From the floor-to-ceiling windows of the World Center Hotel, guests could wave to the construction workers at ground zero just yards away.
The 169-room hotel offers closer views of the World Trade Center site than just about any other spot in lower Manhattan.
The hotel celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday and Mayor Michael Bloomberg proclaimed “World Center Hotel Day.”
Guests have been staying there for several months as construction was completed floor by floor.
They included Deena Mendlowitz. The improv performer from Cleveland said Wednesday it was “phenomenal” seeing the rebuilding process first hand.
A vice president of the company operating the hotel, Cheryl Palmer, says guests choose it for a variety of reasons. It’s near several corporate headquarters.