By Shari Hartford

I just love quirky, out-of-the-way hotels. And when I can find one in New York City, I feel as if I have found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Such is Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel, located on tiny Gold Street in very-lower Manhattan. Although Gold Street is technically the financial district, the area’s twisty old streets feel more like colonial Williamsburg than the hub of commerce.

The design speaks Montana lodge, with a whole lotta leather, animal skin rugs and dark wood…love the lobby antler chandelier.

The hotel has 126 rooms and 10 suites. I toured the hotel and suites and immediately decided I wanted to move– permanently – to the penthouse suite. If for no other reason than the free standing claw foot bathtub was so inviting.

My room-for-the-night boasted a king bed, with a fluffy flannel tartan throw adorning the crisp white linens. The high ceilings, supple tufted leather headboard, mahogany details and hardwood floors carried through the “lodgy”

theme. But the rustic ambiance was complicated by the addition of a 55” flat screen television, wi-fi, perfect reading lighting and outlets galore. The smallish bathroom was well equipped and had great smelling toiletries.

If you stay, or if you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss the hotel restaurant and bar, Felice Ristorante. This Tuscan gem packs them in and is also the source of prompt room service. The home baked sunflower bread at breakfast is to die for!

Eventually I had to leave and go back to the real Manhattan and away from the leather, antlers and skins. When I need another faux wilderness fix, I’ll be back.

For more information, please contact Gild Hall.