Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel

Nestled on historic Gold Street in Lower Manhattan, Gild Hall’s story reflects the neighborhood’s evolution. Originally opened in 2000 as the Holiday Inn Wall Street, the hotel was transformed in 2008 when Thompson Hotels acquired it and gave it a stylish makeover. Designed by renowned interior designer Jim Walrod, the hotel blends mid-century modern touches with rustic charm—think tufted leather headboards, mahogany paneling, and warm, cozy vibes.
Fun fact: Gild Hall’s name nods to its Gold Street location, which dates back to the 17th century when the area was known for its yellow wildflowers. Today, Gild Hall offers guests a boutique experience that balances history with modern luxury.

🏨 The Good, The Bad, and the Not-Their-Fault Review:

Hey adventure seekers!

Welcome to the inaugural post of my new hotel review series, The Good, The Bad, and the Not-Their-Fault. As someone who thrives on authenticity and believes in the transformative power of travel, I’m here to share the real deal. No fluff, just honest insights to help you make informed decisions on your journeys.

This week, I’m diving into my recent stay at Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel, nestled in the heart of New York City’s Financial District.

Spoiler alert: it’s a delightful mix of cozy charm, a few quirks, and a location that’s hard to beat.

My Stay at Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel: Bonus a Weekend Itinerary!

🌟 The Good

📍 Prime Location
Gild Hall’s location is a dream for explorers. Situated in the Financial District, it’s steps away from iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, South Street Seaport, 9/11 Memorial, City Hall, and the Fulton Street subway station. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC traveler, you’re right in the middle of the action—and it makes sightseeing a breeze.

🍷 Warm Welcome
Walking into the cozy, rustic lobby instantly put me at ease. The friendly staff greeted me with a welcome glass of prosecco, a small but thoughtful touch that made me feel right at home.

🍽️ Felice Ristorante
Felice, the hotel’s in-house Tuscan restaurant, was a highlight of my stay. The atmosphere is both sophisticated and inviting, with a menu full of authentic Italian dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. I especially loved the Chicken Milanese, and the extensive wine list is a treat for any oenophile.

🛏️ Room Comfort
My room was spotless and beautifully decorated with a rustic-modern vibe. The bed was super comfortable, and the layout made the space feel both functional and relaxing. And let’s talk about the pillows. These are usually a make-or-break deal for me. But the pillows here? Perfection! Not too firm, not too soft, just the kind you want to sink into after a long day.

🛁 Bathroom Perks
The bathroom was stocked with plush towels and luxurious toiletries Moltonl Brown . These little details can make a big difference, and they definitely elevated the experience.

🍳 Breakfast Included
My stay came with breakfast vouchers, and every morning I’d head downstairs to enjoy a delicious breakfast. The staff were warm, efficient, and always had a smile, helping start my day on a positive note.

😬 The Bad

Okay, here’s the part I always hesitate to write, but it’s important to keep things real:

🛗 Elevator Olympics
The hotel only has two small elevators for guests, and let me tell you—it felt like a patience marathon (and patience is not one of my strengths!). Whether it was just a busy week or one elevator was out of order, I found myself waiting more often than not.

☕ Coffee Conundrum
I love having a coffee pot in my room, it’s a cozy comfort. Unfortunately, there wasn’t one. Instead, the hotel offers free coffee in the lobby, but the machine never worked each time I was there. So, no easy morning coffee fix for me until I went down for my breakfast.

🚿 Bathroom Privacy
The bathroom’s glass door design might look sleek and modern, but let’s be honest, it offers ZERO privacy. The toilet is literally right across from the bed, separated only by that see-through door. Definitely not the most romantic setup. I actually had to send my husband to the other side of the room so I could handle my “business” in peace. Some things are better left behind closed doors (not glass ones!)

🚿 Shower Curtain Dilemma
Here’s my biggest pet peeve: the shower curtain. Thanks to the AC vent, it kept blowing in and clinging to me during my shower, like an unwanted hug from a ghost Assuming the curtain isn’t replaced after each guest (and let’s be real, it probably isn’t), the idea of it brushing against someone else’s, well, “parts” before me was downright unsettling. Honestly, I’d rather run into a bush of poison ivy than get another hug from that curtain.

👉 Some of these things might not bother everyone. For me, though, a clean room, good pillows, and a delicious breakfast count for a lot—and they can absolutely make you overlook some of the small hiccups or hugs.

🚧 The Not-Their-Fault

🏗️ Surrounding Construction
The hotel’s street was lined with scaffolding and construction work, giving the block a less-than-charming look. But let’s be honest, that’s NYC. It’s outside the hotel’s control, and once inside, the ambiance was cozy and inviting.

Thanks for sticking with me through The Good, The Bad, and the Not-Their-Fault. I hope this honest look at Gild Hall helps you make a confident decision for your next NYC adventure.

But wait, there’s more! Because I love making travel planning easy, I’ve put together a bonus weekend itinerary you can enjoy while staying here. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re a repeat visitor, this itinerary is packed with iconic sights, delicious eats, and unforgettable moments.

👉 And don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so you never miss a future hotel review! I’ll be sharing these honest, detailed reviews every chance I get —plus other travel tips, itineraries, and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t want to miss.

Ready to dive in? Let’s plan your perfect NYC weekend!

🗽 Weekend Itinerary: Exploring NYC from Gild Hall

Friday: Arrival & Evening Stroll

Check-in and enjoy your welcome prosecco.
Take a leisurely walk to South Street Seaport for dinner and waterfront views.

Saturday: Iconic Landmarks & Culinary Delights

Morning: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise.
Breakfast at Leo’s Bagels or Blue Bottle Coffee.
Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Afternoon: Explore One World Observatory.
Evening: Dinner in Chinatown or Little Italy—both just a quick subway ride away.

Sunday: History & Farewell

Enjoy breakfast at Felice—the perfect start to your day.
Stroll to Battery Park and hop on the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Snap a photo with the Charging Bull on Wall Street.
Return to the hotel, check out, and depart with memories made.

🧳 Final Thoughts

Would I stay at Gild Hall again? Absolutely. Despite a few hiccups, the hotel’s prime location, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional dining options make it a compelling choice for travelers. It’s a boutique experience that offers both charm and convenience in the heart of NYC. (However, next time, I will shower with the curtains wide open).

Stay tuned for more honest hotel reviews—because every adventure deserves the truth.

Note: This review is based on my personal experience and preferences. Individual experiences may vary.

If you are ready to book, click on the link: Gild Hall- A Thompson Hotel.

Affiliate Disclosure: This website contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support our ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information

🏨 The Good, The Bad, and the Not-Their-Fault Review Series. First Review: My Stay at Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel. Bonus: a NYC Weekend Itinerary!