COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT NEW YORK DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN/WORLD TRADE CENTER AREA, New York

The hotel sits in the heart of the Financial District, directly across from the World Trade Center site. The Oculus, a multi-level transportation centre, is two minutes away, providing access to 11 subway lines (including the 1, R, and E), PATH trains to New Jersey, and numerous buses. Battery Park (ferry to Liberty Island), Wall Street, and the South Street Seaport are within a 10-minute walk. The area is quiet at night compared to midtown, and feels safe due to security around Ground Zero. Despite construction at the hotel entrance creating a narrow walkway, the location is unbeatable for downtown sights and commuting.

Rooms are contemporary with carpeted floors, flat-screen TV, sitting area, ironing facilities, and coffee/tea maker. King rooms and double rooms are available; some have sofabeds. Bedrooms are small (often under 23 m²) but well-organised. Upper-floor rooms facing the World Trade Center offer breathtaking views of the memorial and skyline; lower floors and the opposite side face a construction site. The air conditioning/heating units can be noisy and may not maintain a consistent temperature. Some bathrooms have low water pressure and minor wear. Noise from elevators, hallways, or laundry chutes can be an issue in certain rooms. Request a high, quiet room away from the elevator if noise is a concern.

The breakfast buffet (daily, $18-20 per person) includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, yogurt, fruit, bagels, and toast. Coffee is good (Starbucks on-site). The space is small, with about 35 seats, and can be crowded in the morning. There is no table service. Lunch and dinner options are limited to snacks, pre-packaged items, and drinks from the bar. A minimarket in the lobby sells bottled water and basics. Evening happy hour features live music and a small terrace with stunning WTC views. For proper meals, the surrounding area offers dozens of restaurants within a 5-minute walk, including Eataly Downtown and O'Haras Irish Pub. The hotel's own dining is best for a quick breakfast or evening cocktail, not a full dinner.

The fitness centre is free for all guests and contains treadmills, weights, and exercise mats - suitable for a basic workout. The standout leisure feature is the outdoor terrace on the 6th floor, accessible from the lounge, offering exceptional views of One World Trade Center and the Hudson River. It's furnished with outdoor seating and is ideal for morning coffee or evening drinks. Live music occurs nightly in the lounge. No pool, spa, or sauna are available. For recreation, Battery Park and the Hudson River Greenway are a 10-minute walk, providing jogging paths and open space.