Most days, the Financial District means office buildings, lunch breaks and dodging commuters. But a staycation at M Social Hotel New York Downtown reminded me there’s plenty to enjoy here beyond being chained to a desk at my 9-to-5.
It took some convincing from a friend to get me out of bed for an early morning run along the Hudson River. I could still feel the previous evening’s sangria at Beast & Butterflies with every stride. But as the sun rose, the sky turned shades of pink, peach and lavender, casting a soft glow over Manhattan’s skyline. I wished I could bottle up those colors and keep them forever.
Getting out of bed was worth it. And to think, this was the same neighborhood I overlook time and time again, just a few blocks from my office.
Working in the Financial District can feel like living on autopilot. Get off the train, dodge the crowds, swipe your badge and settle in for the day. Around 1 p.m., grab lunch at DIG or Whole Foods. If your work wives are around, perhaps sneak in a happy hour before 5 p.m. Then it’s back on the train to do it all again.
When friends visit New York, I’m more likely to take them off the beaten path to Jackson Heights, Queens (an underrated gem, if you ask me), or to the Upper East Side if they’re after a more classic NYC experience. Rarely would I suggest spending an afternoon near my office. But this staycation reminded me that Downtown Manhattan deserves more credit.
Every New York borough has neighborhoods worth exploring, each with its own personality, history and food scene. The Financial District is no exception. Sometimes, all it takes is a night away from your usual routine to appreciate what’s been right in front of you.
That was the appeal of M Social Hotel New York Downtown, my home for the night. Formerly the Millennium Downtown New York, the hotel recently underwent a major renovation. With a redesigned lobby, striking views and a Spanish-inspired restaurant, it offers a different way to experience Lower Manhattan.
A Room with a View at M Social Hotel New York Downtown
M Social Hotel New York Downtown might not wow you at street level, but don’t judge this hotel by its entrance. Between the warm welcome from the staff and the views that get better as you make your way up, the hotel begins to show its personality.
The redesigned third-floor lobby has comfortable lounge seating and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Oculus. Across the street, the transit hub’s white ribs stretch between towering office buildings, with One World Trade Center rising behind them. It’s a striking view of a neighborhood where glass skyscrapers seem to compete for every inch of sky.
There’s also a connection to the Oculus that you might miss if you’re too busy looking out the windows. According to the hotel team, the lobby ceiling takes inspiration from the transit hub’s architecture, bringing a little piece of the neighborhood indoors.
But the real showstopper was waiting in my room on the 51st floor.
One World Trade Center dominated the skyline, its glass facade catching the afternoon light. Below, I could make out the Oculus and the 9/11 Memorial’s reflecting pools. In the other direction, the Brooklyn Bridge stretched across the East River as sunlight danced on the water.
From this height, it’s hard not to feel small against the vastness of the city. I could have spent hours touring New York with my eyes, spotting familiar landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and watching people weave through the streets far below.
And according to the hotel team, there’s more to look for from the upper floors. Guests can spot architectural details of the Woolworth Building, which held the title of the world’s tallest building from 1913 to 1930, and St. Paul’s Chapel, a Colonial-era church where George Washington once worshiped. Even for someone who works in the neighborhood, those are the kinds of details that make you want to take another look.
Inside, the room had everything I needed for a comfortable stay: fluffy queen-size beds, warm bedside lighting and a large mural of the New York Stock Exchange that gave the space a little FiDi personality.
Exploring Downtown Manhattan, From the Hudson River to Mercer Labs
Of course, you can’t spend an entire staycation staring out the window, no matter how good the view.
The Hudson River waterfront, where our morning run took place, is a short distance from the hotel. Whether you’re jogging or walking, the waterfront paths offer sweeping views and a welcome change from the busy streets. Go early enough, and you might catch the city at its prettiest.
Closer to the hotel, the Oculus is worth seeing even if you’ve passed through it countless times. Architect Santiago Calatrava designed the soaring white structure, whose curved ribs resemble a giant bird spreading its wings.
Nearby, the 9/11 Memorial offers a meaningful place for reflection. Two reflecting pools mark the footprints of the original World Trade Center towers.
For something completely different, head to Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology, just a short walk from M Social Hotel New York Downtown. The immersive museum engages your senses, from sight and sound to touch and even smell. In one room, delicate pink and white blossoms spread across the walls and floor, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a botanical garden. Elsewhere, mirrors stretch seemingly into infinity, while flickering red lights make another room feel like the set of a music video. There’s even a ball pit where adults can forget about their bills and responsibilities for a little while.
Dinner at Beast & Butterflies Downtown
Like most New York neighborhoods, the Financial District has plenty of good places to eat. There’s the historic Fraunces Tavern, Sam’s Falafel Stand near Zuccotti Park, where vegetarians can dig into a generously loaded falafel platter, and The Dead Rabbit, where Irish pub fare and expertly made cocktails draw a crowd.
Exploring a neighborhood through its food is half the fun, but after a full day out, sometimes you just want a good dinner without another trek across town.
Fortunately, Beast & Butterflies Downtown, the Spanish-inspired restaurant at M Social Hotel New York Downtown, is more than a convenient option. The restaurant also got a refresh as part of the hotel’s renovation, and its team brings experience from José Andrés restaurants and Hudson Mercato. So if you’re craving Spanish tapas, you don’t have to venture far.
Inside, marble-topped tables and greenery set the scene, while dramatic red curtains ripple across the ceiling, somewhere between a flamenco dancer’s swirling skirt and a matador’s cape.
Start with a drink, of course. The Butterfly is a gin and tonic made with Gin Mare, butterfly pea tea ice, lotus root, rosemary and Mediterranean tonic. It arrives in a vivid shade of purple, practically begging for a photo before the first sip.
For a little Spanish flair, order a pitcher of sangria (just don’t plan an early morning run the next day) or try drinking wine from a porrón, a traditional glass vessel that lets you pour wine directly into your mouth without touching the spout. It sounds easy until you’re the one trying to aim.
I’m already making a mental note to bring my work wives back for happy hour once the staycation is over.
As for the food, start with a few small plates for the table. Get the Spanish Seared Octopus, served with roasted fingerling potatoes and scallion mojo verde. The octopus is tender, with a slight char that pairs nicely with the earthy potatoes and herby sauce.
The Roasted Brussels are worth ordering, too. They arrive with charred edges, manchego crema and crunchy garlic croutons that look like your usual bread cubes but deliver a surprise with the first bite. And don’t skip the Garlic Tiger Shrimp, served in garlicky oil with bread for fare la scarpetta, the Italian tradition of mopping up every last drop of sauce.
For mains, the menu covers everything from The Beast Burger to Bravas Chicken, The Rustic Steak and Catalan Salmon. The salmon is particularly good, with a crispy-seared exterior that gives way to tender fish. Caramelized vegetables bring a delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors.
And here’s something you might not expect: rather than simply putting a New York spin on Spanish classics, the kitchen does the reverse.
Food and Beverage Director George Seremetis explained that the team brings Spanish flavors to familiar New York favorites. The Spanish Dog, for example, swaps the usual hot dog sausage for chistorra, served in a brioche bun with caramelized onions, garlic aioli and Spanish pico de gallo. The Chicken Caesar Salad uses Manchego from Spain’s La Mancha region in place of Parmesan.
Even The Beast Burger gets the treatment, with Serrano ham jam, smoky Idiazabal sheep’s milk cheese from the Basque region and crushed tomato inspired by pan con tomate. It’s a fun reminder that Spanish influence doesn’t have to mean ordering only tapas.
Most of the dishes work well for sharing, especially with a larger group. If it’s just the two of you, though, a few tapas and one main to split should do the trick. Just leave room for dessert.
The Basque Cheesecake has a caramelized top and a creamy center that practically melts on your tongue. A seasonal fruit compote adds a little tartness to balance the richness.
And when dinner is over, there’s no need to hail a cab or catch the subway. Your plush hotel bed is just an elevator ride away.
M Social Hotel New York Downtown
Address: 55 Church Street, New York, NY 10007
