The Ciprianis have been in the hospitality industry for four generations, starting with patriarch Guiseppe Cipriani who opened the famed Harry’s Bar in Venice in 1931. Today, the family business encompasses multiple restaurants, catering, event spaces, even residences. Also part of the portfolio is Mr. C Hotels, launched in 2011 by brothers Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani with a location in Beverly Hills. Now, the brothers are opening their first East Coast outpost in the Seaport District, which is being rapidly revitalized by real estate developers The Howard Hughes Corporation.
“We had been looking for some time for the right location in New York and when Howard Hughes offered this particular address as part of their exciting and visionary development we thought it was perfect—charming and a bit out of the classic areas with incredible views and a very European flavor,” says Ignazio of Mr. C Seaport, opening this month at 33 Peck Slip, a five-story brick structure built in 1856.
Developed by Bob and Alex Ghassemieh, the same team behind Mr. C Beverly Hills, Mr. C Seaport will include 66 guestrooms, including six premium suites with panoramic terraces, a Lobby Lounge serving “aperitivo” (afternoon tea), event space, fitness center, and fittingly, an Italian restaurant concept from Maggio and Ignazio Cipriani. “Coming from a family with a long history in the hospitality business, it was a natural progression for myself and my brother to want to extend the experience to a full-service hotel, and offer more than a lunch or a dinner to create a home where travelers can feel comfortable and look forward to returning,” says Ignazio. “We also wanted to create our own concept, naturally inspired by our family DNA, but with our independent vision.”
The New York location is smaller than its West Coast counterpart, but with a similar relaxed elegance (think bellinis in the bar while staff handles your check in). “I like to travel and I like to find hotels where I feel comfortable and want to go back again. This led to me and my brother to coming up with a place where we would feel at home,” says Ignazio. “It is really exciting to open just as this area will really blossom. It will add another interesting piece to the many surprises that travelers and New Yorkers alike will discover while walking through the cobblestone streets.”
Main photo by Yvonne Tnt
