New York’s First Wall Street Hotel, the Andas

If you thought, that Wall Street is deserted after dark and on weekends when all the money-spinning worker bees have gone home, think again. The area has become very lively at all hours, with new bars, clubs and restaurants springing up everywhere. Taking advantage of this new development, Hyatt has opened the first ever hotel with an address directly on Wall Street, i.e. the Andaz located at 75 Wall Street.

The hotel is remarkable for several reasons: first, of course, the unique location. Secondly the hotel is located in a building which was erected to house Barclay’s Bank in 1985. So, you can actually sleep in a bank. Being an ex-bank means, that the rooms and particularly the bathrooms are extremely ample by New York standards.

Following the general trend, the hotel is minimalist, something I normally do not enjoy. I like a hotel to be a cozy home from home not a cold art exhibition where I have to sit on rock hard sofas and bang my knees on sharp steel edged tables. The Andaz’s style has rounded edges, warm gold and brown colors and feels very comfortable and welcoming indeed. That’s the general philosophy of the stuff too: make the guest welcome. There is no reception desk, arriving guests are personally greeted by an employee at the door who, from a hand held computer, can find all their details and then accompanies them to their room.

The rainshower in the bathroom is to die for and the contents of the minibar – with the exception of alcohol – is included in the room price as are all the goodies in the bathroom. A spa provides 15 minute massages and other treatments as well as quick manicures and pedicures.

And the price? From $295 per night decidedly modest by New York standards. A great find. Even better is that the historical South Street Seaport is within walking distance in one direction and Ground Zero, where you can pay your respects, lies in the opposite direction.

Not far is the historical site of the buttonwood tree where the traders gathered and where in 1792 the Buttonwood Agreement came into being which later lead to the formation of the New York Stock Exchange. I looked, but couldn’t find a plaque for the original buttonwood tree. Another reason why, when I come back to New York, I’ll stay at the Andaz and look again.

Inka is German and used to be an international attorney with offices in London and Spain. Retired two years ago because I wanted to be a traveler and writer and now live between Didim/Turkey and Miami with plenty of travel in between. Next destinations: Istanbul, New York and Petra/Jordan. Inka’s first novel has just been published and can be found here