The Tribeca Blu Hotel at the southeast corner of Canal and Broadway opened yesterday. The gorgeous nine-story building was vacant for six years before Ruchi Enterprises took it over. When all the floors are ready—only 2 through 5 are open so far—the hotel will have 70 rooms.

It’s certainly in a convenient location: Soho to the north, Chinatown to the east, Tribeca to the west.

The hotel will turn part of its small lobby into a bar for guests—there are no other public spaces—with a front desk coming near the door. There are also iPad check-in kiosks. The goal is to promote local venues, so there’s a chalkboard where staff and guests can make recommendations. (Here’s hoping they branch out beyond Atomic Wings.) And while many of us find Canal Street less than a treat, I enjoyed watching the action from within the calm lobby.

I was told that rates are $250–$350, and they’re already sold out next week. I first saw a standard room. It’s tiny—I took the photo from the hallway—but tall ceilings and tall windows make up for a lot. (Even the bathrooms have windows.) Some rooms get access to a fire escape, although the hotel understandably discourages guests from using it. Rooms come with iHome thingamajigs and free Internet.

Then I saw an executive king room on the western side. Such views!

Recent New Kid on the Block/First Impressions articles:
• Josh Bach
• Harry’s Italian
• Atera
• 2Spaghi
• HomBom Toys
• Accents
• Matt Bernson
• Bloom
• Kaffe 1668
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop
• Woodrow’s