This review of the DoubleTree by Hilton Financial District, New York City, is part of my trip to New York in December of 2014. Just as the name implies, the DoubleTree Financial District is located in the financial district of lower Manhattan. Set in the Stone Street Historic District, the DoubleTree is close to and within walking distance to several major New York City landmarks including the World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park, Wall Street and the Staten Island Ferry to the Statue of Liberty.
New York is very much a public transportation city and the hotel is close to a couple MTA stops. The closest subway station is the Whitehall Street station. The 100% non-smoking hotel is a little dated and the exterior is not much to look at but inside, it was a comfortable stay and the rates were more reasonable than the other location such as Time Square or Central Park. I don’t know why you would be driving in New York but valet and self-parking is available for a daily fee ($55/40). There are no in/out privileges for self-parking.
Because the hotel is located in the financial district, there are limited options for late night eateries and nightlife. You’ll have to take the subway up town to experience the city that never sleeps. But on the positive side, there’s limited traffic down here and you’re away from all the tourist crowds and noise. Up late and looking for something to do? I recommend McSorley’s Old Ale House in the East Village. It’s the oldest pub in America and guaranteed to be a good time.
The hotel is on the small side with only 14 floors of guest rooms. The main entrance and hotel restaurant (Antinori Restaurant and Bar) are located on the ground level. The lobby, registration desk, gift shop and business center are all located on the second level. The hotel gym is located on the third level and the guest rooms are located on floors 4 – 44 (not all the floors are guest room floors). There are three elevators to service the entire hotel. The elevators are small and during peak times, can be excruciatingly slooow.
Check-in was quick and easy, the front desk agents were friendly and helpful and the signature DoubleTree cookie was warm and delicious.
On this trip, I booked a standard “city view” king bed room and upon check-in, I was upgraded to a standard “river view” king bed room on the 44th floor as a HHonors Gold. Like most hotel rooms in New York, this room was tiny (but well decorated). At 250 square feet, the room was appointed with a comfortable king size bed, flat screen television, small desk, coffee maker, security safe and a large window with views of the Hudson River (I think). There’s not much “free space” in the room and I don’t know if a roll-away bed would fit in here. The rooms are great for business travelers and couples but I don’t think they would be great for families. There are no mini-fridges or microwaves.
Because there are only a handful of rooms on each floor, they are stacked close to each other and you will hear your neighbors in the hallways. Bring ear plugs.
And as small as the rooms were, the bathrooms were exponentially smaller. The sink, toilet and shower stall were all cramped into a tiny space and unless one of you is in the shower, this bathroom isn’t big enough for two people to use. Aroma Actives bath and body products were provided in the bathrooms.
Other hotel amenities included a business center located in the lobby and a pretty standard hotel gym. There is no pool/jacuzzi or Executive Lounge here. Gold and Diamond members receive a complimentary breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant. The fitness center had a couple of benches, free weights, a Precor multi-station and several treadmills and ellipticals. It wasn’t much but enough to get your sweat on before hitting the town.
On this trip, I took advantage of the breakfast buffet twice and it was pretty decent. Breakfast included continental items such as fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt and cereal and hot items such as scrambled eggs, bacon/sausage and pancakes.
Overall, the DoubleTree Financial District was a decent stay and I would recommend it to anyone traveling on a tighter budget. The employees were friendly and helpful and the location was close to several major NYC landmarks. It’s not the most centrally located hotel in Manhattan or the most New York chic, but you’ll save a few bucks and be able to spend that money on other things.
