NEW YORK—Conrad New York has opened its doors in New York City’s vibrant Battery Park City neighborhood. Rising 16 stories along the Hudson River waterfront, the 463 all-suite luxury hotel is the first New York address from Conrad Hotels & Resorts, the global luxury brand of Hilton Worldwide.
With its strong commitment to sustainability, the Conrad New York is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification for New Construction from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for sustainable building practices and design.
Noteworthy environmentally-friendly considerations at the Conrad include: a green roof and chef’s roof garden, bike racks for public use, low flow plumbing fixtures for water conservation, LED lights that will make up more than 60 percent of all the lighting in the hotel, low VOC materials to promote indoor air quality, and Energy Star kitchen equipment that contributes to the overall building’s energy efficiency. The same green principles incorporated into the Conrad New York were also fostered along the new retail spaces next to the hotel.
“With the opening of the Conrad New York, Conrad Hotels & Resorts is entering the most exciting period in its history, as plans move forward to double the size of our portfolio over the next few years,” stated John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Worldwide. “Conrad New York will afford the brand the opportunity to provide its signature world of style, service and connections in the heart of America’s most dynamic city.”
Conrad New York is working with several notable partners, including architects Monica Ponce de Leon, Marianne McKenna of Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg, and Kohn Pedersen Fox, designers Jill Greaves and Peter Remedios, Herve Descottes of lighting design firm L’Observatoire, landscape architect Ken Smith, engineering firm Flack and Kurtz, catering by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events, and an art collection curated by the Public Art Fund and Elizabeth Gould Vales.
Dramatic Art Gallery Arrival
Guests are welcomed into a soaring, sunlit, 15-story atrium highlighted by a dramatic blue and purple Sol LeWitt painting rising 13 floors above the registration desk. The work, considered by many to be one of the late artist’s great works, is LeWitt’s largest, spanning 100 feet x 80 feet. The work, entitled Loopy Doopy (Blue and Purple) required 100 gallons of paint and 3,000 hours to finish.
Beyond the towering Sol LeWitt work in the Atrium, the Conrad New York is a dramatic home for contemporary art, with 2,000 selections throughout the hotel. Pat Steir has created an expansive wall painting entitled Topsy Turvy that features ribbons of gem-toned paint flowing over a subtle grid on a yellow background that welcomes guests to the hotel’s Gallery Ballroom. Other site-specific works include Imi Knoebel’s Mennige (Polygon) in the East entry of the Atrium lobby. Guests will also find artwork from many leading contemporary artists in their rooms, including Mary Heilmann, Elizabeth Peyton, and Sara Sosnowy.
Conrad New York’s 463 suites are designed with luxury and comfort for the modern, independent traveler. Accommodations start at 430 square feet, and include two flat panel televisions, one-touch technologies, well-stocked mini bar, and must-have electronics such as wireless Internet access and an iPod sound dock. Contemporary design by interior designer Jill Greaves has incorporated custom furnishings through separate areas for work and sleep as well as spacious bathrooms. And for those who drive, the hotel provides valet parking, a unique feature for a New York City hotel.
Emphasis on Fresh, Local
Conrad New York’s signature full-service restaurant, Atrio, is an inviting scene serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine prepared in an open kitchen with a wood-stone oven. Atrio has a full bar featuring wines from around the world. Executive Chef Anthony Zamora, who recently came from Four Seasons Hotel New York, will oversee the restaurant, rooftop bar and in-room dining with dishes inspired by his Italian and Lebanese roots and incorporating the freshest local ingredients.
Loopy Doopy, the hotel’s rooftop bar, will be the liveliest spot on the Lower West Side for drinks and dynamic conversation. Open seasonally from spring to autumn, the bar will offer small plates, cocktails and 180-degree views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, New York Harbor and the Hudson River. Directly above the bar will be a green roof designed by renowned landscape architect Ken Smith, including a garden with fresh herbs and vegetables for the culinary teams at Atrio and Danny Meyer’s North End Grill, located next door to the hotel.
Upscale retail shops are situated in close proximity to the Conrad New York, with newly opened options including Francois Payard Bakery, Battery Place Market, Vintry Wines, Bloom Florist and Artsee Eyewear situated along the pedestrian breezeway between Murray and Vesey Streets.
“This neighborhood has seen tremendous change and we’re proud to be part of the lower Manhattan community which we serve,” said Robert Rechtermann, general manager, Conrad New York. “Many more people live downtown than 10 years ago, which creates a need for new eateries, more retail options, and open green spaces. Conrad New York will become an important new member of the Battery Park City community and we look forward to accommodating our local residents and their families as well as international and domestic visitors.”
Go to the Conrad New York.
