AC Hotel by Marriott New York Downtown ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a bunch of hotels in lower Manhattan, and the AC Hotel on Maiden Lane actually gets it right in ways that surprised me. First thing you notice walking in? The lobby doesn’t try too hard – it’s got this clean, European vibe that feels refreshingly uncluttered after wandering around the chaos of the Financial District. The staff at check-in were genuinely helpful too, not just going through the motions like at some of the bigger chain places nearby.

What I really appreciate about this spot is how it sits right in the thick of things without feeling touristy. You’re literally a three-minute walk from the South Street Seaport (which, honestly, has gotten so much better in recent years), and Stone Street’s restaurant scene is right around the corner. I mean, you can grab dinner at one of those cobblestone spots and be back in your room in five minutes. The subway situation is pretty solid too – you’ve got multiple lines within a few blocks, though the R train at Whitehall can be a bit of a trek if you’re carrying luggage.

The rooms themselves are what sold me on this place. They’re not huge – this is Manhattan, after all – but the design actually makes sense. The beds are legitimately comfortable (I’m picky about mattresses), and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped. The bathrooms are well thought out with good water pressure, which you know can be hit or miss in older NYC buildings. One thing that caught me off guard was how quiet it gets at night, even though you’re surrounded by office buildings. I guess all those empty offices after 6 PM work in your favor. The AC system works well too, which matters more than you’d think during those sticky summer months when the whole city feels like a sauna.

Honestly, the breakfast situation is where they really shine – their European-style spread is way better than the usual hotel continental nonsense. Real coffee, decent pastries, and you can actually sit down and plan your day without feeling rushed. The rooftop bar is worth checking out at least once, especially if you can snag a spot during sunset. You get these glimpses of the harbor between the buildings that remind you why people fall in love with this city.

The neighborhood itself has this interesting energy during the week – all business types rushing around during the day, then it gets surprisingly peaceful in the evenings. Weekends are different, more relaxed, with people wandering down to the waterfront or exploring the historic bits around here. Just know that some restaurants in the immediate area close early or aren’t open on Sundays, so you might find yourself walking toward Tribeca or the East Village for dinner options. Not a big deal, but worth keeping in mind.

Bottom line – if you want to be in the heart of downtown without dealing with the Times Square madness, and you appreciate a hotel that feels more like a well-designed city apartment than a generic business hotel, this place delivers. The 8.5 rating makes sense when you factor in the location, the thoughtful details, and the fact that it just works without any major hassles.

Rooms

• King Guest Room – One King Bed – Non-Smoking with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Double Room with Two Double Beds – Non-Smoking with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• King Guest Room with River View – Non-Smoking with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Double Room with Two Double Beds – River View – Non-Smoking with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• Double Room with Two Double Beds – Hearing Accessible with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• King Room with River View and Adapted Tub – Mobility Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• King Room with River View – Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Double Room with Two Double Beds – Hearing Accessible with 2 double beds for 4 adults, 3 children
• King Room with River View – Hearing Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• King Room with River View and Adapted Tub – Mobility Accessible with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Matko from Croatia (9/10)

  Hotel is really at good place on top of Manhatten peninsula, close to public transportation. Premises quite clean, as well the rooms. Staff very professional and customer oriented.

• Gary from United States (8/10)

  Nice and clean and friendly staff. Good location

• Julia from Switzerland (7/10)

  Great location, clean

• Granit from Kosovo (9/10)

  Honestly it was an amazing experience. Location is perfect and the staff were very very helpful I appreciate it. The neighborhood is quiet and also safe.
  
  If I’m back to New York I will definitely be back at this hotel.

• Donna from United States (9/10)

  The room looked brand new and the entire hotel was spotless. Generous amount of towels, iron, refrigerator,hair dryer, coffee maker all provided. There was also a large bar area with comfortable seats. For Manhattan with a river view on Thanksgiving Eve this place was a steal.

• Renato from United States (9/10)

  This was my second time in this hotel and my stay couldn't be better. First and foremost, I must thank the whole staff, in particular Brianna Loveday ( she is the best, literally ), my "brother" Rush, my yoga fellow Deepak Kumar, and the dearest manager Mayara Ferreira A.K.A May, You can't go wrong with this team, the whole staff is great, but these 4 guys are awesome, they always have a big smile on their faces and were ready to help me with all my needs. My room was perfect, quiet and clean with a fantastic river view, and a delicious rain shower.

• Alaric from United States (9/10)

  Great location. Clean and modern.

• Tracy from United States (9/10)

  Location was awesome! Near Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, and Battery Park- it was a short walk to all.

• Ferenc from Belgium (9/10)

  The view from the bed.

• Doug from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Modern, clean, little shop in the lobby, great views of the East river and skyscrapers.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities