The Oldest Surviving Skyscraper In NYC Is Now A Gorgeous Luxury Hotel — With A 9-Story Skylight, Celebrity Chef Dining, & Gilded Age Charm

Tucked away on a quiet street in the Financial District is a building so spectacular, you’d swear it belongs in a Gilded Age period drama. But here’s the twist–you can actually check in, drop your bags, and spend the night inside it! Allow us to introduce The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel: a dazzling blend of Old New York glamour and modern luxury, housed inside one of the oldest surviving skyscrapers in the entire world. Yep, *world!* A Victorian Time Capsule in the Middle of Manhattan --------------------------------------------------- The Beekman’s story starts in 1883, when the Temple Court Building rose above Lower Manhattan’s rooftops as one of the first skyscrapers ever built in Manhattan –and the oldest surviving one still standing. Originally commissioned by Irish-American banker Eugene Kelly and designed by architects Silliman & Farnsworth, the Temple Court Building–first called the “Kelly Building”–was built primarily for offices and quickly became a hub for law firms, inspiring its later name, “Temple Court,” a nod to London’s famed legal district. It was also the city’s first fireproof building, constructed with cutting-edge 19th-century techniques that allowed it to soar a then-dizzying nine stories into the skyline. But the real showstopper? The hotel’s soaring nine-story Victorian atrium, crowned by a pyramidal skylight that floods the space with natural light. Look up, and you’ll see sunlight pouring through a massive pyramidal skylight, ornate Victorian cast-iron railings curling around every floor, and mosaic-tiled walkways that look like they were plucked from an old-world palace. It’s the kind of space that makes you stop mid-sentence, look up, and forget what you were talking about. From Forgotten Gem to Five-Star Escape -------------------------------------- For decades, the Temple Court Building sat empty sat empty and forgotten, its atrium sealed off from public view and its history collecting dust–only a handful of New Yorkers even knew it existed. That changed in 2016, when it finally reopened after a meticulous restoration, reborn as The Beekman, complete with two buzzworthy restaurants from celebrity chefs Tom Colicchio (Temple Court) and Daniel Boulud (Le Gratin). Today, its 287 rooms blend historic details–think: hardwood desks, Turkish rugs, and soaring windows–with the kind of comfort that makes you want to sleep in just a little longer. And with its prime FiDi location, you’re steps from iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Observatory, and some of the city’s best bars and shops. Why It’s Worth the Stay ----------------------- The Beekman isn’t just a gorgeous place to sleep–it’s a rare chance to walk through New York history while sipping a cocktail under a 19th-century skylight. It’s romantic, cinematic, and unlike anywhere else in the city. For those who love architecture, history, or simply jaw-dropping interiors, The Beekman is more than a hotel–it’s an experience. So if you’ve ever wanted to live inside a Victorian-era postcard, here’s your chance! Awards, Accolades, & Landmark Recognition ----------------------------------------- Still not convinced on The Beekman’s grandeur? The hotel has earned numerous accolades for both its stunning design and guest experience, including **Travel + Leisure’s *World’s Best Hotels*, Condé Nast Traveler’s *Readers’ Choice Awards*, and U.S. News & World Report’s *Best Hotels in New York*. Its meticulous restoration has also won multiple preservation and architecture honors, and in 2024 its breathtaking nine-story atrium was officially designated an interior landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Not to mention, the hotel has earned itself one [Michelin Key](https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/hotels-stays/nyc/the-beekman-a-thompson-hotel-8248?arr=2025-09-05&dep=2025-09-06&nA=1&nC=0&nR=1), which considers it “a very special stay.”** Book your stay today! Source: https://secretnyc.co/the-beekman-a-thompson-hotel-oldest-surviving-skyscraper-in-nyc-luxury-hotel/