This is a bold look at one of New York’s most decadent stays, and it might just redefine how you picture the city’s luxury hotels. But here’s where it gets controversial: a 19th-century mansion in NoMad blends old-world opulence with modern gadgetry in a way that can feel over-the-top or wonderfully nostalgic, depending on taste. This property wears its history proudly while delivering contemporary comfort, and that tension is what makes it so intriguing.
A storied past anchors the experience. Once home to socialite Charlotte Goodridge, the building later evolved into a bank and a grand Italianate mansion. Today, guests walk into a lobby that feels like a time capsule from New York’s Gilded Age: curios in cabinets, crushed-velvet sofas, and wallpaper that could be a Rousseau painting. Service matches the setting, with all guests in every room category having access to a butler.
Design details steal the show. Swedish designer Martin Brudnizki infuses his signature playful flair: pleated pink silk walls near the elevators, tassels from the venerable Samuel & Sons, and lamp sconces adorned with birds or hands. Beveled glass and twinkling chandeliers conjure a romantic, bygone mood. Rooms vary by exposure—pink, jungle-inspired wallpapers on one side and forest-green pastoral scenes on the other—while downstairs, Italian Café Carmellini and the intimate Portrait Bar offer quintessential NoMad atmosphere.
Overall score: 9/10
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Rooms and suites: 9/10
The boudoir-style lodgings are split between a newer 24-story glass tower—built on the site of an old carriage house—and the original mansion overlooking Fifth Avenue. Both are vibrant, colorful, and unmistakably Gatsby-esque, yet clearly modern: light controls, curtains, and even the TV are managed via a tablet. Across the two spaces there are 110 rooms and 43 suites, with playful bubblegum-pink doors adding a wink of whimsy. The City King is the smallest room, yet by New York standards it feels surprisingly spacious, offering cozy seating and pleasant street views; the tower’s studio suites resemble compact New York apartments.
On the mansion’s side, the suites embrace a maximal, fantastical design: tasselled lamps, fresh flowers in bold vases, ceiling lights suspended from gold stars, teal walls with hand molding. A bright green room divider separates the bedroom from a small lounge, lit by a Murano glass chandelier dangling with glass fruit. A discreet “Maxi Bar” in each room keeps everything complimentary except the alcohol, plus a welcome cabinet from Café Carmellini. The wallpaper continues into the bathrooms, which feature double sinks, rainforest showers (and baths in suites), and expansive mirrors.
Food and drink: 9/10
Café Carmellini, run by Andrew Carmellini, is the hotel’s primary social hub—a busy, stylish NoMad staple. Tables can be reserved through the butler, and the interior blends wood paneling, three-tier chandeliers, large windows, crushed velvet, and leather banquettes. The menu is seasonal and organized into four sections: crudo, small plates, a pasta course, and mains (the fresh pastas are not to be missed). The wine list is encyclopedic, with around 15,000 bottles on offer.
Nightcaps belong in the Portrait Bar, a moody space of dark wood and mirrors, with portrait-gallery vibes. Evening cocktails draw inspiration from distant places—try the Mapo District, a soju-based drink from Seoul, or the St James, a London-leaning blend described as a Bramble meets an English milk punch, featuring Earl Grey gin. Snacks and café offerings keep guests satisfied until 10 a.m.
What else is there?
There are event spaces, including a former bank vault underground that’s now a private room for wine tastings or gatherings, plus a study and a conservatory that double as ad-hoc co-working areas. Notably, there’s no pool or spa. A gym is on site, and the hotel can connect guests with local fitness partners (SoulCycle, Barry’s). Valet parking is available at an additional cost.
Location: 9/10
Tucked at the corner of West 28th Street and upscale Fifth Avenue in NoMad, near the Flatiron District, the hotel signals modern fashion without ostentation. Nearby dining includes Eleven Madison Park and La Tête d’Or by Daniel Boulud, alongside other luxury stays like the Ritz-Carlton NoMad and The Ned. The neighborhood’s foot-friendly layout means Midtown is roughly a 20-minute stroll away, while downtown can take about twice that. Major draws include the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and Broadway.
Price: room-only doubles from £741; restaurant mains from £25
Accessibility and family-friendliness: Yes to accessibility; family-friendly options available.
Cathy Adams experienced the Fifth Avenue Hotel (thefifthavenuehotel.com).
Would you like to explore more about how historic hotels balance heritage with modern luxury, or prefer options that skew more minimalist and quiet?
