By Shari Hartford

Much has been written about veering off the beaten path. It’s been immortalized in poetry, books and movies. But to veer off the beaten path in a city as vast as New York is to be a true explorer.  Mr. C Seaport is indeed off the beaten path but well worth the exploration.

Located on Peck Slip, in the heart of the historic Seaport District, this 66 room (including six suites) luxury hotel is the ultimate in escapism. With the majestic Brooklyn Bridge looming in the near distance and the cobblestone streets of the waterfront, this is an area that should be explored. The Seaport Museum, presently experiencing financial turmoil, needs your attention. It is a window on old New York and a place where you can arrange guided tours of the lightships anchored at the docks. The Seaport is also home to a branch of the tkts Booth where same-day Broadway and off-Broadway show tickets are available. True, the area it is not in the heart of attractions and nightlife that some tourists crave, but if this is not your first visit and you want something completely different, Mr. C is for you.

Upon check-in, savor the welcome Bellini cocktail served in beautiful crystal. My deluxe room for the night was small but well-appointed with a large terrace looking out at the Bridge and the waterfront. The furnishings, all imported and custom designed from Italy, were in soothing shades of coffee. I coveted the gorgeous suede chair with alternating sections of mocha and café au lait.

The generous-sized bathroom had a double sink and plenty of room for personal toiletries. My hotel pet peeve of bad lighting and not enough, or smartly placed, electrical outlets was put to rest here. The lighting was among the best I’ve experienced, although one day wasn’t enough time to learn how to navigate all the switches.

Bellini Restaurant, conceived by Maggio and Ignazio Cipriani, offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional and regional Italian fare. Try the homemade pastas and fresh fish…deliziosa! Bellini is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with weekend brunch and 24-hour room service. For a snack and bespoke cocktails, the lobby bar, with live jazz on Tuesday and Thursday, is the place to hang out.

When it was time for bed, I couldn’t bear to close the curtains on the spectacular view. There was the Brooklyn Bridge, lit for the evening and within my reach. I was lulled to sleep by the shadows of the lights.

Come morning, I made use of the complementary car service to whisk me home. This service is available upon availability to guests who are traveling within a 20-block distance from the hotel. So handy to take you to your next business meeting, the subway or just to lower Manhattan points of interest.

Winter is approaching but Mr. C will be on my radar come spring when I will be back for a glass of Prosecco and another up-close-and-personal view of the Bridge.

For more information, see mrchotels.com/mrcseaport