How do you complement a singular city view that nearly defies description: a 360-degree vista of New York that has been almost 500 years in the making, ever since Giovanni da Verrazzano sailed into the mouth of the Hudson River?
Creating an environment equal to the stellar view was the challenge given to the combined talents of Sue Firestone and Kara Smith of Los Angeles-based interiors firm SFA Design. Working closely with Conrad Hotels & Resorts, SFA has brought to life an aesthetic vision that demonstrates sophistication, hospitality, elegance, and, considering the grandeur of the cityscape below—judicious restraint. “When talking with the Conrad team, we were drawn to the importance that they put on creating a strong sense of place within each of their hotels,” says Firestone. “Like Conrad, in all of our design projects we try to draw from the location, surroundings, people, and culture. Their philosophy really resonated with us. We wanted to incorporate the views of the city into our design, and also bring the energy that you feel on the streets of New York up into this amazing roof lounge.”
“Conrad’s design aesthetic is luxurious, stylish, sophisticated, comfortable, and globally inspired,” says John Vanderslice, Global Head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Worldwide. “Similar to many of our hotels, the roof terrace features dramatic, clean, intelligent lines and an exquisite view. In fact, from the roof deck you are looking directly towards the site of the upcoming Conrad New York hotel, in Battery Park.”
The 800-square-foot “crow’s nest” includes an outdoor deck, and an equally sized, glass-walled indoor room—with nothing to encumber the view. SFA choreographed the experience of the space with precision. Drawing from the textures of the buildings in the skyline, groups of low, comfortable seating by Dedon and Defiero create casual spots to relax or to mingle on the outdoor terrace. Inside, a custom glass and metal bar and cocktail table provide a perch protected from the occasional waterfront breeze. Two oversized pairs of tripod-mounted binoculars enable guests to appreciate the humming cityscape in detail.
The room’s “glowing” effect is augmented by glass floor tiles—that radiate light from the room below—and a custom drink-ledge that SFA added to the edge of the railings, lit from within by John Newman of Kugler Ning. “The roof terrace of the ClockTower is an iconic lantern in the Brooklyn skyline, visible even from Manhattan. We wanted to create a warm, inviting light to welcome our guests,” says Newman.
“This space is meant for both entertaining and solo relaxation,” explains Smith, ”and we wanted to make sure it was outfitted for any activity, whether it be a cocktail gathering under the stars, or a quiet morning with coffee, croissants, and The New York Times.”
“This is the essence of what we call ‘Smart Luxury,’ “observes Vanderslice. “Each Conrad Hotel offers guests sophisticated style, personalized service and global connections, which allow today’s modern individuals to enjoy the ultimate luxury, ‘The Luxury of Being Yourself.’”