Four Seasons Downtown New York: Review
With business frequently taking us to New York, we’ve been searching for a hotel that could serve as our go-to base in the city. With so many luxurious options just miles apart, it’s been a challenge. This stay marked a new experience for us, as we typically stay uptown due to our offices and appointments being in that area. It’s convenient for work, but once business is done, the downtown hotspots we love to dine at seem far away. If you’re new to the city, what looks like a quick trip on the map can turn into a lengthy and costly journey, thanks to constant traffic and pricey Ubers.
That’s where this location shined. The Four Seasons New York Downtown is perfectly situated near iconic landmarks, Wall Street, and some of the city’s finest dining in Chelsea and the West Village. It’s also steps away from shopping in Soho and offers scenic waterfront walks nearby. For anyone needing proximity to Wall Street or the financial district, this is the ideal blend of luxury and convenience.
We rented a Tesla at the airport since we needed to make a few trips out of the city. When we pulled up to the Four Seasons, it was raining, and we quickly hopped out to grab our bags before the light turned green. The doorman immediately noticed us, rushed out, grabbed our luggage, and reassured my partner to leave the car—they’d handle it. It was a huge relief compared to the less attentive service we’ve encountered at other hotels in New York. Inside, another doorman guided us to check-in while preparing our bags. The check-in was seamless, and their warm and inviting atmosphere made us feel right at home. The lobby has an intimate, private feel that is both welcoming and luxurious.
Room:
Room was good, nothing crazy, as we opted to stay in a normal base city view room as we wouldn’t be in the room much but same comfortable beds they’re known for, stocked coffee bar, nice welcome madeline cookies amenity, good water pressure in the shower, nice and luxurious bath products.
Activities:
In a city like New York, with countless options, I’d recommend planning your own sightseeing and activities. While the hotel does offer things like helicopter tours, sunset harbor cruises, and personal training, the selection isn’t extensive. If you have kids, a fun option might be having the hotel prepare a picnic basket with baked goods for a curated day of sightseeing.
Restaurants on Property:
CUT: CUT & Spago are always among my favorite Wolfgang Puck spots, conveniently located at some of my go-to Four Seasons properties. Here at FS NY Downtown, CUT is the only restaurant, and they offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During the bar bites menu in the late afternoon, there weren’t any options that caught our eye, but true to FS style, the staff asked what we were in the mood for and crafted an off-menu salmon salad dish that was impeccably prepared, as if it had been on the menu all along. Dinner was exceptional, with some of the best meats, cocktails, and sides. The crispy cauliflower, a must-order from the CUT dining room, came out perfectly crispy.
What I love about CUT is the versatility—you can head to the lounge dressed casually and fit right in, or get dressed up for the dining room and feel perfectly suited for an upscale, high-end dining experience. Late nights at the lounge side, we enjoyed truffle fries and grilled cheeses with a nightcap, all of which were delicious.
As for cocktails, I had to ask for my favorite, "Indecent Exposure," a drink I first discovered at Spago in FS Maui. While it wasn’t on the menu here, the bartender knew exactly what I was referring to and expertly made it for me, thanks to Wolfgang Puck’s signature cocktails being shared across locations.
Beyond the food and drinks, CUT’s red lighting creates an undeniably sexy vibe, perfect for everything from a romantic cocktail with a date to casually sipping your favorite wine while people-watching. The glow of the red lights enhances the mood, making it feel both intimate and stylish, whether you're winding down or just enjoying the scene.
In-Room Dining:
We ordered breakfast through in-room dining each morning, and it didn’t disappoint. I loved that they offered fresh New York bagels daily. What really impressed me, though, was the variety of veggie-forward options. Unlike most high-end hotels that merely omit ingredients for a veggie dish, Four Seasons offers actual substitutions—think tofu scramble, Just Egg, and a variety of veggie sausages. They also had a selection of yogurts from vegan to coconut to Greek. And the silver dollar pancakes? Technically on the kids' menu, but we couldn’t resist ordering them—they were light, small, and delicious.
Spa:
One of my favorite parts of the hotel. They’re very accommodating and allow you to use the spa facilities even if you don’t have a service booked that day—unlike most resorts where spa access is service-only. This makes it so easy to head down each morning and night, grab a robe, and relax in the eucalyptus steam rooms, saunas, or freshen up with the provided toiletries. I loved taking a daily dip in the pool, then enjoying a steam cleanse and a refreshing rose water spray they provided. If you’re all into this, Four Seasons Vail Ski Resort offers a similar setup in their newly renovated spa.
If you do book a massage or facial, there's a tranquil waiting area typical of other luxury spas—light music, dried fruits and nuts, and a tea bar to unwind before or after your service. The spa was also well-stocked with everything from hair ties and brushes to lotion and essentials.
Spa Pool:
The indoor pool is a great temperature, and I love how it's right next to the gym and spa. However, my one pet peeve is the lifeguard. I understand why they need one, but in such a quiet space with very few people around, it feels awkward. Most of the time, it’s just you or maybe one or two others quietly reading or swimming, with the lifeguard just sitting there watching. It’s hard to fully relax with that dynamic.
Gym:
Conveniently situated next to the spa and pool, the gym was equipped with everything I needed for a productive workout during my stay. The spacious room allowed for comfortable solo exercise, and the large windows offered stunning views of downtown New York, making the experience more enjoyable.
Things We Liked at FS NY Downtown:
Complimentary access to the spa facilities, including steam rooms and saunas, even without booking a service.
if you need to be near Wall Street or close enough to the livelier dinner hotspots in downtown Manhattan, it’s a great location. The Four Seasons also offers a driving service within a reasonable range, making it easy to reach top restaurants just a few blocks away—another big plus.
Delicious room service breakfast with plenty of veggie options.
The food was excellent, and the bar and CUT restaurant had a sexy vibe at night.
The hotel felt warm, inviting, and had a sense of privacy.
The front door staff was exceptional. Compared to other hotels, like The Beekman, where it took 40 minutes, FS had our car ready in just 6 minutes. Whether it was valet, arranging a driver, or simply being helpful, the doormen were always on point.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind About FS NY Downtown:
If your trip is primarily uptown or midtown for business, staying here might feel a bit out of the way.
There’s only one restaurant on the property, CUT, but I found it more than enough for my few-day stay. Dinner offers a more extensive menu compared to lunch, and they also have separate lounge and late-night menus, as well as a dedicated breakfast menu. So, despite there being only one restaurant, you get a lot of variety. Plus, the staff is always willing to go off-menu if you’re craving something specific—they truly go the extra mile to accommodate your preferences. That said, if you’re looking for a completely different dining experience, you can always venture off-property or enjoy in-room dining.
In my opinion, this isn’t a hotel catered toward families with kids. It feels more suited for the corporate crowd, locals, or couples looking for a quieter, more refined experience.
Tips:
Make sure to take advantage of the concierge service when staying here—they can help secure reservations at popular restaurants that may be hard to book on your own. When you book your stay and the concierge reaches out, or vice versa, let them know which spots you're eyeing in the city, even if you can’t find your preferred times or dates online. While they couldn’t get us into super-exclusive spots like Torrisi or Polo Bar, they did manage to snag reservations at other top restaurants during peak dinner hours. A nice touch was that they reserved it under Four Seasons and used their credit card to secure spots that required a deposit. Definitely reach out as soon as you book your stay, because the city's hottest spots fill up fast!
Complimentary Services:
Lucid Air house car for local transportation
Premium Wi-Fi throughout the property
In-room iPad for accessing hotel services & messaging staff 24/7
Access to over 100 international newspapers digitally
Childproofing items available upon request
Cribs available for families traveling with infants
Pursuit Postscript:
This is the perfect high-end luxury hotel for a corporate business trip, complete with a sexy bar downstairs that sets the tone for evening drinks. It’s also an ideal spot for a couple’s weekend getaway—surrounded by hotspot restaurants and offering a lively, mood-lit bar. For locals, it’s a great choice for a spa staycation, where you can enjoy full access to the spa facilities and feel pampered. For us as a couple, it hit all the right notes. But as a family with kids? It wouldn’t be my top pick. The vibe is more geared toward high-end business travelers, couples, or locals who frequent the upscale bar.
Our stay at FS NY Downtown was a mix of sophistication, privacy, and convenience. From the excellent room service breakfast to the concierge who secured us hard-to-get dinner reservations, the hotel truly catered to our needs. The spa was a peaceful retreat, complete with thoughtful amenities, and CUT impressed us with its variety and flexibility being the only restaurant on property. While the location is perfect for downtown plans or Wall Street meetings, it may feel out of the way for those needing to be in midtown. Overall, it was a luxurious experience that strikes the right balance for couples and business travelers, with plenty of appeal for locals seeking a stylish retreat.