RITZ-CARLTON BATTERY PARK
The lure
Unabashed luxury at the foot of Manhattan in a glass-and-steel tower with panoramic city views. A spa and fitness center round out its exec- and family-friendly amenities. Oh, and the apartments above are for sale!
The layout
Built in 2002, New York’s only waterfront hotel features 298 rooms and suites with a mod Art Deco aesthetic accented by dark wood paneling and neutral-toned furniture. The real lure, however, is the jaw-dropping view of Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty — spied with in-room telescopes.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner?
Dinner at 2 West, a steakhouse-styled crowd-pleaser overseen by newish executive chef Philip Medora. Attentive service paired with a locally inspired menu Long Island duck, organic Hudson Valley chicken have made it a neighborhood favorite.
Enjoy water views at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park.The Ritz CarltonAlthough “Club Levels” can often feel like a rip-off, the hotel’s is worth the roughly $100 splurge. The all-day dining and useful business amenities are appreciated in a neighborhood still short on services.
The letdown
Surrounded mostly by Battery Park, the area is extremely quiet — possibly too quiet for some guests. There’s not much nightlife within walking distance.
The lowdown
Lower Manhattan’s service and luxury leader — at least for now! Equally suitable for upmarket tourists and deep-pocketed locals looking for an indulgent weekend staycation.
Details
From $375; ritzcarlton.com.
CONRAD NEW YORK
Courtesy Conrad New YorkThe lure
Full-service, modern-design, new-build tower directly across the street from One World Trade Center and seconds from Brookfield Place’s new upmarket shops and dining.
The layout
A soaring entry atrium and prime artwork by the likes of Sol Lewitt, Julian Schnabel and Ellsworth Kelly give the hotel a seriously contemporary vibe that extends to its 463 rooms.
Courtesy Conrad New YorkBreakfast, lunch, dinner?
How about drinks? As its kooky name suggests, the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar is a lot of fun. Along with prime harbor and Statue of Liberty views, the bar serves adults-only prosecco-based cocktails accented by fruity popsicles (right).
Don’t miss
While the pan-Italian classics at the Atrio Wine Bar & Restaurant — fritto misto, prosciutto-topped pizzas — are winners, the surrounding area has become a culinary hub thanks to newcomers ranging from Parm to Umami Burger.
The letdown
With its smallish rooms and simple decor, the Conrad lacks the Ritz-Carlton’s all-out luxe factor.
The lowdown
Attentive service and prime location make the Conrad a stylish stay in Manhattan’s latest tech-meets-media-meets-finance HQ.
Details
From $269; conradnewyork.com.



