One stylish Seaport hotel, a few memorable meals, and a reminder that sometimes the best escape is just across the river.
Sometimes the best getaway doesn’t require a plane ticket, a packed itinerary, or even much planning. For our anniversary, my husband and I decided to rediscover New York City, trading our usual routine for a little downtown luxury at 33 Hotel in the historic Seaport District.
And what a perfect place to start.
There’s something special about this corner of Manhattan. Cobblestone streets, waterfront views, historic architecture, and the unmistakable energy of New York come together in a neighborhood that somehow manages to feel both lively and relaxed. Tucked into it all, 33 Hotel offers a stylish retreat that feels sophisticated without trying too hard.
From the moment we arrived, the staff made an impression. Warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, they delivered the kind of hospitality that feels personal rather than rehearsed. It’s a small distinction, but one that can make all the difference in a hotel stay.
Our room was equally impressive. Modern design, plush linens, beautiful bath amenities, and a spacious marble bathroom with double vanities gave everything an elevated, luxurious feel. The bed was dangerously comfortable—the kind that has you reconsidering your checkout time before you’ve even unpacked.
But the real showstopper was our private terrace.
With inviting lounge seating and sweeping views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, it felt like having our own little piece of New York. The Brooklyn Bridge and surrounding architecture provided a spectacular backdrop, whether we were enjoying the afternoon sunshine or simply taking a moment to appreciate the city from above. In a place that rarely slows down, we found ourselves doing exactly that.
And isn’t that what a getaway is supposed to be about?
Cocktails, Conversation & an Unexpected Favorite
Of course, no anniversary weekend is complete without a proper cocktail.
We made our way to Urban Cove Society & Kitchen, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, where the welcoming atmosphere and excellent service made it easy to settle in and stay awhile.
The cocktail lineup included an espresso martini and a Three Card Monte, both a fun way to kick off the evening. The bartenders were knowledgeable, personable, and refreshingly enthusiastic about their craft.
Then came a little discovery: the 2022 KiKi & Juan Orange Wine.
Orange wine? I’ll admit, it was a first for me. Despite the name, it isn’t made from oranges, but rather white grapes fermented with their skins, creating its distinctive amber color and character.
I love stumbling upon something I’ve never tried before, especially when it turns out to be a pleasant surprise. Consider me officially introduced.
More Than a Beautiful Place to Stay
While our visit was strictly for pleasure, 33 Hotel also understands the needs of guests mixing business with leisure.
The hotel offers convenient business services through its front desk, including printing and scanning assistance. It’s a thoughtful convenience for today’s traveler—whether you’re catching up on work between meetings or stretching a business trip into a well-deserved weekend.
Location is another major advantage. The Financial District is nearby, while the Seaport’s restaurants, boutiques, waterfront attractions, and historic streets are practically at your doorstep. It’s an ideal starting point for exploring downtown Manhattan while keeping the rest of the city within reach.
One especially meaningful detail was the hotel’s participation in Taste of the Seaport, a neighborhood event supporting the local elementary school. During the event, 33 Hotel contributed light fare, with proceeds benefiting the school.
It was a lovely reminder that great hospitality isn’t limited to the guests checking in. Being part of the surrounding community matters, too.
The following morning, we enjoyed a relaxed breakfast at the hotel—avocado toast for me, eggs over easy with sourdough for my husband, and, naturally, plenty of coffee and espresso.
Before heading out, I took one more look at that incredible view.
33 Hotel strikes a wonderful balance between New York sophistication and genuine comfort. Stylish enough for a special occasion, welcoming enough to feel like home, and perfectly located for both business and pleasure.
For an anniversary, a weekend escape, or simply an excuse to spend a little more time in the city, it’s a place worth remembering.
Forno D’Oro: A Little Naples, a Lot of New York
Some restaurants serve great food. Others give you an entire experience. Forno D’Oro manages to do both, with a little Italian attitude thrown in for good measure.
Our Sunday visit came with an unexpected soundtrack: a live DJ bringing energy to the dining room and setting the stage for a lunch that felt more like a celebration.
But let’s talk about the food, because that’s where Forno D’Oro really shines.
The Margherita pizza was the undeniable star of the table. Beautifully prepared, with that unmistakable Neapolitan influence, it reminded me why the simplest Italian dishes are often the most impressive when done right.
Even better, Forno D’Oro offers its pizza in both traditional round and square styles, giving guests a little variety while staying true to the spirit of Italian pizza-making.
There’s something wonderful about a pizza that doesn’t need a dozen toppings to impress. A beautifully baked crust, bright tomato, fresh mozzarella, and the right balance of flavors are more than enough. And here, the Margherita absolutely delivered.
Then came the carbonara.
The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, with just enough bite, and coated in a silky, beautifully rich sauce. You could actually see the golden tint of the egg woven throughout, creating that luxurious texture a proper carbonara should have. Flavorful and satisfying without becoming overwhelmingly heavy, it was a dish that deserved every bite.
A Bloody Mary added to the Sunday mood, while the music kept the atmosphere lively.
What I especially loved was the restaurant’s authentic Italian personality. The hospitality, the pride in the food, and the unmistakable nod to Naples gave the experience an appealing sense of character.
The staff made us feel welcome, and there was an easygoing warmth to the entire afternoon. Nothing felt overly formal or fussy, yet the attention to the food was evident.
It was the kind of lunch where you arrive hungry, stay longer than planned, and leave already thinking about what you’ll order next time.
Forno D’Oro reminded me that great Italian dining doesn’t need to be complicated. Give me a fantastic Margherita, an expertly prepared carbonara, some good music, and people who clearly love what they do.
Tutto bene. Actually, molto bene.
Zoi NoMad: A Mediterranean Evening in Manhattan
Our anniversary dinner brought us to Zoi NoMad, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with an inviting dining room and a lively New York atmosphere.
The menu offered a range of familiar Mediterranean favorites, and we enjoyed sampling several dishes throughout the evening.
Warm bread and an assortment of spreads made for an easy beginning, followed by grilled skewers and a saucy rigatoni. The meal was accompanied by a bottle of 2020 Château de Sales Pomerol, a lovely addition to our anniversary celebration.
While Zoi didn’t quite become the culinary highlight of our weekend, the setting provided a pleasant backdrop for a night out in the city.
Sometimes a restaurant visit is as much about the occasion and the company as it is about the food, and this was certainly an evening to enjoy being together.
With its energetic atmosphere and Mediterranean menu, Zoi NoMad offers another option for those looking to settle in for dinner in one of Manhattan’s busiest neighborhoods.
