I experienced one of NYC's newest hotels — and it truly made me feel like a local.

My journey as a New York City resident came to an unexpected pause during the pandemic. I traded my "Tex-pat" identity to reestablish my roots in South Texas. Like many before me, leaving New York was a challenge that left a lasting imprint on my identity; it was difficult to say goodbye. However, life moves on, as they say. My partner and I promised to cherish our memories of NYC and reassured ourselves that we could always come back to visit.

During our first trip back to New York earlier this year, we aimed to reconnect with our cherished spots that made NYC feel like home. Surprisingly, the hotel we selected — a fresh addition to the city — gave us the strongest sense of home.

We stayed at Nine Orchard, recognized as one of the best new hotels in the world by Dinogo editors in their 2023 It List. Its prime location near our favorite haunts, affectionately called “Dimes Square” — a quaint area nestled between Chinatown and the Lower East Side — was perfect for our Manhattan evenings. When we lived in NYC, this was where young artists, skaters, and recent graduates without trust funds could enjoy a fun night out. We’d savor bites at Scarr’s Pizza or Jajaja Mexicana and chill at Forgtmenot and the beloved former nightclub and art space Beverly's. It was heartening to see how the area evolved, welcoming a new chapter with establishments like Nine Orchard while preserving its history.

Occupying a building steeped in 110 years of history, the hotel at 9 Orchard St. is housed in the former Jarmulowsky Bank Building, which catered to new immigrants in the 1910s. A skilled team of architects and historians meticulously restored the stunning 60-foot-tall tempietto on the roof and recreated the original exterior clock from vintage photos. As they transformed the original bank lobby into the hotel’s bar, Swan Room, they uncovered an elaborate ceiling that now captivates visitors upon entry. The Swan Room boasts a stylish bar atmosphere where reservations are recommended, serving martinis alongside caviar. A unique perk for hotel guests is experiencing this space in a different light: enjoying fresh croissants and coffee while perusing the newspaper in the morning.

Beyond the stylish public areas, what captivated me most about Nine Orchard was my guest room, which quickly became a sanctuary I didn’t want to leave — mainly because it felt like I was back in New York. Listening to jazz while soaking in the tub and gazing at the bustling Manhattan streets below, I felt once more part of a city where over a million lives unfold within 22.7 square miles. I was experiencing the New Yorker’s dream life.

The interiors of Nine Orchard exude warmth and charm, seamlessly blending the old with the new, from the furnishings to the artwork. The painted room number on our door, along with the cozy, minimalist chairs and simple table, encapsulated the best of a New York apartment — without any of the less appealing aspects. It felt like stepping into a dream, a time capsule where all the delights of the city were contained within four walls. In-room Ojas speakers enhance this timeless ambiance, offering four radio channels specially curated for the hotel by DJ Stretch Armstrong and Devon Turnbull. This soundtrack perfectly accompanies some of the city’s most iconic eras.

While it’s tempting to linger in your room, the restaurant at Nine Orchard carries the same enchanting vibe. Chef Ignacio Mattos crafts a menu rooted in classic American cuisine while drawing inspiration from global bistros, resulting in dishes that are both indulgent and accessible. The Corner Bar transforms throughout the day, serving French-inspired breakfasts and classic dishes like oysters and spaghetti pomodoro for lunch and dinner. The impressive beverage program serves as a delightful prelude to an evening at the Swan Room.

If you’ve ever envisioned a perfect New York experience, Nine Orchard embodies it. In my mind, I continue to reside luxuriously in that room, crafting at its simple wooden desk and enjoying a book in the cozy chair while gazing out at the city as the sun sets.