Review: Smyth Tribeca

Why book?

For an elegant home base in New York's buzzy Tribeca neighborhood

Set the scene

The main entrance, discreetly set between the welcoming windows of the hotel’s restaurant and lounge, leads you towards the minimal and efficient front desk. Two elevators, just steps away, whisk you to the upper floors; nothing fussy here, quiet luxury indeed. You'll hardly bump into other travelers during the day, but come evening, the prosecco bar set up in the foyer and live music drifting in from the lounge offer a convivial “welcome home” feel after a day out and lead into an intriguing prelude to the evening ahead.

The neighborhood/area

Tribeca is a vibrant mix of locals and visitors, historic and modern in equal measure, trendy yet timeless, energetic yet not overcrowded—in other words, Manhattan at its very best. The Smyth’s prime location at the “Y” intersection of Hudson Street and West Broadway is within walking distance of great shopping and restaurants and also offers easy access to public transport to explore sights beyond.

The rooms

The floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the street side rooms in natural light during day and show off unparalleled birds-eye-view people watching through to the evening. Guest rooms are decorated in neutral tones with plush bedding; there's plenty of closet space; and luxurious bathrooms are fitted with rain shower heads (and stocked with Malin and Goetz amenities for good measure). This is the perfect perch to recharge while still being in the center of the action… and of course, there are privacy curtains and black out blinds for when you really need to sleep in the city that never does.

Food and drink

A cozy bonhomie exudes from the oversized windows looking into the lit up bar, beckoning you to pull up a seat. A classic American menu is featured in the Smyth Tavern, and the adjoining Galerie Bar tempts passersby to pull up a cozy seat with its two flickering fireplaces.

The service

Gracious from check-in to check-out, the front desk was very accommodating with any requests—including speedy delivery of ice and utensils to my room for an impromptu pizza party with an old friend who popped by.

Accessibility

The Smyth offers accessible guest rooms upon request, with wheelchair accessibility in the guest room and bathroom (with grab bars and shower seat), and accessible entrance to all public areas. Braille signage throughout the property and in-room alarms are equipped with a strobe feature. Service animals are welcome.

Anything left to mention?

There is a 24-hour fitness center equipped with treadmills, free weights, weight machines, and Pelotons, but nothing beats a run or Citi Bike ride on the Hudson River Greenway, just a few blocks away.