Conrad New York - A Hidden Gem
The New York hotel market, especially during high season, can have some insane prices, especially for more luxurious hotels. However, the Conrad New York, during weekends, is an excellent way to enjoy some peace and quiet without breaking the (relative) bank.
Overview
The Conrad brand, named after Conrad Hilton, is Hilton’s answer to those looking for affordable luxury. It has ~40 properties worldwide, and tends to have a more sleek, minimalist design. Being a flagship Hilton brand, one gets all the benefits of their Hilton status, including $25 per person food and beverage credit for hotels in the US.
Location
The location in the Financial District in my opinion is definitely a pro: just close enough to the major tourist destinations, but without the massive crowds of tourists. This hotel is also right besides the global headquarters of Investment Bank Goldman Sachs - I’m told a lot of their workers also stay there. Another benefit of the hotel’s location is the super cute nearby Rockefeller Park, as well as the nearby Brookfield place shopping complex.
The exterior is quite unassuming, and looks like a regular hotel: this hotel was an Embassy suite beforehand. I presume highly paid Goldman workers don’t like staying in mere Embassy suites, which was why it was upgraded in 2012.
Upon entering the hotel, I was greeted by a gorgeous, airy lobby.
There are actually 2 entrances to the building: the other entrance, on North End Way, actually leads up to the Regal Battery Park movie theatre.
Apparently, then these places first opened, there was a $25 dinner special because that was the maximum dinner allowance for Goldman workers! I had a burger at the Shake Shack, and to be honest it tasted like a regular Shake Shack burger, meaning it wasn’t good (bring the hate!).
The lobby also contained the ATRIO Wine Bar and Restaurant, which provides mostly American and Italian food at New York City prices.
Check in was efficient and thoughtful. The nice attendant was happy to upgrade me to a Hudson River View Suite with One King Bed, but that would only be ready at ~5PM. After wandering around for a few hours, I made my way back to the hotel for my room.
The Room
Unrelated at all, but can we appreciate how smart these disposable room cards are?
And while the overall hallways was wonderfully designed, I couldn’t help but notice lots of room service trays still out at ~5PM. Indeed, there was one right in front of my room!
The room itself was quite large by New York standards (430 sq. ft.). It opened up into a spacious lobby, complete with a massive sofa. The welcome gift was two reusable, abet tiny, water bottles (I left them behind, as we also got many glasses in the wet bar).
Directly opposite was a TV and massive desk. Given this was a more business hotel, the chain and desk was functionally useful - I can only imagine the number of Goldman Sachs analysts working here until 2am.
Unfortunately, the Conrad New York had succumb to the trend of hotels creating nearly see through bathrooms - this can be a bit awkward when travelling with a stranger.
One of the “highlights” of the room was the wet bar. I did appreciate the glassware, as well as the in-room water filter. What I didn’t appreciate was the $25 charge to use the mini fridge, as well as the excessively expensive items contained within. Someone at ~6PM came over to refill the ice bucket / do a quick turndown, which was a nice touch.
Next up was the separate shower and bathroom combination, which was quite nicely decorated. Strong water pressure, BYREDO Mojave Ghost amenities, what’s not to love.
Next up was the bed, which was large and comfortable.
The renovations have brought the hotel into the 21st century, including proper charging ports and nifty electronic power switches. That being said, I could never figure out how to turn the minibar switch off, and was that late at night too tired to ask.
Directly opposite of it was the clothing / general storage area, which also came with your traditional high end hotel amenities, such as a bathrob, slippers, and importantly for this time of year an umbrella. Too bad I forgot to use it.
And finally, the view, which…was technically a Hudson River view in letter but not in spirit. However, given how close the hotel was to the river, I couldn’t complain.
One extraordinarily cool view was actually from the hotel’s walkways.
Which lead my outside to explore the amenities of the hotel.
Amenities
Remember this is a city hotel, and in New York City where space is precious, so regular luxury trappings like a spa or pool are missing.
Starting with the fitness center: it was, for a city hotel, actually quite serviceable. I saw quite a few people working out in there during the morning rush.
Next up was a fairly decent sized business center.
The barber shop was closed when I was there.
There are massive event spaces beside the concierge, and I did hear a few celebrations happening in those rooms.
And finally, the restaurant. It was buzzing late at night, and a fair bit quieter during early breakfast. It really started picking up at around 1030AM, which is when I went to go get breakfast.
Am I happy this is free? Absolutely! Would I have paid the retail value of $37 for this? NOPE. That being said, the hotel is nice enough for you to leave your remaining Hilton credit to the workers.
The Service
For North American city standards, overall great. I appreciate the flexibility of the hotel in finding me a better room, in the cordial staff, in the fun and quick service at the restaurant. No issues there!
The Point
I used a Hilton free night certificate to book this - otherwise, the hotel would have costed 95,000 Hilton points, or around $500. I would say it’s worth the points, a bit less so with the cash price. It’s large, well appointed rooms, good location and friendly staff make this the place to be if you’re looking to stay out of Midtown. My one complaint is the food options, with the breakfast being fairly disappointing, and a lack of good food options nearby. That being said, this overall was a great place for a staycation!
