Artistic License, Hyatt Union Square NY

Since it debuted last April, the Hyatt Union Square New York has been a showcase for buzz worthy modern art and cutting edge design. Conceptualized by renowned interior designer Paul Vega, the newly built property brings the outdoors in with the use of materials and elements culled from the natural world. The juxtaposition of natural and industrial is introduced at the building’s entrance, a 23-foot high translucent cube of glass.

 

Ceiling lights in the lobby create the illusion of a starry night, and an eight foot, oxidized free standing wall separates the reception area from the lobby lounge, dubbed Singl (i.e. unattached, get it?). Suspended above the handcrafted bar is a daring modern take on a chandelier, this one fabricated with hanging, twisted vines. Most noteworthy amidst the bespoke furnishings in the 1,400 square foot space is a 650 lb. tree trunk recovered after Hurricane Sandy in Connecticut, used as a base for a communal table. Other nature inspired elements include a commissioned art installation depicting a flock of birds.

 

“Every detail of Hyatt Union Square New York is focused on enticing today’s edgy, yet sophisticated, urban traveler and guests get the benefit of staying in the perfect location for a true New York experience,” says General Mgr. Chris Holbrook. “Union Square is a must see, cultural destination in downtown Manhattan and visitors in town for both business and leisure want to stay in this neighborhood, which did not previously have much in the way of hotel options.”

 

Beyond the lobby area with hand-carved wooden benches is the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Fourth. Restaurateurs Jo-Ann Makovitzky and Marco Moreira of One Five Hospitality, hired cutting-edge artisans and designers to give The Fourth a hybrid ambiance, one that mixes Union Square’s urban elegance with the creative vibe of the East Village. The most visually striking element as you enter is artist Brinton Jaecks’ two-story wooden beds installation suspended from the ceiling. Entitled “Hypnagogia,” it’s comprised of five bunk beds linked by carved wooden chains. Jaecks’ work showcases the American folk art of woodworking, taught to him by his grandfather.

 

Gracing the walls are photographs by James Salzano, known for his portraits of luminaries like the Dalai Lama, and for his thought provoking campaigns for Ford and IBM.  He was recently intrigued with photographing subjects who often go unnoticed in real life and captured waitresses he’s encountered during his extensive travels. The results, compelling portraits of simple people, are a nod to service professionals in the hospitality industry.

 

The brasserie style restaurant helmed by Chef Michael William Davis offers a menu of sophisticated small bites, communal plates for sharing and farm fresh meat and seafood dishes. The 5,000 square foot space boasts two levels with 25 foot ceilings, large French doors, a European style espresso bar and a 24 seat communal bar/dining space with “benches for two”.

 

The hotel’s 179 guestrooms feature contemporary décor in loft style studios with separate seating areas, eight with private landscaped terraces and two presidential suites – the Sanctuary, boasting a 954 square foot terrace and comprising living, dining and sleeping spaces all decorated with jewel tone accents, and the Empyreal, a penthouse suite on the 11^th floor surrounded entirely by glass with wraparound views of the city. Another designing nod to nature are the reversible graphic pillow panels serving as headboards in all guestrooms, with contrasting designs on each side – one evoking Spring/Summer and the other Fall/Winter.

 

With its successful evocation of nature in the urban jungle of Manhattan, the Hyatt Union Square is the newest, go to lodging in downtown New York for the modern, design-savvy, global traveler.

Yvonne Yorke