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Review of Four Seasons Hotel Downtown New York

World Trade Centre mural

We’ve been to New York many times over the years and stayed in quite a few hotels. We mainly stayed in Midtown Manhattan, however we felt that the night life was lacking somewhat – it was difficult to find a restaurant willing to seat you at 9pm, for example! For our last two trips, we opted to try a different area and stayed (both times) at the Four Seasons Downtown, in Tribeca.

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The location

Situated around the corner from World Trade Center and the Oculus, the Four Seasons Downtown is in a prime location and close to transport hubs. For us it offers the perfect spot to wander off and discover New York. It’s less than a ten minute walk to Brooklyn Bridge as well as a short walk to Soho and Chinatown.

view from Brooklyn Bridge

There are lots of fantastic restaurants in the area too, such as the fabulous Frenchette, Michelin starred Crown Shy, Bubby’s and Nobu Downtown. No need to even get a taxi! Not to mention in the Oculus building across the road is a food hall as well as an Eataly.

Overview of the hotel

The Four Seasons Downtown occupies the first 24 floors of the 82 storey building, designed by renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern. It’s a beautifully designed building that soars above the skyline at 278 metres tall. Although it started construction in 2008, the style is Neo-Gothic.

There are four different room types and seven different suites, with accessible rooms too. The hotel has a non-smoking policy throughout and pets are allowed at an additional rate.

Both our visits were over New Year so the hotel had some very elegant and tasteful decorations and a stunning Christmas tree in the reception area.

Christmas tree with green, red and gold baubles

The design of the hotel is in a deliberate asymmetrical style with hairpin turns, a grand staircase and stone and marble in neutral tones featuring throughout.

There is a gym, spa and swimming pool on the third floor. The gym is open 24 hours and the pool is open from 6am until 8pm. The swimming pool is heated and a good length if you’re looking to swim for fitness rather than leisure. There are also lots of loungers if you just want to lie and read a book and relax – especially after a long day walking around Manhattan.

Swimming pool at the Four Seasons Downtown

The spa offers a wide range of treatments such as facials, massages, body rituals, nail care and more. They also offer spa packages for individuals and couples.

The hotel also has a great restaurant – The Cut, by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. We had dinner there on our first stay and it was excellent. We wanted to go again on our second stay at the hotel but unfortunately it was closed for a few nights after New Year’s Eve. There’s a great bar too to get a drink before dinner or a nightcap afterwards.

The room

Both times we stayed, we had a Manhattan room on a fairly high floor with views over the Oculus. I love how the blinds are operated by a button next to the bed so that you can open them and enjoy the view as soon as you wake up without having to get up!

View of the Oculus from the room

The rooms are spacious, at around 425 square foot, or 40 m2, which is quite big for New York hotel standards.

I always sleep so well when staying at a Four Seasons as their beds are super comfy. What I loved about this stay was that they remembered I prefer a firmer pillow so there was already one on the bed when we arrived. The bed linen is super luxurious, with a high thread count.

Comfy king size bed at Four Seasons

There’s a well stocked mini bar in the room and tea and coffee are complimentary. There’s even a cocktail shaker if you’re in the mood to create cocktails! Personally I’d leave it to the professionals and go for a drink at the bar at The Cut on the ground floor.

The minibar

The bathroom is stylish and spacious with a large shower and separate bath tub. I LOVE having a bath tub. Nothing better than a long soak after walking for hours around New York! Not to mention then putting on the towelling robe and slippers and reading in bed for a bit before going out for dinner. So relaxing!

Bath tub and towelling robes

The shower was spacious and was quite powerful. I did find it a bit tricky to get the right temperature though. It did seem to be either a bit too hot or not hot enough! But that wasn’t an issue, especially as I prefer a bath.

shower at Four Seasons

The bathroom is stocked with toiletries by luxury Parisian brand Maison Margiela. Whilst they are great products, I’d personally prefer they stocked a US brand – especially from an environmental stance. I don’t think it’s necessary to fly products over from Europe when there must be plenty of luxury US brands.

Toiletries by Replica

Thoughtful touches

During our four night stay, we received a couple of lovely, thoughtful touches. One was a bottle of bubby and some chocolates on New Year’s eve, which was very much enjoyed and appreciated! This happened on both our stays.

Bottle of Prosecco and a top hat

The second was a bookmark left next to my side of the bed where I had my reading book. I thought that was very sweet and something I can use time and again.

Tips for things to do in the area

The hotel really is located in a great area! It’s right across the road from the World Trade Centre and a very short walk to Wall Street and Chinatown. Brooklyn Bridge is less than a 10 minute walk and The Highline, Chelsea Market, the Meatpacking District and the West Village are all within walking distance. Not to mention the Ghostbuster’s HQ is about a 7 minute walk away! Here’s 28 awesome things to do in New York, many of which are in close proximity to the hotel.

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Review of Four Seasons Downtown New York

Kirsty Marrins

Reader, writer, runner, travel and food lover.

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