Inside America’s most exclusive hotel: TriBeCa Penthouse at The Greenwich Hotel

FORGET the glitz and bling of New York’s old-school hotels – this unusual new penthouse in downtown Manhattan is currently the hottest stay in the city.

Inside America’s most exclusive hotel

STEP inside the sprawling TriBeCa Penthouse at The Greenwich Hotel and you’ll forget you’re in New York almost instantly.

A night in this exclusive sanctuary will set you back at least $15,000 US. For that sort of money, you might expect chandeliers, a butler, and solid gold doorknobs.

But the TriBeCa Penthouse, which opened earlier this year, has none of those things. Instead, it offers something even more valuable to its A-list clientele: genuine peace and quiet in The City That Never Sleeps.

A few years ago, The Greenwich Hotel’s owners – who include Robert De Niro – decided to build a penthouse that transported guests away from the bustle of downtown Manhattan.

The hotel’s drawing room.

They enlisted Belgian designer Axel Vervoordt and Japanese architect Tatsuro Miki to create a serene two-storey residence atop the hotel.

Using materials like antique wood from Japan, centuries-old stone from upstate New York, and even metal from the Louvre building in Paris, the two men constructed a penthouse that is both subtle and deeply luxurious.

Inside, there are two large living spaces – both with fireplaces – plus a full-sized chef’s kitchen, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and three bedrooms, including a master suite.

Wandering through the hushed rooms, which are adorned with beautiful minimalist furniture, it’s impossible not to feel calmed.

You can really appreciate the care that has gone into the penthouse’s construction. And there are historical surprises around every corner.

The living room.

In the master bedroom, a 19th-century walnut tabletop has been repurposed as a headboard. In the adjoining bathroom, an 18th-century European farm trough has been transformed into a deep soaking tub.

Outside, a 4,000-square-foot terrace – huge by New York standards – features lush gardens, a spa pool, and a wood-burning fireplace, not to mention views across the Manhattan rooftops.

Even the outdoor areas feel far removed from the frenetic city streets below. The winding garden paths and wisteria-wrapped pergolas could easily belong in the Japanese countryside.

Of course, not everyone can stay in the TriBeCa Penthouse. Luckily, for those on a more modest budget, a night in one of The Greenwich’s 88 gorgeous rooms still offers plenty of extraordinary surprises.

For a start, the rooms are all unique. Some include hand-loomed Tibetan silk rugs, while others are inlaid with Moroccan tile. Your bathroom might feature Italian marble or hand-made terracotta floors.

The bedroom.

And there are dozens more classy touches. The beds, from Swedish brand Duxiana, are top-of-the-range. The minibar – which is stocked with cult American snacks and sodas – is completely free. And the toiletries, from New York specialist Red Flower, were developed especially for The Greenwich’s patrons.

Downstairs, a secluded drawing room full of attentive wait-staff opens onto a lush green courtyard. Also on site: a pristine swimming pool, lit by lanterns, and the Shibui Spa, which offers Japanese bathing rituals and exquisite massages.

Feel like something a bit more active? Borrow one of The Greenwich’s bespoke bicycles, crafted by Detroit luxury brand Shinola, and meander through nearby Hudson River Park.

The mood of the hotel changes with the seasons. With winter approaching in New York, guests are currently being treated to roaring log fires and hot cocoa. At Christmas, families staying in suites will be able to decorate fresh Christmas trees supplied by management.

But one thing that’s on offer throughout the year is privacy. The Greenwich does not allow photography on the premises, and areas like the drawing room are off-limits to the general public.

So it’s no surprise that pop singers and movie stars stay at the hotel so frequently. For them, The Greenwich is a sanctuary in a city full of fans and paparazzi.

For the rest of us, it’s a rare chance to experience true luxury. Whether you’re famous or not, a night in this hotel will make you feel special indeed.

The writer stayed as a guest of The Greenwich Hotel.

The view.