Battery Park is one of my favorite places in New York to go for a walk. Although close to the new World Trade Center and Wall St, it bears little resemblance to the hustle and bustle of the career-driven financiers-filled streets. Once crossing the bridge into Battery Park, you are in a peaceful residential neighborhood, overlooking the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and a magnificent boardwalk. Manhattan’s Sailing School is also there, as well as the splendid Winter Gardens commercial center. The neighborhood has recently become popular for professionals starting a family, for its proximity to the water, convenient residential complexes and entertainment options.
This weekend I decided to head to Lower Manhattan in an attempt to watch a movie. Tired of the overcrowded movie theaters in midtown, I found a marvelous solution: the new Regal Battery Park. Comfortably settled in for the Campaign movie, I was in awe of the space hosting the movie theatre. I walked around and I soon realized I am in the new Conrad Hotel, and better yet a few floor away from its delightfully secluded Loopy Doppy Bar.
What used to be an Embassy Suites, Hilton’s luxury brand, is now a sleeker more modern version, filled with impressive artwork. The lobby atrium provides generous contemporary space, furnished with mid-century modern couches, tables and chairs and a top-notch restaurant called Atrio.
[ Photo courtesy: Conrad NY ]
But, back to that unbelievable artwork! It is the first thing you see walking in. And the best thing about it is its openness; a series of huge angular steel tubes – Monica Ponce De Leon’s sculpture, “Veils” – dangle dramatically from the skylit ceiling. Underneath the tubes, a giant panel graces one side. Sol LeWitt’s painting, “Loopy Doopy Blue and Purple 1999,” is an outstanding 13 stories high piece adorned with theatrical lighting, boosting its exuberance.
The purpose of this post, however, is not the Conrad or its innovative design features, but its stunning rooftop bar known as The Loopy Doopy Bar, named after the 13-story Sol LeWitt wall art. Open since this May, it is one of those NYC best kept secrets. It’s somewhat sheltered, and totally unassuming. Ending up on the 16th floor by mistake, the rooftop proved to be exactly what the doctor ordered: an inviting lounge overlooking Hudson River with light chill-out music and refreshing summer cocktails. The lack of crowds, usually accompanying any NYC hip spot, also makes it hugely appealing! I had a prosecco & popsicle cocktail; let me tell you, I have never had a better summer drink! And look at that view!
Can you share any NYC hidden gem?
