W Hotels Worldwide announced the opening of W New York-Downtown and The Residences at W New York-Downtown. Located in New York City’s Financial District on the corner of Washington and Albany Streets, W New York-Downtown is located in a 58 floor building developed by The Moinian Group.
“The opening of W New York-Downtown, which expands our hometown footprint, marks a milestone for the W brand,” said Eva Ziegler, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “Built from the ground up, our latest hotel will bring innovative design, modern style, and a pulse of new energy to this historic neighborhood.”
“The opening of this hotel and residential tower is the culmination of a five year labor of love,” says Joe Moinian of The Moinian Group. “From the time we purchased the property in 2005 to the selection of the building’s designers and W Hotels as a brand partner, our goal was always to deliver a world-class destination location that would help re-shape life and lifestyle in Lower Manhattan. When people discuss a turning point in the dynamics of the FiDi residential and hospitality market, this project will be recognized as that turning point.”
Designed by lead architect Gwathmey Siegel and Associates, W New York-Downtown Hotel & Residences features 217 guest rooms and 223 W-branded residences, offering city views of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Hudson River and Battery Park. The glass tower sits on a five-story, limestone and glass podium.
Upon arrival at W New York-Downtown, guests and residents will experience a spectacular light shower installation by UK light sculptor Bruce Munro, renowned for his adventurous sculptural light works and installations, including the famous “Field of Light” project at UK’s greenhouse Eden Project. Suspended from the second floor ceiling and reaching down to the street lobby, the massive light installation is comprised of 1,260 individually hung clear tear drop diffusers, illuminated via fiber-optic projectors with the ability to reprogram colorations at any time.
Located on the fifth floor of the hotel, the Living Room Bar & Terrace features a dramatic Lamella curtain draped concept that features thousands of programmed, choreographed linear feet of LED lighting recessed within the structure. The Living Room Bar & Terrace, which features floor-to-ceiling window views of New York City, serves specialty cocktails from resident mixologist Charlotte Voisey and light bites provided by BLT Bar & Grill, the hotel’s signature restaurant.
BLT debuts its first ever Bar & Grill concept at W New York-Downtown, featuring modern selections that are ideal for everyday dining without departing from signature BLT style and service. In addition to the 23 seats at the bar, the ground level of the restaurant accommodates an additional 148 guests indoors and 30 patrons on the outdoor patio. The second floor dining room features a larger menu of fresh salads, grilled meats, market-driven pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, signature sides and desserts. The second floor features a private dining room for 20 guests.
The W New York-Downtown’s 217 guestrooms include 16 Studio Suites, one WOW and two Extreme WOW Suites (W’s reinterpretation of the traditional Presidential Suite). Guestrooms and suites feature W signature feather-top mattresses, 350 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, goose down comforters and pillows, state-of-the-art in-room entertainment and a fully stocked Munchie Box.
Residences at W New York-Downtown are the first ever W branded residences in Manhattan. They feature 223 modern condominiums, including 64 fully furnished units and 159 unfurnished, designer-ready apartments. Residents have full access to all hotel amenities. W New York-Downtown’s SWEAT state-of-the-art fitness facility provides hotel guests with iPod and LCD TV cardiovascular equipment, including treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes and cardio calorie busters as well as an assortment of Yoga and Pilates equipment, all designed to fulfill the needs of modern living while on the road. The property is located at 123 Washington Street, New York, NY. For more information or reservations, call 877-822-0000 or visit www.whotels.com/newyorkdowntown.
Steele Luxury Gay Travel www.SteeleTravel.com