There’s nothing like a Saturday in Seaport — especially when it comes with skyline views, a stacked menu, and a touch of K-pop magic.
A cobblestone street cradles 33 Hotel, a boutique property sitting at the very bottom of Manhattan. It’s a part of the SONO Calm hospitality brand in Korean. Fittingly, this weekend, the hotel donned decorations to celebrate BTS’s Summer Run of their Arirang World Tour, which kicked off at Met Stadium.
Firstly, The hotel featured BTS Arirang decorations throughout the facade and the lobby. Notably, these include a note memory wall and interactive pin map where guests can mark where they are traveling from. In addition, the store is stocked with various themed items, including a travel kit.
Heading up to the Seaport King Suite, the hotel room itself features a living room, two full bathrooms, one of which includes a deep soaking tub, and a luxuriously King-sized bed, fluffy enough to calm even the most restless sleeper. These amenities are wonderful, but still, the highlight has to be the wraparound terrace. A mere five steps from the bed is a view of all of Lower Manhattan, including the World Trade Center. By day, it’s a perfect place to tan on a plush daybed or read a book at the 8-person dining table. Then, by night, stunning clear views of New York sparkling under city lights. The view speaks for itself.
Once evening rolls around, guests can head down to 33 Hotel’s on-premises restaurant, Urban Cove. Here the BTS Arirang theme continues with a curated menu of bites & cocktails, in addition to the restaurant’s standard menu.
The evening starts with a rich yellow colored Yuzu Green Tea Fizz cocktail. It’s sweet, balanced, and refreshing, with floral green tea notes that give way to a subtle earthy aftertaste. For those craving something fruitier, the Strawberry Seoul Spritz offers a slightly bitter edge that never overtakes its sweetness. It’s light, refreshing, and unmistakably strawberry-forward, with a juicy fruitiness that lingers.
Photo Courtesy: Tessa M. Dobrow
From there, the menu moves into a lineup of shareable bites, starting with the Korean Honey Butter Chicken Sliders. Crispy on the outside and impossibly juicy within, the buttermilk-fried chicken carries a subtle sweetness from the honey. A pickle adds just the right acidic balance to cut through the richness.
The Gochujang Wings follow suit. The chicken is juicy, well-cooked, and crispy, with a kick of heat that never overwhelms. A nutty sesame flavor helps balance the spice while creamy ranch gently cuts the heat.
Next, the Shrimp Bao arrives as a standout. Inside, pickled radish pairs with lightly battered fried shrimp for a delightful crunch. Meanwhile, the bao bun itself is pillowy soft and just the right size to fit in your hand. In addition, a healthy drizzle of spicy mayo lends a gentle kick without leaning too creamy. A fresh squeeze of lime ties the whole bite together, playing beautifully against the bun’s faint sweetness.
For something lighter, the Little Gem Caesar Salad delivers. The crisp lettuce tossed with crouton flakes are mixed throughout, ensuring every bite gets a little crunch. A subtle drizzle of olive oil rounds it out, adding a richness that elevates the dish. On the other hand, rich and indulgent, the Truffle Macaroni and Cheese boasts a golden, toasted top that gives way to a creamy, buttery interior.
After that, the Steak Frites arrives cooked to a perfect medium-rare. The meat is tender and well-seasoned throughout, finished with a creamy peppercorn sauce that adds a luxurious depth. Alongside it, a scattering of parsley tops the dish, lending nice color to the plate.
Photo Courtesy: Tessa M. Dobrow
For a lighter main, the Fulton Market Fish, which was seabass this day, is flaky, buttery, and light, with clean, fresh flavors and a well-executed pan sear on top. It’s served alongside orzo that’s tender and creamy — but not overly so — with a hint of tomato lending a subtle sweetness. Lastly, just a pinch of salt is all it needs to round things out.
To close the meal, the Chocolate Mousse is fluffy yet rich, dense in texture with a whisper of amaretto running throughout. Two hazelnuts top the dish, while a generous swirl of rich chocolate sauce spreads across the plate. A decadent finale to a well-rounded menu.
Afterward, all this can be worked off in the morning at the hotel’s gym before check out. All in all, whether you’re a die-hard BTS fan or simply seeking a stylish escape in Lower Manhattan, 33 Hotel delivers a weekend worth savoring, right down to the last bite.
