Review: Nine Orchard: First In

Why book? Located in one of NYC’s most energy-packed neighborhoods, Nine Orchard is the newest addition to the Lower East Side, offering impeccable design, VIP city views, an impressive cocktail scene plus food from superstar Ignacio Mattos. Set the scene: Originally built in 1912, Nine Orchard is a bank-turned-hotel complete with details that would make an architecture lover woozy. The team took painstaking efforts to restore the historic bones, with the main star being the original vaulted bank ceiling of the hotel’s cocktail lounge. Rivaling Grand Central Terminal’s impressive ceilings, it’s impossible not to be distracted by what you can see above while sipping your expert martini surrounded by stylish guests and neighborhood creatives. The rooms: Before you ever walk into one of the 116 guest rooms, you’ll notice all of them are labeled as an homage to NYC apartment living–2A, 4F. It helps live up to the task of a home away from home which the hotel goes for, but in this case, it’s more like your own home in this big city. It’s a nice fantasy here, too. Minimalist, chic design touches are everywhere, from the quality craftsmanship of the custom bed frames to the restored wall moldings, along with the dreamiest of mini bars stocked with luxury treats like Tony’s Chocolonely bars and bourbon whiskey from Kings County Distillery made one borough over in Brooklyn. Every room has a custom speaker system, programmed with New York-inspired radio stations created for the hotel by DJ Stretch Armstrong and Devon Turnbull. Room tip: If you’re looking for wrap-around views of the city (including peeks of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building), ample space, and a walk-in shower that dwarfs you, stay in 5K. Featuring a cozy king-sized bed and a generous sitting area, this corner room is a perfect slice of Nine Orchard. Food and drink: The food and beverage program is worthy of a visit even if you’re not staying at the property as a guest. Led by the talented Ignacio Mattos, of Mattos Hospitality, you’ll find two currently open dining spaces, with a third (Amado Grill) coming in the fall of 2022. For your first stop, hit the Lobby Lounge and don’t be embarrassed if you gasp as soon as you walk in;I certainly did. The old restored bank ceilings, rich velvet booths snaking through the center of the room, bar staff in white jackets mixing magical concoctions for guests’ delight—it all draws you into a world with competing elements of old timey flair and modern visual treats. There are a few light snack options on the menu, but don’t come here planning to eat: You’re here for the cocktails. And boy are there a lot of cocktails. Featuring over 20 different options, the menu offers everything from digestifs to martini service. If you’re looking for a cocktail recommendation, treat yourself to The Jardin, an expert mix of gin, cantaloupe, dill, aquavit, and lime. One important note: Be sure to make a reservation in advance to enjoy the Lobby Lounge. (The space isn’t large, but the wait list for those without a reservation definitely was.) After you’ve wet your whistle, head across the lobby to the Corner Bar where Mattos brings bistro classics like steak au prive and pomme frites served in a cozy room centered around an impressive 40-seat bar. All orders featured generous portion sizes—vegetarians be warned, meat and fish feature heavily throughout the menu. That said, a special shoutout goes to the spaghetti pomodoro, described by my waiter as tasting like it's from your favorite nonna’s kitchen, and one of the highlights of the meal. If you’re one who can’t leave without a sweet bite, don’t skip the crème brûlée. Served in a dish as large as your head, the rich decadence is the perfect finish to the evening. The neighborhood: Located on the corner of Orchard and Canal Street, the playground of the Lower East Side is at your fingertips. You can walk to a gluttonous selection of restaurants and bars, Chinatown and Little Italy attractions, and a personal favorite, the Tenement Museum. You also have your choice of subway access if you’re looking to explore additional NYC neighborhoods, with the A, C, and F trains a one minute walk from the hotel. The service: It’s relaxed and attentive. This isn’t the corner of the city for stiff white-gloved formality. The staff tended to be young and street stylish, with the front desk team being particularly warm and welcoming. I also had the pleasure of meeting Matt Moore, the General Manager, who was a fixture of the property during my stay and was armed with excellent neighborhood recommendations. For families: While the friendly staff and spacious rooms are certainly hospitable to families, the overall vibe takes its cues from the neighborhood–chic, cool, and largely for adults. Anything left to mention? A desirable city location can oftentimes come with undesirable city noises. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to pack a pair of earplugs or bring your favorite white noise device. Personally, as a self-proclaimed poor sleeper, the street noise truly wasn’t bad, but I could see peak summer weekends potentially causing some sleepless nights for the unprepared.