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This article is part of the guide to FT Globetrotter in New York
In New York’s famous Flower District, vendors stack scents and colorful flowers along the 28th Avenue sidewalk between 6th Avenue and Seventh Avenue. Walking around this block on your way to the Fifth Avenue Hotel is ready for the evullience inside. The star of the show at this new facility is decoration.
Behind the restrained façade of an early 20th century mansion is a maximalist east feast by designer Martin Burdnich. From the elevator lobby lined with pleated red silk (with a tented roof) to the glazed screens of plays that separate several large rooms, the Fifth Avenue Hotel is a definitive break from the same minimalism of many luxury hotels (see the Ritz-Carlton on the Street). The richness of characters makes the hotel feel special.
Despite its name, the opening from hotelier Alex O’O’O’O’Shalom is probably not part of Fifth Avenue you’re thinking. It is located about 60 blocks south of the Museum Mile along Central Park and 20 blocks south of Ultra Posi’s Shopping Stretch. This neighborhood nomad is a slightly random hinterland. It does not belong to either the Midtown sweeping path or, in fact, the attractive area of Manhattan’s lower. Lie just north of Madison Square Park, it operates a gamut, from new luxury hotels to cluttered tourist shops to messy tourists selling innovative socks. You are close to both the mathematics and the sex museum, the Linens Shop, the Pork Bowl Place and the miniature golf course called Swingers.
But what you discover when exploring New York is that the corners of 28th and 5th Avenue are all close to everything, making them ideal bases for almost every adventure in the city.
room
You enter the mansion through an intimate lobby that feels like an entrance hall in a very magnificent home, but most of the accommodation is located in a modern 24-storey tower, added beside it.
Inside the spacious rooms, the transition feels seamless, with the same rich interior and riots of international inspiration. There is a large Chinese-style cabinet with inlaid dragons (something called “maxibars” rather than minis). The bedside table is a faux mother of pearl. It is the most eclectic and thoughtful detail of the British country house, which prevents the scheme from feeling like a mishmash, with its powerful whimsical depictions of New York history (like the classic black and white tiles of marble bathrooms).
The room offers all kinds of imaginary convenience, from shoe brushes to bath salts. The stay begins with a welcome drink and a room tour from the hotel’s attentive, checked suit butler. I was worried that combining room service, climate, lighting, and even curtain controls on one indoor iPad would be an inconvenient trick. But in fact, the system is easy to use and makes the most of its carefully placed lamps and colorful chandeliers.
Restaurants and bars
Waiting for a table at Café Carmellini and seeing staff ironing the white tablecloth, you know what you are for. It has the grandeur of old New York. Two sculptures (artificial) trees in the center add a touch of fantasy. A handful of tables, like opera boxes, around the balcony, are suitable for romance, or perhaps for modest corporate intrigue.
Chef Andrew Carmellini’s food is elaborate and formal, with French and Italian inspiration, and the wine list is extensive. The menu for my visit ran from oysters (with a small square of apples and a ball of sorbet) to the decorative tower of Crab Millefeuille and tortellini with caramel-like ducks.
In the morning, bright lighting and cheerful piano music brighten up the space for breakfast. The food is perfect, with a touch of mint twigs cheering on the fruit and yogurt plate. The imposing pastry cart is a perfect fit for the Grand Budapest Hotel.
Next to the paneled portrait bar features exceptional cocktails and snacks, including popcorn in whimsical red and white striped containers. My favorite space is a more casual extension of the second-floor bar called “The Study,” lined up on green striped fabric with tent ceilings and comfortable chintz chairs on low tables. During the day, these rooms serve as lounges for hotel guests with coffee and snacks, but don’t miss out on a night cap here. It’s a magical room.
At a glance
Good things: Of many things, the martini. Offered at your butler or at a bar or restaurant
Not very good: Casual. Decorated decorations make you feel like you want to dress up a little
FYI: The restaurants and bars are open to the public and seem to attract them in large quantities. I’ll make a reservation first
Rooms and Suites: 110, 43
Price: Starting from $995
Address: 1 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
Website; Directions
Joshua Oliver was a guest at the 5th Avenue hotel.
Please tell us about your favorite New York hotel in the comments below. And follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @ftglobetrotter for all the latest stories
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