To many people New York City and Manhattan are synonymous. In fact, New York City is Manhattan. Some tourists fail to distinguish between the two. They emerge from their boutique hotels in Manhattan proclaiming “I love New York” when actually they should be saying “I love Manhattan.” If you doubt this, consider the attractions the Island has to offer beginning with the Financial District.
The Financial District
The Financial District is on Manhattan. It is where Wall Street has a prominent position in reality and in people’s imagination. It is here you can visit a museum dedicated to the history of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). More people, however, are interested in obtaining one of the free tickets to get into the gallery overlooking the floor.
The Financial District is also about banks. To some visitors staying in boutique hotels, this is all about money. Others are there for history and architecture. The district combines both successfully. Consider the following:
- The Bank of New York: it has a magnificent art deco lobby
- City Hall: It has been home to local government since it was built in 1812
- The Standard Oil Building: built in 1922 for John D. Rockefeller, it currently houses the Museum of Financial history
- Customs Building – from 1907, this structure is home to the National Museum of the American Indian
- Trinity Church: With its 280 ft-high bell tower was completed in 1846 and declared the tallest building in New York City. In addition to wonderful music concerts, it is home to a small museum containing church artifacts.
- Battery Park: home to Castle Clinton a fortification built in 1811 at the edge of the Park although originally some 900-feet off shore
- The Federal Reserve Bank: You can ogle the immense bank vault or visit the museum exploring the history of money
- Bowling Green: This park is home to the must-see statue – a huge bronze charging bull
- Woolworth Building: This neo-gothic structure by Cass Gilbert (1858-1934), with its wonderfully preserved lobby, appeared in the skyscape in 1913. At 792 feet, it was said to be the tallest building – taller than Trinity Church. It remained as such until the construction of the Chrysler Building in 1930.
Other Districts to Explore
The Financial District is one part of many aspects that make Manhattan one of the best places to stay in boutique hotels. Depending upon the length of your stay, you could consider visiting the Lower East Side, SoHo, Tribeca, the East Village, Greenwich, Chelsea and the Flat Iron District. These are but a few possibilities. Manhattan truly does have a neighborhood to suit all tastes.
Whether your preference is for anonymous chains or elegant boutique hotels, Manhattan can offer you a place to stay. Better still, they can tell you where to go to enjoy yourself. When in Manhattan, it is natural and expected that you take a bite out of what some call New York, but is really Manhattan.
If you are searching for the best of the Boutique Hotels in Manhattan consider what Viana Hotel and Spa has to offer you.
