Checking In At The Conrad

Conrad New York is opening its doors on Monday, and the Downtown Alliance got an advance peak inside this shining star in Lower Manhattan. Sixteen stories tall, and overlooking the Hudson River waterfront, the Conrad’s lobby is a site to behold.

Take note of the giant Sol LeWitt artwork adorning an entire 13-story wall above the atrium’s registration desk. During our tour, we’re advised the piece – called Loopy Doopy – took 3,000 hours and 100 gallons of paint to create. Also note The Veil, an elaborate rope and steel structure that fills the Conrad’s main space, but allows for a vibrant, well-lighted atmosphere.

The 463-suite luxury hotel is the first for Conrad Hotels & Resorts in New York City, and just across the street from the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park City. And it arrives on North End Avenue on the heels of well-celebrated openings of three adjacent Danny Meyer eateries – Blue Smoke, Shake Shack and North End Grill – as well as Artsee Eyewear, Francois Payard Bakery, Vintry Fine Wines, and more, all between Murray and Vesey streets.

The 2,000 pieces of contemporary art that adorn the walls – in rooms, public spaces and banquet rooms –was curated by the Public Art Fund and Elizabeth Gould Vales. Some of the artwork was created by Mary Heilmann, Elizabeth Peyton, and Sara Sosnowy.

Executive Chef Anthony Zamora, who recently came from Four Seasons Hotel New York, will oversee a signature, full-service restaurant, Atrio, which has space for private meals, and a full bar featuring wines from around the world.

The Conrad will provide one of the largest ballrooms we can remember in Lower Manhattan in ages, with room for 600 people, high ceilings, and soothing light fixtures and wind-chim-ish artwork strung over entrances.

Oh, and the rooftop bar, which we saw during an earlier tour (and in better weather!) has a name in keeping with the wonderful artwork you first notice downstairs: Loopy Doopy.