Originally Posted by
Thunderroad
In other words, while the area the Conrad is in is ok, you'd definitely be doing some walking to get to most of the more fun and interesting neighborhoods in lower Manhattan. And other interesting areas, such as Central Park and the West Side, are beyond walking unless you're real hikers (though one easy aspect of exploring NYC on foot is that everything is flat). Of course, the subway and taxis are another option for getting around. Taxis are plentiful, except sometimes 4 p.m. or so when they change shifts.
The Conrad is still probably worth it, given that it sounds like a wonderful hotel, unless you think that with the infant you'd generally like to be within quick, easy walking distance of the hotel.
For those who haven't been to this location, JDiver linked in one of my posts when this property was an Embassy Suites as post #3 in this thread:
Interesting bit of post
Now, while the status info is over a year old, the topography of Lower Manhattan hasn't changed much. This part of Manhattan has elevation changes as well as the challenge of dealing with the ongoing construction of the Freedom Tower and going east from the property will definitely have you climbing up some grades. Not terribly steep ones but you'll be going uphill.
If you and your family are used to walking everywhere, Lower Manhattan will be fun. However, I'd look at the weather when you plan to go since summer in the city can be brutal - once things heat up, everything concrete as well as the subways re-radiate heat and humidity will also affect everyone.
David