Designed to Travel: An Inside Look at Casa Cipriani New York
Interiors maven Christine Gachot and her husband, John, open up their travel diaries and share little-known secrets about a spectacular getaway
Located at the southern tip of Manhattan in the landmark Battery Maritime Building, Casa Cipriani is one of the city’s most impressive and certainly most exclusive private clubs. Celebrities, the fashion set, athletes, and local elites enjoy a membership that has become the stuff of insider legend—but the setting is the real star.
Perched over the East River, with breathtaking views stretching across New York Harbor to the Statue of Liberty, it’s one of those places so spectacular you almost can’t believe what you’re seeing. Boats, seaplanes, helicopters, and ferries crisscross the sky and water. People come and go from Governors Island, while the massive Staten Island Ferry, in its signature orange, glides through the foreground. It is quintessentially New York and completely surreal.
The design is perfect. You feel as though you’ve boarded a glamorous old-world ocean liner and somehow never left Manhattan. Designed by the legendary Thierry Despont, it is immediately clear that no expense was spared. Marine-grade polished finishes are everywhere, while the building’s exposed metal architecture only adds to the ship-like quality. Every surface has been kissed with luxury. No drywall here, folks! This is Halcyon Days luxury: polished, romantic, unapologetically glamorous, and from another era.
And all of this is just for members? Well, I’ve got a little secret: check into the hotel and, during your stay, the club is yours. Cocktails on the terrace overlooking the Statue of Liberty, a delicious dinner in one of the most beautiful dining rooms in New York, nightcaps and music in the jazz club, the wonderful spa and fitness center, and, perhaps best of all, the most fabulous team taking care of you. For a few days, you’re on the inside.
Making an entrance…
As we pull into the discreet underbelly of the building, we are welcomed and quietly ushered into the club’s lower lobby. Hotel guests have their own arrival desk, where Adam greets us by name and graciously lets us know that we’ve been upgraded to the Presidential Suite, compliments of the house. Now, I never let anyone know I’m writing about an experience before I arrive. You never know if a property will be a good fit, and there are no negative reviews here, only the good ones. But in the spirit of full disclosure, I do have a close friend on the team who knew John and I were coming for a little staycation. It pays to still have those hospitality friendships!
Adam offers to show us to our rock-star Presidential Suite before we head for drinks and dinner. The corridors are designed in full luxury-liner mode, portholes and all. Against all of that rich brown wood, the red leather handrails are perfect. I wish I had thought of that one! Adam opens the door, and John and I both have a “what is happening?” moment. Sweeping views, a wraparound terrace, multiple comfortable seating areas, a beautiful dining table, an enormous bedroom, and a bath that feels like the ultimate in residential luxury. And the closet… Goals, let’s just say. John looks at me and literally says, “I think this is one of your best connections ever.” It is truly drop-dead stunning.
Rest your head…
After lovely martinis served in charming, slightly unconventional little glasses, a delicious dinner, and dessert (I’ll get to that delight), we retreat to our suite and somehow end up snuggled into the extra-deep sofa overlooking the lights on the river. Pure bliss. We honestly fell asleep right there. We wake from our little nap and step onto the terrace for one last look at the spectacular view before bed. A huge storm has rolled in, and the lightning over the water is dramatic and completely mesmerizing. We wind up sitting at the dining table, watching it all unfold, totally enthralled by the beauty of the setting. It is truly magical.
Eventually, the rain puts us to bed. The calming sound of the drops against the windows, the incredibly comfortable bed, luxurious bedding, and perhaps the delicious wine all conspire to deliver one of the best hotel sleeps ever.
Don’t miss…
Late-night cocktails in the Jazz Café are so special. What is extraordinary about Casa Cipriani is how effortlessly you flow from one perfect venue to the next—cocktails on the terrace, dinner, then late-night jazz. It all feels completely natural, an invitation to experience every part of the property without ever feeling overly programmed.
Just like the spaces themselves, there is a grace and ease to it all. So don’t miss any of it. Try it all. Stay for one more drink, listen to one more song, and let the night unfold.
Come hungry, come thirsty…
We decide to dine in the Pickering Room, tucked into a cozy corner, discreet and private, but with just enough of a view for some excellent people-watching. We started with the crudo and shared a seasonal salad. Everything was thoughtful, simple, and absolutely delicious. The spaghetti is not to be missed, it was John’s absolute favorite. I had the eggplant—warm melted cheese and a lovely sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
But for me, it was dessert that stole the show. I’m still dreaming about it, and I don’t even have much of a sweet tooth. But when I saw made-to-order frozen yogurt on the menu, I had to give it a try. Showstopper!
Tangy and sweet, served in a dish for two with honey and homemade preserves on the side. I would honestly apply for a full membership just to have this dessert again. Award-winning in my book. And then there’s the wine. The list is extensive, and we fell so hard for a Burgundy that we later ordered a case for home. The service throughout was generous, kind, and downright fun—the kind that makes you want to linger a little longer, order one more glass—never quite ready to call it a night. And the good news is you don’t have to. Move on to the West Terrace for late-night drinks and a little scene, or slip into the Jazz Café for live music. There’s always somewhere else to go and another reason to stay.
That extra mile…
Okay, so I’ve already revealed that I was upgraded to the Presidential Suite, but it turns out this isn’t such a rare occurrence. Upgrades are generously offered whenever possible; the team genuinely wants to create an unforgettable guest experience, and if they can make your stay more special, they will. That spirit extends well beyond the room. The team can handle every reservation and curate a completely personalized itinerary, from spa appointments to dinner reservations and suggestions for how best to spend an evening. But nothing feels overly programmed. Change your mind, pivot at the last minute, decide you’d rather stay in or head out, and they will happily accommodate you.
And they really know everyone. Remember, this is a members’ club, so knowing the regulars is part of the culture. What’s remarkable is that they make the same effort with hotel guests, quickly learning who you are, what you like, and how you want to spend your time. It’s thoughtful, intuitive hospitality without the fuss, the kind of service that makes you feel less like a hotel guest and more like you’re already in the club.
The takeaway…
Well, now that you’re in the know, book a room and prepare to live like a member at one of New York’s most exclusive private clubs. The guest experience is truly next level, the food is outstanding, the views are breathtaking, and the dreamy notion that you’re docked aboard a luxury ocean liner in one of the sexiest ports in the world is completely transportive. It’s pure, luxurious magic, with a whole lot of fun thrown in.
And really, isn’t that the point?
Next time…
Next time, I’m definitely booking a few spa treatments and taking full advantage of the fitness facilities. The spa offers an extensive menu of wellness treatments, and here’s another insider tip: you don’t have to be a member or even a hotel guest to book one. I’m already planning to make a day of it. Now—if I can just figure out how to get the fro-yo delivered to the spa, I may never leave.