate in other neighborhoods. However, we did find a great option just blocks away from the hotel– Harry’s Cafe and Steak. For brunch, Harry’s offers free unlimited champagne (carafes of juice are $7) with the purchase of an entree. The food and service were excellent.
Staircase leading up to the Wall and Water restaurant and down to the lobby area.
The Service
We were warmly welcomed upon arrival in the modern lounge space, which was decorated with comfortable, modern furniture. Smartly dressed (and very good looking) staff quickly checked us into our room. As is becoming the rule rather than the exception at trendy hotels, there is no check-in counter. Instead, the staff congregate around a central table and checked us in with an iPad. The iPad is equipped with a device to make hotel keys and scan credit cards.
The Room
Before it was renovated for Andaz, the hotel previously served as an Embassy Suites hotel. Unsurprisingly then, the room was very large by NYC standards. The decor is minimalist and modern. The hardwood floors were strikingly beautiful and a welcome departure from the well-worn carpet of hotels’ past. A lot of design attention was focused on the bathroom, which featured a large shower and expensive-looking, floor-to-ceiling black marble.
The room features hardwood floors. The opaque glass allows natural light to enter the large shower.
Rooms are also relatively high-tech and equipped with a smart lighting system (one-touch controls, mood lighting effects) and an electronically controlled window shade.
Andaz Wall Street room.
The Andaz Wall Street shower.
Summary
We enjoyed our stay at the Andaz Wall Street. On the weekend, the financial district often offers a good value. The next time you’re frustrated by the rates in Midtown, don’t forget to check out the rates further south. The Andaz Wall Street is a great option.
