Fifth Avenue Hotel, NYC
I found a hidden gem! A few weeks after watching season two of The Gilded Age, a series set in the high society world of 1880s New York City, I found myself at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, and the experience was like stepping onto the show's set – only with a fresher, more whimsical touch.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel opened this past October as one of the year’s most anticipated new properties. Located in NoMad, I visited for one night this winter and was taken not only by the design but also by its service and atmosphere.
With pink, hand-sewn fabric on the walls and elevators adorned with striped wallpaper, the details were incredible. Upon exiting the elevator, a butler greeted us with warm hand towels and the most divine drink – he said it was grapefruit juice with burnt cinnamon, and I was eager to get my hands on the recipe! With 153 rooms and 22 suites in the old mansion, each offering a unique charm, I fell in love with this hotel.
Exploring the room categories, I viewed the Corner King and King Studio Suite in the main building, as well as the Fifth Avenue Suite and the Mansion Suite in the original mansion. The King Studio Suite, with its sitting area, blue-green leather desk with bamboo detailing, and art deco vanity was stunning. The King Studio was equally impressive, albeit a tad smaller.
The leather-paneled doors with nailhead studding and blue lacquer shelving inside were some of my favorite details. Everything was impeccably done, creating an atmosphere that felt over the top — but in the best way!
In a thoughtful touch, the mini bar was complimentary (minus the alcohol, of course.) It was stocked with a curated assortment of snacks and drinks, and I wish every hotel did mini bars like this!
Despite the relatively small size of the bathrooms in the King Studio and King Studio Suite, they feature white marble, heated floors, and a thoughtful layout. The custom-made shower products, especially the scrub, left me wanting to purchase it — if only they sold it!
My only complaint was the lack of a phone charger port on the top of the bedside table, but the free outlet behind the nightstand came to the rescue. A minor hiccup in an otherwise flawless room.
The option to book all six rooms on a floor is a great opportunity if staying with a larger party; they can close off the floor for complete privacy.
Turning to the Fifth Avenue Suite and the Mansion Suite, spacious living rooms, separate bedrooms, and bathrooms complete with a soaking tub and double sinks made these rooms unforgettable. And the chandelier in the Mansion Suite? Pictures don't do it justice. Every piece, from desks to lamps to accessories, felt handpicked and special.
The quality of the service matched that of the interior design. Andrea, the front office manager whom I bumped into in the hallway, went above and beyond, offering a personal tour of all the public spaces and a brief history of the hotel. Throughout our stay, the entire team addressed us by name and went out of their way to assist, even offering the complimentary house car multiple times.
The must-visit hotel bar, The Portrait, was a bustling spot even on a Tuesday night. Be sure to make a reservation!
The attached Cafe Carmellini, although we missed it this time, is on my agenda for the next visit. Rumor has it that they'll soon be open for lunch and breakfast.
While a gym is currently in the works, the hotel provided a pass to Equinox, just a block away. I’m sure any fitness enthusiast would appreciate this.
The meticulous planning and attention to detail were evident in every corner of The Fifth Avenue Hotel. A chance meeting with Alex, the owner, revealed his passion for this project. I'm already looking forward to my next stay!
