The Art of Business at Conrad NYC
In the old days, the phrase "business hotel" brings to most people images of sterile marble lobbies, of businessmen trying to impress each over hotel breakfast, and of frequent-flyers efficiently going in and out of hotel elevators, one hand firmly on their TSA approved wheelies while the other holds on a smartphone, thumbs dancing across the screen.
Not the Conrad hotel. While still a business hotel,they know that nowadays, most executives and businesspeople are so busy that they don't separate work and play. From anecdotal observation, I notice that successful, workaholic A-types like me who travel for business try to integrate some non-work activities when traveling for business meetings and the Conrad is savvy on this trend.
The Conrad NYC is located in the Financial Business District and has the most dramatic entrance to a lobby I've seen in the city. Walking towards the entrance of the modern glass and steel-structure, you are greeted by a sea of beautifully chaotic jade-green marble. And as you walk up the stairs ( or take the lift or elevator) floating geometric steel clouds surrounded by a gigantic wall-to-wall blue mural ( Loopy Doopy by Sol DeWitt) visually arrest your senses. If that's not enough, the most gorgeous fragrance, piped-into the hotel's conditioning ducts, start to make their presence known to your olfactory senses.
And that's how you win over a tired business traveller at hello.The hotel has over 2000 original pieces of modern art work (all curated with the help of New York's Public Art Fund), some of over-the-top proportions and some of such modest size you would have missed it if you did not look at the hotel's Art Guide, available in all their guest rooms and suites.
I was in NYC for a 5 day blog conference in midtown as well as meetings with clients all over the city but managed to sneak in a photoshoot or two (lol) as well as explore the hotel throughly.
Here's what I really love about this hotel (and why you should stay here when you visit NYC):
The artwork! I'm very visual by nature so this in itself is such a feast. No matter how tired I was from dealing with manic New York types the whole day, every time I go up the escalator into the soothing blue heaven of a lobby I feel rejuvenated.
The second thing I really like about the hotel is its award-winning Conrad Concierge app ( available for iPhones, iPads and Androids here.). From simple requests like wake-up calls to in-room service to transportation or even access to a real concierge, this app does it all. So why is this so much better than calling a person directly? Because you can now schedule turn-down service (while waiting for your client who is 20 minutes late) or have room service waiting for you when you get back (because said client ordered some weird avant-garde gourmet concoction that tastes like expensive bubblewrap). Also I just prefer apps rather over calling someone on the phone. I'm milennial that way.
The Loopy Doopy rooftop bar is a wonderful social spot. Named after the gigantic blue mural by Sol DeWitt in the lobby, its main attraction is its sweeping view of the Hudson river, and its iced prosecco pops. It gets crowded on Friday and Saturday nights but guests have priority access, so the wait is bearable at 15 minutes on crowded nights. If you're not into standing-in-line, late weekday afternoons are your best bets. You'll also avoid giggling 21 year olds Instagramming countless photo after photo of their prosecco pops. There is nothing wrong with this at all, except by the time you got your prosecco pop, Instagramming it feels lame.
At it's heart its still business hotel. Beneath the polished veneer, the hotel is all about making travel efficient and effective for its discerning guests. Fast complimentary wi-fi throughout the property, a top notch 24 hour business center , multiple gorgeous gift stores in and around the hotel and for the men - a traditional barber service, it's all taken care of.
And here's the kicker - the hotel has a secret movie theatre. Okay it's not secret but rather, it's a bit out of the way, tucked 5 floors up from escalators all the way at the back of the hotel. I didn't get to watch a movie there this time around but I just like the idea that if I could not get to sleep one night because of jetlag I can just go down and watch a movie on the big screen.
The rooms are NYC-chic beautiful, with views of either the Hudson river or the downtown LA, and the sheets felt like silky liquid sleep. All rooms come with a separate sleeping and living area - a 3 seater sofa and large coffee table so you can bring people up for quick informal chats or work meetings.
So in summary I LOVE this hotel and would stay here again and again, but should you? Here are some considerations:
Check your itinerary. If most of your activities are uptown/midtown, you have a tight schedule and you don't like subways, this hotel's location can be inconvenient at times. NYC peak-hour traffic is a beast and Iv'e experienced 2 hour rides for what should take 20 minutes.
There are tourists (non-hotel guests) and school children in the hotel lobby. First of all, please remember that the hotel lobby is VAST. There is a lot of people around, yet it never feels crowded or too noisy. But relatively speaking (when compared to let's say, another hotel that does not have world-class art on its premises) there are slightly more people. I actually like the fact that the hotel has public-accessible art.
You like bath tubs. The standard guest room in this all-suite hotel does not have a bathtub. Yes, the bathroom and shower areas are large, but there is no bathtub. However this is the second luxury hotel in the city that does not have bathtubs standard.
IN A NUTSHELL:
What: The Conrad New York hotel is part of the Hilton group of hotels, and is a 5 star luxury hotel with a stunning 16 story lobby featuring a gorgeous mural by the artist Sol De Witt.
Where: The hotel is at 102 North End Ave., near Vesey and Murray Station. Go to ConradNewYork.com for more information.
Verdict: Perfect for the business-minded bon vivant.
Comments are closed.
Wow, what a lovely entrance/lobby indeed!!
That.IS.Awesome! Thanks for the recommendation, I’m gonna tell my boss about this so we can experience the grandeur next time we have a conference meeting with other foreign delegates. Thanks again!
Thanks for the heads up. I actually like bath tubs but I think I can deal with the lack of it once in a while.
Wow, they have an app.. This is interesting to know. Thanks, would be checking their place out to learn more.
Looks like you’ve had lots of fun at Conrad’s. Such a magnificent hotel, it surely is.
Oh I would love to stay here, such a very beautiful hotel! I could live there forever!
With a hotel like this in the heart of New York, I think it’s okay to mix business with pleasure while being there. I would love to stay there at Conrad soon!
This is an ideal place for entrepreneurs and business people. Would love to rest and relax here after a week’s worth of work. Will take note of this hotel the next time I do business in NYC.
I’ve been there with my associates before, a real nice, accommodating and spacious hotel, perfect place to relax and have a grand time.
You sure look comfortable and at home there, Heidi, a really spectacular place!
I love that hotel too. Conrad at NYC is such a marvelous hotel!
Wow, what a marvelously beautiful place! The overall vibe is very comfortable and pleasing to the eye!
I love the fantastic service, amazing spacious rooms and everything is of high quality. Oh Conrad NYC definitely spoiled me!
Checking out their app right now, it’s incredible! Conrad NYC is going to be our next destination. Thanks for sharing all of this!
I can’t help but say Wow! That’s a really awesome lobby. When a hotel welcomes you this grand, I’m sure the experience and services will be top notch!
The place sure is aesthetically pleasing, I would love taking photos inside and outside the building! Very Instagram-my, as my peers say.
Would have love to spend social gatherings there. Thanks for this info! You sure look fashionably happy there 🙂
This business hotel screams magnificence! Coming to Conrad Hotel in New York was a great experience! The outside of the building screamed luxury, and once you stepped inside – you were able to confirm it for yourself.
This is impressive. Conrad hotel has an elegant yet very approachable ambiance and what I loved most about it is, it’s beautifully situated overlooking Hudson River. Perfect scenery, if you ask me.
Hmm, a place where I can mix business with pleasure. I like that. I’ll make sure to stop by and check in someday when I go visit NYC.
This hotels looks grand and marvelous! I agree, the lobby is so relaxing and very spacious and comfy, the seats/sofas look really inviting. I can stay here my whole life, if only I could afford the luxury.
Conrad NYC is indeed an amazing hotel, the staff are brilliant, and the concierge helpful. I gotta admit, the hotel lobby is outstanding with the hotel changing colours everyday. Easy to get to places,great location for business or leisure!
When I get the opportunity to visit NYC, this hotel would be on top of my list. Everything looks vibrant and amazing. I can tell you really enjoyed your stay there, Heidi!
Oh this hotel is superb, I have no words! Perfect place for business and great for a date, too. The view was really nice, the space was not overcrowded and the selection of drinks was truly impressive. Very classy, very sassy.
Looks like there had been a lot of loyal patrons here. I will then check this one out and suggest Conrad once my friends and I go to NYC. A view overlooking the Hudson river is definitely a winner to me!
I am definitely going there with my colleagues! Lovely place it truly is, Heidi! Thanks for sharing your experience to us.
Looks like you really enjoyed your stay there. You look beautiful and happy 🙂
I travel occasionally and I want to be rewarded for all the hard work I do for my boss. Most of the time, we’re together and she’s the one who decides where we’ll stay. Next month, we’ll be in NYC for a conference, and I’ll be sure to recommend Conrad hotel. Thanks so much for sharing this!
Happy I could help 🙂
Thanks for this wonderful post, you’ve just convinced me to go there soon!
I think the artworks and designs would be the reason why I would go there. I am a major art freak. Those you posted are definitely eye-catching!
I’ve got great words for Conrad hotel too. I had a conference in NYC and I took my family there for two nights a few months ago, everything was superb! The service was great, the food was delicious, the rooftop view is amazing!
Me and my associates stayed there too and it was really an awesome experience. Would love to go back there again when we go back to New York
I can still remember when business hotels used to look too minimalist and lacking structural designs. I was a teen back then in the late 80s when I got the chance to accompany my mom in a business hotel and it felt like entering a hospital instead of a hotel. Good thing nowadays, everything had evolved, improved and developed. I’ve been to a few business hotels here in Chicago and so far, from what I’ve seen on your post, those pale in comparison because Conrad looks majestic! I would love to visit that place soon!
Zahara, you’re right! Things sure have changed! And thank goodness! And you’re right, Conrad is majestic! Be sure to check it out soon!
I haven’t been there for so long.. I usually travel and visit NYC every summer, but this last time, I wasn’t able to. I made plans to celebrate New Year there so I am definitely looking forward to staying at Conrad’s. Looks like a perfect choice, eh?!
Wow, it looks like you really had the time of your life while in NYC! Conrad is now on my bucket list of hotels to go to! Thank you!
I’m from Prague and this is our first time to the US and have heard lots of great things about Conrad so my colleagues and I stayed there and it was quite an experience. I enjoyed jogging along the embankment footpath in the morning and the rooms are excellent and spacious too!
Oh, I didn’t know it was called The Loopy Doopy rooftop bar. SOunds fascinating! I was there at Conrad’s a month ago with my sisters and we enjoyed every single minute of our stay there. Looks like you did too!
I’ve heard so many good things about Conrad Hotel. I better keep up with times and be part of this!
When at Conrad’s, business is okay to mix with pleasure. I’m sure everyone would enjoy their stay there. Just like what me and my family did.. 🙂
I love a hotel that is not only grand and luxurious, but also gives you the feeling of being at home away from home, even if it mostly caters to businessmen. I like that Conrad is like that, very comfy and still have that homey feeling.
I’ve been here a couple of times already and each time I’m at Conrad’s I always feel at home and safe. The people around are accommodating and the whole ambiance is welcoming and warm. Wouldn’t mind staying here again this coming holidays.
I’ve been here a couple of times and can attest to this hotel’s world class service and amenities! I won’t be surprised if I find myself lounging and staying here again when I go back to NYC next month.
The perfect place to stay while waiting for the ball to drop on new year’s eve! I love this hotel! I’m already booked!
2016 is just a few days away and I know almost all hotels in NYC are fully booked. But here’s still wishing I could go on board with Conrad so I’d be able to experience the luxurious amenities it has to offer.
Now this is one of my favorite hotels in NYC. Perfect for business and pleasure!
Business meetings/conferences have a way to make me look old and boring and dull. Being able to spend events in business events used to be boring too. But now, with hotels like Conrad, I am looking forward to meeting my colleagues and spending time with them at the rooftop to discuss everything under the sun.
It’s always a pleasure doing business here!
Spent the holidays at Conrad Hotel just a few days ago and it was a marvelous experience. Even though I had to meet up with some clients, I still felt at home away from home.
Haven’t been to any other state except in FL. But I have this bucket list where one of my goals is to travel the whole America. When I get to NY soon, I will definitely check this hotel out. Your pictures look really inviting!
A bucket list of travel goals is always a good idea! 🙂 Eat, Love, Travel!
I will soon be traipsing these halls and enjoy the wonderful view. Conrad, here I come 🙂
Have the best time!!
Thank you!
I gotta admit, having lived in Ireland with a lot of Bed and Breakfast in every corner, I thought business hotels are kind of minimalist looking, boring and strictly for professional use only. I am glad there are those that could cater to families and friends too, not only for corporate people.
Looks like you did enjoy your stay there at Conrad. One of the best hotels I’ve been to. I might stay there again for a couple of weeks when I get to NYC for a conference. Thanks for your post, I’ll be telling my colleagues to stay here too.
I was here with my team about a week ago. The view from the top is spectacular. And we also tried prosecco pops like you mentioned, and yes… everything about Conrad is truly Instagrammable! Yay!
I was just here the other night. This hotel is impeccable! I could stay here forever..
I’ve been here before and I can attest to its genuine beauty and oh so sophisticated interior. It is always a blast to spend some time here with my colleagues.
I’ve been to Conrad in NYC and was astonished about its beauty and splendor. No wonder there were a lot of tourists flocking the hotel that day I was there. I’ve also heard that they’ve expanded their hotel chains up to South East Asia. That really is great!
Oh what a wondrous place! I sure will check in Conrad hotel soon!
I’v stayed at Conrad in NYC a few weeks before the holidays last year and it was a momentous experience. Everything about Conrad is fantastic!
Ah yes, I remember Conrad. One of the most beautiful and elegant hotels I’ve been to in NYC. SUch an unforgettable experience to be there.
Oh… so Conrad is part of Hilton group of hotels. That’s nice to know. These hotels really look fabulous!
Spent a holiday or two there in Conrad NYC and the experience was awesome! My team and I enjoyed every minute of our stay there.
I’ve always thought that business hotels were bland and hold no excitement at all. I am clearly mistaken. I wanna check in to Conrad as soon as possible.
Wow! Such a beautiful hotel indeed!
Conrad Hotel is known for its sleek structure, beautiful designs and warm people. I’ve been here once and I had a great experience. I’ll be glad to come back here again soon.
Looks like you enjoyed your stay there!