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The Coolest Part Of W Union Square's New Bar Is On The Ceiling

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 201 PARK AVENUE SOUTH [map], New York, NY, United States, 10003
January 10, 2012 at 9:15 AM | by | Comments (0)

Last June, W Union Square closed its underground bar (suitably named Underbar) in order to re-launch an entirely new concept in the same space. Six months later, W unveiled Lilium, a black-and-gold accented nightclub with a moderate-size dance floor and video art that loops on a flat-screen behind the bar.

But beyond the giant bubble chandelier in the foyer, and the Todd English-prepared small plates offered, by far the most interesting touch here are the hand-sculpted steel lilies that adorn the ceiling like some sort of gilded cave of forgotten dreams. Artist Scot Brown used over 4,000 lbs of steel to create the effect, and along the walls, he etched the contours of yet more lilies, which are then illuminated against the dark steel by fluorescent lights. Scroll down to see the lilies in their everlasting bloom!

The overall feel is slightly jungle-like, and is intended to evoke "a dark feminine energy and brooding intimacy." Which might explain the rumors we heard last month about Kristen Wiig making out with a drummer from The Strokes in one of the club's shadowy booths. Surrounded by so much bloomage, they must have felt like Adam and Eve in the garden!

Guests at Lilium, which is located east of the W's main Park Avenue entrance, can enjoy a different DJ each night of the week, and a traditional cocktail menu (prices will hover around $14, with bottle service starting at $225-$325).

Additionally, if you happen to be a fan of The Whiskey, the hotel lounge concept launched by Gerber Group (who are now installed inside W Hotels, other Starwood Hotels, and Sofitels all around the world), then this place might be up your alley. Gerber Group wanted to pay tribute to The Whiskey's twentieth anniversary with the design of Lilium, which re-interprets the former's "vintage rock 'n' roll" feel.

[Photos: HotelChatter]

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