THE BASICS
Think of everything that’s
ever irked you about the “boutique hotel experience”: the zombie staff; the
overhyped scene and under rooms; hitting your head on some Philippe Starck
chandelier while groping for an elusive light switch. Well, the people have
spoken, and Andaz, a new Hyatt brand, listened. The Andaz Wall Street, which
opened in January, was impeccably designed by the Rockwell Group – the New York
firm behind several W Hotels, Nobu restaurants and the stage sets of this
year’s Academy Awards – with clever but not overbearing surprises like
multifunctional furniture and an “open concept” bar. To be sure, one could say
it feels a bit focus-grouped and corporate. But you won’t have problems turning
on the lights.
LOCATION
On Wall Street, in a former
Barclays Bank building constructed in 1982. You’re close to tourist sites like
Trinity Church, the South Street Seaport and, of course, ground zero.
Nonetheless, despite a residential surge in recent years, the area can still
feel desolate, especially during off-hours. But if you’re closing a
million-dollar deal nearby, this is the spot.
THE ROOM
Spacious, airy and open –
almost loftlike – with dark wood floors, light wood cabinetry, automatic
blackout screens and handy one-touch light settings (“All Off,” “All On,”
“Relax,” “Work,” “Nightlight”). The multipurpose furniture in my standard room
offered clever configurations: spin the armoire and you’ll find a full-length
mirror. Spin it again and it reveals the minibar. The desk doubles as a media
center that doubles as a vanity when you realize the flat-screen TV is backed
by a mirror; a bench pulls out from underneath. It might sound complicated, but
it’s not.
THE BATHROOM
A palette of black travertine,
sandstone and tile floors, with smoky glass and mirrors. The toilet was
separate, as was the roomy shower stocked with Bigelow bath products. The
highlight, however, was the extra-large tub. Separated from the main room by
panes of glass, it was big enough to fit a small family (though, with its
stingy tap, it took over 30 minutes to fill).
AMENITIES
Free Wi-Fi and local
telephone calls? Check. Free minibar sodas, water, Terra Chips, Clif Bars and
Dagoba chocolates? Check, check, check. Not only was my room big (big check),
but the lobby was a warm, living-room-like space where I was promptly informed
of the free 24-hour snack table and evening-hours drinks by an attentive
hostess. For my taste, the staff was a bit overfriendly in that “Hi, my name is
Jenny and I’ll be your server tonight” sort of way. But who’s complaining? The
hotel also has a “locally sourced farm-to-table restaurant” called Wall &
Water, the “open concept” bar (picture drink stations at your table); a
well-equipped fitness center; meeting rooms and other business services.
ROOM SERVICE
There’s an extensive menu
that includes 24-hour breakfasts, make-your-own salads and sandwiches, and
straightforward entrees like spaghetti Bolognese and organic chicken breast. I
ordered a late-night snack of a Black Angus hamburger ($16) – it was a bit more
than a “snack”_ and it arrived in just under 15 minutes.
THE BOTTOM LINE
For a business-oriented
boutique hotel in Lower Manhattan, this seals the deal. Andaz Wall Street, 75
Wall St. (Water Street); (212) 590-1234; andaz.com. Standard rooms from $275. |
