Nine Orchard, a 2023 T+L It List winner, has breathtaking Manhattan views from every room.

Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure

My life as aNew York Cityresident unexpectedly came to a screeching halt during the pandemic.

I handed in my “Tex-pat” hat and replanted roots in south Texas.

Exterior view of Nine Orchard hotel building seen at night, the building was a bank and built in 1912

Credit:Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure

But life happens, as they say.

We’d grab a bite atScarrs PizzaorJajaja Mexicanaand hang out atForgtmenotand dearly departed nightclub and art spaceBeverly’s.

Swan Room offers a chic bar scene where reservations are highly recommended and martinis are served alongside caviar.

bench with two swans outside of Nine Orchard Hotel

Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure

I was living the life you dream of when you long to be a New Yorker.

It’s the perfect soundtrack to take you through some of the great city’s most iconic periods.

The beverage program is impressive and makes for a lovely precursor to a night at Swan Room.

Interior seating in Swan Room during the day

Guest room doors painted with NYC style apartment numbers and a simple wooden table in the room

Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure

Interior guest room bed with window

Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure

The guest room bath with city views and a cozy chair nook

Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure

Interior of Swan Bar during the day, and a play of Oysters Rockefeller from Corner Bar

Stephen Kent Johnson; Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure