Exclusivity is the essence that shapes Casa Cipriani. A hotel where only private club members can enjoy the iconic Battery Maritime Building, one of the last 20th-century Beaux-Arts ferry terminals. Situated in the waters of Lower Manhattan on the East River, the building, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, features 47 elegant and imposing rooms and suites with private balconies that showcase views of New York’s postcard landmarks, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, and also includes a Spa and Wellness Center, as well as a magnificent ballroom.
From the moment you arrive at Casa Cipriani, it’s clear that the space is a journey through time. The Battery Maritime Building was constructed between 1906 and 1909 by architects Richard Walker and Charles Morris, and was meticulously restored in 2021 by New York firm Marvel, specializing in integrating new design with nature. The interiors lavishly display the fine work of French architect Thierry Despont, known for renovations at the Ritz in Paris and Cartier Mansion, as well as the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. Each suite has been individually and custom-decorated with sea-inspired themes so guests feel as though they’re aboard a transatlantic liner. Walls are clad in cashmere and furnishings are in navy hues. Beyond the exclusivity, the rooms and common areas feature details across all five floors: pure linen fabrics, bespoke furniture honoring the Italian heritage of the Cipriani name—crafted from lacquered mahogany with 1930s designs—and an extensive curation of paintings and accessories to complement the Art Deco style.
The leisure spaces live up to four generations of Cipriani service and hospitality. Only club members can enjoy the historic waterfront settings, the Jazz Café with occasional live performances, seating areas, bars and lounges, outdoor terraces with expansive East River views, and of course, unwind at the serene spa.
The classic Cipriani restaurant is open to guests, who can book a room for just one night and enjoy traditional dishes such as the family’s original Carpaccio and the famous Meringue Cake, recipes that have been passed down since Harry’s Bar—the first Cipriani restaurant opened in 1931 on a cozy alley in Venice. Today, Harry’s is a national landmark with a clientele of Hollywood stars, royalty, and guests from around the world. Over 90 years as a family bistro, three more generations of the Cipriani family have drawn inspiration from their ancestors to open their own restaurants, always maintaining high standards of service, hospitality, and quality in cities like Monte Carlo, Ibiza, Mexico City, Dubai, Milan, Doha, and many other hotspots around the globe.
Now, speaking of the spa, Casa Cipriani’s wellness area spans over a thousand square meters and includes a fitness studio and a dedicated relaxation sector. The hotel ensured exclusivity: massages have been personalized for Casa Cipriani with therapists handpicked for club members. There’s also a range of integrative medical treatments, cryotherapy, and stress-relief sessions. Spa services are available to guests without requiring club membership.
Maintaining its grand scale, the hotel also offers a spectacular ballroom accommodating up to 800 seated guests, plus additional adjacent rooms for simultaneous events. Guests can also access the ‘loggia,’ a delightful outdoor balcony showcasing Guastavino tiles—the ones used in Catalan vaults that form incredible historic mosaics.
And the grand finale: on Pier 6 of the ferry terminal, there’s a helipad providing direct connections to New York’s main airports. For even more exclusivity, Casa Cipriani offers a luxury residential car—none other than an Aston Martin DBX.
If you wish to become a member of Casa Cipriani, the process can be lengthy. There’s a membership review by existing members, who must approve each application. The club’s annual fee can reach $4,000.