Waterfront Gem: AC Hotel Downtown, NYC

There’s no denying that New York City is a coveted tourist destination. There are world-class restaurants, museums, and attractions. But when it comes to deciding on a hotel, the plethora of options can be daunting. It can be hard to figure out where to stay in New York.

During my many New York City stays, I have fallen for the Financial District as a gem for tourists. My recent stay with my siblings at the AC Hotel Downtown made our stay so convenient and fun.

Where to Stay

The AC hotel had a lovely lobby that was spacious and accommodating. Many NYC hotels, especially those central to the city have tiny lobbies and hardly any seating. This was not the case at the AC hotel. The lobby was very clean and spacious enough for guests to space out while checking in and they offered numerous elevators to provide social distancing as we went up to our room. Our room was tucked at the end of the hall and offered a great view of Brooklyn and the ferries below.

Located just a short walk to the vibrant Seaport District downtown, we had access to various coffee shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Many restaurants have adapted to outdoor dining and we felt comfortable in all of the spaces we visited.

Attractions

Seaport District had so much to offer. We spent hours walking around and eating and taking in the views by the pier. Whether you are visiting or a local, this up-and-coming area has evolved in the past few years. I appreciated the variety of places to eat and drink. They offered free outdoor workouts by the pier during the week on and on the weekend. If the fitness center the AC hotel has to offer isn’t enough for you, it’s a great way to mix things up for your trip. Here are some places I would recommend checking out for food and drinks. There are many local restaurants just outside of the seaport area easily walkable from the hotel as well.

• Capo Capo Cafe is a cute cafe with kind staff and great coffee, gelato, and crepes. We stopped by several times during our stay.
• Garden Bar is a great outdoor bar drapped in florals and lighting that is enchanting during the day or night. Seating is available at tables nearby or directly at the bar.
• Big Gay Ice Cream was a great respite tucked away from the busier square and filled with helpful staff. Their paletas were delicious!
• Fulton Stall Market offered great options for fresh produce and inque products or souveniors.
• In the winter, check out the Winter Wonderland for a beautiful glasshouse setting for cocktails and dinner.

Other Places Visited

Often downtown isn’t popular for visitors because of the distance from many other parts of Manhattan. One tip is to make a day of the area you are staying in. In our case, we woke up and had our Capo Capo coffees, and ventured off each day. We traveled to Harlem, Hudson Yards area, SOHO, Brooklyn, and even made a visit to Jersey. Planning out where you want to visit and transportation maximizes your time and uber or subway fare. We were lucky that the weather was pleasant and we could walk, but in the winter this tip is especially important.

• 

• 

• 

Some places we enjoyed were:

• Rennaisance Harlem had the most delicious food. They offered a fusion menu that did not dissapoint. From teh lobster rissoto to the chicken and waffles, were enjoyed every bite and drink. Highly recommend the trip to Harlem for their great food and service.
• Dover Street Market has been an online seller I have liked, but the shopping experience was great. They offer personal shopping aids and multiple levels of brands to shop from. Make sure to check their website for sales so you can save on designer pieces. They also offer a small cafe area so you can replenish after working up an appetite.
• Hudson Yards Mall was massive. There is always so much hype about the honeycomb structure and park area, but the mall behind it was massive and offered many stores to shop from and retaurants to eat in. The main attacration was the Edge-a unique experience at the top of the mall that allows you to get a breathtaking view of New York.

Overall, my experience at AC hotel was so pleasant. I appreciated how close sights and attractions were and how easily I could get to Brooklyn from where we stayed. The staff was very accommodating to our needs. I would likely stay there again and recommend it to others.