Conrad New York Opens in Battery Park City Bringing a New Sense ofLuxury and Style to Lower Manhattan

NEW YORK – Conrad New York opened its doors today to savvy travelers, discerning business clientele and Manhattanites seeking fresh, engaging hospitality and a stylish setting 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 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.

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.

Starting today, Conrad New York is offering unique experiences for the astute discerning traveler and providing a place where people can truly be themselves. From the custom designed seating to the two grand staircases at the East and West entries, the atrium creates an inviting atmosphere for hotel guests and local residents alike.

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.

Larger than the Rest

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.

Fine Dining From Street Level to Rooftop

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, sophisticated cocktails and 180-degree views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, New York Harbor and the magnificent 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.

The neighborhood surrounding Conrad New York is also the scene of remarkable dining courtesy of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. The hugely popular Shake Shack, which provides a modern take on a “roadside” burger stand, opened in the summer of 2011, and was joined earlier this year by Blue Smoke’s second New York City location, serving Chef Kenny Callaghan’s authentic pit barbecue. In January, North End Grill was added, a modern American bar and grill from Chef Floyd Cardoz, winner of Season 3 of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters. Meanwhile, Harry’s Italian, part of the Poulakakos restaurant group, will offer award-winning Italian specialties.

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 ten 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.”

Meetings and Events

From all-business board meetings to upscale social affairs, the Conrad New York is a prime destination for meetings and events in lower Manhattan, with more than 30,000 square feet of flexible space. The hotel’s Gallery Ballroom has more than 6,200 square feet designed to hold 600 participants with high ceilings offering cutting-edge presentation and communication technologies. Additionally, 26 guest suites are capable of conversion into 1:1 meeting space. Danny Meyer's Union Square Events is the exclusive food and beverage partner for the hotel’s onsite conference and event facilities. The hotel’s valet parking provides an even greater guest experience for people attending meetings and events at the hotel.

Going Green for LEED Gold

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. Once certified, the hotel will be the first LEED Gold new construction project in an existing building in New York. 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 consist of more than 60% 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 These new retail shops and Danny Meyer restaurants will bring an even greater sense of community to the neighborhood, creating a place for hotel employees, local residents and tourists on foot to experience Lower Manhattan.

Opening rates start from $249.00 and are subject to availability. For more information or to make reservations at the Conrad New York, please contact 212.945.0100 or visit .

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts

CONRAD® HOTELS & RESORTS is Hilton Worldwide’s global luxury brand and the choice for today’s modern, sophisticated traveler. By focusing on the individual, Conrad offers guests genuine and personalized experience and a world of style, service and connection. Each Conrad is a dynamic reflection of its city and culture, as well as a showcase for striking design and distinct surroundings. Across five continents, in the world’s gateway cities and most sought-after resort destinations, Conrad invites each guest to enjoy The Luxury Of Being Yourself®. For information on Conrad, please visit . Conrad Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

Mark Ricci (Hilton)
212-261-5836
Hilton