Squared scenically across from the New York Public Library and Bryant Park, the Andaz 5th Avenue is our latest recommendation for Manhattan’s luxury getaways.
A short stroll from Times Square, Central Park, and MoMA, the city takes on a particular charm at night, and you can see it all from your bedroom window. Occupying what used to be a department store and eventually the headquarters for Tommy Hilfiger, Andaz 5th Ave leans into its design-centric roots with a stylish New York City location.
The hotel offers a streamlined check-in experience, replacing the traditional desk with an open-concept table set beneath sculptures that center the room. Mirroring the city’s energy, interactions with staff are easy-going, without feeling stuffy or pretentious. The lobby is sleek and welcoming, with its library acting as a focal point of sorts. Library shelves are lined with an exclusive collection of books donated by its neighboring New York Public Library. And quiet corners throughout the lobby library offer guests a spot to sit and unwind. Every afternoon, guests are invited to a complimentary happy hour featuring a selection of wines — a detail we love!
The Rooms
Rooms this size are hard to come by, especially for this part of town. Lofty layouts with 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, and even the smallest rooms sport king-sized beds. If you don’t have an iconic view of the library, you might enjoy a private balcony or overlook Fifth Ave. The décor is airy and minimalist, with dark wood furnishings and details like transparent glass closets with fluffy robes, all offering a calming contrast to the bustling outdoors.
With low-slung furnishings and plush bedding paired with extra-large beds, Andaz are trying their best to help you sleep better during your stay. Convenient bedside controls on the twin nightstands allow for easy adjustments to temperature and curtains.
Spacious travertine marble bathrooms are outfitted with sliding panel doors that create a seamless divide between the bedroom and the bathroom. Inside, oversized rainfall showers, double sinks, and a large foot-soaking tub with a waterfall tap are some of the unique details you’ll spot. It’s all tied together with toiletries from Brooklyn-based brand, Fellow Barber, and their calming notes of cedarwood and eucalyptus.
Food & Drink
The Bar Downstairs feels like a best-kept secret. It bottles the feeling at that point of the night when you’re after a moody nightcap spot that’s close to home. With dim lighting, leather banquettes, and exposed brick walls, the subterranean space has all the makings of a speakeasy setting. That’s likely why you’ll find locals sipping a happy hour cocktail on any given weeknight.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be seated at the bar where banter with the mixologists keeps the night flowing. Don’t expect a simple gin and tonic, the menu is chock full of unconventional and interesting cocktail pairings – take the Daiquiri Italiano with Fernet Branca, lime, and a dust of kaffir lime or the Purple Lady with butterfly pea flower infused gin, lavender bitters and egg whites as prime examples.
Despite its location in a hotel, the calibre of the food matches the dining you’ll find across Manhattan, and for that, the hotel restaurant is a worthwhile stopover for one of your NYC meals. The menu leans towards nibbles, ideal for sampling a few dishes. Start with the Mushroom Flatbread, layered with creamy ricotta, fresh arugula, crisp mushrooms, and finished with a drizzle of spicy honey. It pairs beautifully with the Burrata, which might feature heirloom tomatoes or grilled peaches depending on what’s in season. For the mains, share a Fontina Mac & Cheese with lobster and herb béchamel, you won’t regret it. Each dish on the menu has a recommended drink pairing, ranging from the Bronx Pilsner to a crisp pinot noir—a thoughtful detail that ties the entire dining experience together.
The Extras
Between your choice of daily newspaper delivery, and a generous late checkout option, regardless of rewards status, the hotel’s offerings extend beyond its spacious rooms. A complementary mini-bar offers snacks and drinks that are already folded into the cost of your room, so indulge in the chocolate bar and bag of chips guilt-free. Room service hours feel longer than most, so the in-robe breakfast is a must. For the brightest start to your day, we recommend the Ricotta Pancakes, sealed together with a lemon and blueberry compote.
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Andaz 5th Ave
485 5th Avenue, E 41st St, New York, NY
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