Casa Cipriani New York

Family Holiday

We had a wonderful six-night stay at Casa Cipriani New York and truly enjoyed our experience.

Great

Very clean

Thank you for everything and for making this moment so special for us.

A cosy spot let down by rude staff

First of all, the good things: the renovated building, which takes up half of an old ferry port, is beautiful. The look is early twentieth century nautical, with porthole mirrors on the doors, lacquered dark wood in the corridors and bathrooms, and beautiful art deco designs in the club. What’s more, the gentlemen who dealt with luggage, some of the front of house staff, the housekeeping staff we chatted to, and the waiting staff at breakfast were really lovely—welcoming and kind and fun! But sadly the stay was badly let down by some of the other staff. The property has a strict policy that you can’t take any photos anywhere in any of the public areas, whether or not there are other guests around. However, there are no signs to tell you about this, nor are you informed about it at check-in. Despite it being an unusual policy, it seems you are supposed to simply sense it on the basis of nothing whatsoever. We came back to the hotel around 10pm on our first night and the lobby was empty of guests, so we went to take a couple of photos of the room as a nice record to look back on, unaware that this wasn’t allowed. Before we could so much as raise our camera phones, one of the receptionists started shouting at us in a hectoring manner as if they were speaking to a naughty schoolchild or misbehaving dog. It became clear they didn’t think we could possibly be staying there, shouting incredulously and patronisingly ‘are you even staying with us?’. We were, of course, but either way, it was a completely unacceptable way to speak to anyone, guest or visitor. However, they only mentioned that photography is forbidden in the lobby, so when we got to breakfast in the morning, and the restaurant area was deserted, we took a couple of photos as well. The maitre d’ approached and said, ‘I’d like to remind you of the photography policy’. I explained that no one had told us of any such policy, and they said very rudely ‘well, I’m telling you now’. I completely understand why they might wish to have such a policy, since they seem very attached to their celebrity guests, for whom the property seems largely designed, and perhaps it’s even reasonable not to advertise you have it or inform people in advance of infractions what the policy is; what isn’t reasonable is to have the policy, fail to advertise it, and then rudely tell off guests who’ve paid a lot to stay there for a special occasion for violating the unspoken policy, making them feel unwelcome and belittled. It’s a real shame, as this could be a lovely, cosy place to stay with a unique vantage point over the water to Brooklyn and Governors’ Island. I’d suggest the management ask the housekeeping staff and waiting staff to train some of the reception staff and the maitre d’ how to be kind and welcoming and light-hearted with people who come to stay with them. I’ve stayed in many hotels, some at the Casa Cipriani price point, some above, some below, and I’ve never once been spoken to as I was during this stay.

Elegance and tranquility

Wonderful

From the room, the bed, the dinner.

Exhilarating experience. Always a go to!

Very different from any place in New York. Calm Environment, good people and Serene spaces.