The Fifth Avenue Hotel | New York, NY: Review
[When you book with me as your luxury travel advisor, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks at the world’s finest hotels — daily complimentary breakfast for two, $100–$200 in hotel or spa credits, priority room upgrades when available, early check-in, late check-out, personalized VIP treatment and more depending on each hotel — all at no extra cost to you. Book with Me]
Did I just stay at the chicest new hotel in New York City? I think I did. I had heard great things about The Fifth Avenue Hotel, especially about the interiors, but I didn’t do a deep dive into photos or videos beforehand. I had only really seen clips of their two restaurant bars, The Portrait Bar and Café Carmellini, and that alone, paired with its central location and easy access across the city, was enough to make me book it.
The hotel opened in October 2023 and is a blend of a restored 1907 Renaissance style mansion and a newly built 24 story glass tower, with interiors designed by Martin Brudnizki. He’s also behind spaces like Annabel’s in London, Nubeluz at the Ritz Carlton Nomad, The Beekman, Fouquet’s Hotel, and Belmond Splendido in Portofino. When I checked in, I was genuinely stunned at how beautiful the property was. Doormen greeted us outside and the scent of the lobby hit immediately as we walked in. The check-in desk was just as beautifully decorated as the rest of the hotel.
Room:
The ride up to the room was just the beginning. The elevators and hallways were just as thoughtfully decorated as the rest of the hotel, with bold wallpaper, cool animal and nature-themed art, and unique lighting. We stayed in the Grand King room, which is the largest of their Tower Room category before the suites. It’s 375 square feet, and while still small, it worked fine for a shorter stay since we were out most of the day. The lower categories are between 285 and 300 square feet, so if you like more space or are staying longer, you may want to book one of the suites starting around 500 square feet.
There was a beautifully presented tiered box filled with handmade candies and chocolates along with freshly baked coconut lemon cookies waiting for us upon arrival. The complimentary “maxi bar” was another highlight, with all snacks, soft drinks, and waters included and restocked daily. I appreciated that the offerings weren’t just basic or generic convenience store snacks but felt a little more curated and fun. Each evening, turndown service included chocolates by the bed, plush thick slippers, and little touches like a “goodnight phone” bag to tuck your phone away at night. They’d also bring a bucket of ice and refresh the snacks each night. In-room amenities include a Nespresso machine and pods, Dyson hair tools, and full-size bath products in their signature scent, which is used throughout the hotel.
Activities:
This isn’t the kind of hotel you book for in-house activities or sprawling programming. It’s intentionally more intimate, with the city itself playing the role of entertainer. That said, they’ve thoughtfully curated a few experiences worth noting:
The Art of Discovery:
This experience lets you explore the hotel’s collection of over 700 artworks through a guided tour that winds through unexpected hallways and hidden corners of the historic mansion. It continues with VIP access to the Whitney Museum and a thoughtfully curated custom itinerary. To end, you’ll meet with the hotel’s sommelier to share which piece spoke to you most and receive a bottle of wine chosen to reflect the art that moved you.
Behind the Curtain:
Tucked away on the mezzanine of Café Carmellini, this intimate two-seat hidden bar reimagines the chef’s table. Think specialty cocktails alongside refined bites, served with elevated, personalized service perfect for a memorable evening for two.
The Baudelaire Experience:
Perched privately on the 24th floor, this full-floor sanctuary centers around the One Bedroom Terrace Suite. The experience includes a Golden Hour champagne and caviar ritual each evening, curated dining in Café Carmellini, a private wine tasting in The Vault, dedicated butler service, and a thoughtfully chosen collection of books to unwind with.
Martini Ritual:
One of our favorite touches was their Martini Ritual, a playful in-room offering available daily from 5 PM to 7 PM for $35/pp. A martini butler arrives with your choice of premium Hans Reisetbauer spirits, either Blue gin or Axberg vodka, and crafts a personalized martini right in your room. It is an elevated pre-dinner moment whether you are staying in or getting ready to head out.
Restaurants on Property:
The Portrait Bar:
The Portrait Bar is truly such a vibe. It’s a dark, intimate lounge just off the lobby, complete with a fireplace, dark wood paneling, and a curated collection of paintings, photographs, and drawings that set the tone perfectly. It’s the ideal place to start or end your evening with drinks and snacks. We began one night with martinis and their marcona almond stuffed olives, which paired so well. The hot dog au poivre and the burger are two items that have been featured by local foodies as some of the best in the city and my fiancé agreed. He said the hot dog was the best one he has ever had, which surprised me since he is not a foodie and hard to impress. I had their London wedge fries, which I normally wouldn’t go for since I am not into thick fries, but they were perfectly cooked and seasoned and I loved the vinegar aioli they came with. This was a great spot to unwind every night after dinner and was consistently buzzing with a lively crowd. You can also swing by in the morning for complimentary coffee and baked goods set out along the bar.
Cafe Carmellini:
Cafe Carmellini is the signature and only restaurant in the hotel from James Beard award winning chef Andrew Carmellini. You may also know him as the chef behind popular spots like Locanda Verde at the Greenwich Hotel and Leuca in Brooklyn. I had planned to eat lunch and dinner here, but our amazing concierge Ben got us into some of the best restaurants in the city, so we only ended up having breakfast here each day. I still highly recommend trying it for lunch or dinner since it's been loved by locals, critics, and top chefs around the city. The restaurant itself is stunning. From the central tree and warm lighting to the beautiful tableware and thoughtful food presentation, every detail feels special. Upstairs there are unique inset dining nooks where you can sit and look down into the restaurant. It would be a great space to book for a private dinner or event.
Each morning I had the coconut yogurt with tropical fruit, house made granola, and basil seeds which was light and flavorful. The crispy potato rosti reminded me of an elevated hash brown and paired perfectly with the creamy scrambled eggs. The brioche French toast with hazelnut frangipane, citrus, and vanilla anglaise was a standout, and the fresh croissants and muffins were also great.
In-Room Dining:
I usually don’t expect much from room service, but the Fifth Avenue Hotel changed my mind. They were incredibly fast and had my food up to the room in just 15 minutes. Everything was served on beautiful tableware and plated perfectly. The spaghetti pomodoro was delicious and full of flavor, and the side of grilled chicken with parmesan I ordered for my dog felt surprisingly gourmet - and he loved it.
Spa:
The Fifth Avenue Hotel doesn’t offer a traditional spa, but they do partner with Clé de Peau Beauté for a unique in-suite facial experience. It’s a pop-up concept rather than a permanent facility, but still feels luxurious and exclusive. You can choose from treatments like the Soin de Beauté facial, which focuses on radiance and relaxation, or the Soin Synactif, which uses their top-of-the-line detoxifying skincare line. It’s not a full-service spa with massages or body treatments, but if you’re looking to unwind with a beautifully done facial in a private setting, it’s worth looking into during your stay.
Pools:
There’s no pool at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, which for us wasn’t a dealbreaker….we’re never heading to New York specifically for a swim. But if having a pool is something you value, especially during the winter or in a wellness focused stay, I’d recommend checking out my reviews of Four Seasons Downtown or Park Hyatt in Midtown, both of which offer beautiful indoor pools that feel serene and high-end.
Gym:
There’s no on-site gym at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, but they’ve curated a great alternative. Through their Fine Fitness Program, guests receive complimentary day passes and class credits to several nearby premium fitness studios and gyms. This includes Lifetime Fitness, Equinox, Humming Puppy Yoga, SoulCycle, and Barry’s Bootcamp. Just ask your butler or the concierge team and they’ll arrange your access. Whether you want a strength training session, a meditative yoga flow, or a full cardio burn, you’re still covered.
Things We Liked at The Little Nell:
The concierge team was excellent, especially Ben, and helped secure the best restaurant reservations in town.
The complimentary mini bar, or “maxi bar” as they call it, was such a nice touch with snacks and drinks available to grab at any time.
Morning pastries and coffee in the Portrait Bar were delicious, especially the thyme shortbread cookies.
The decor throughout the hotel was fun and different, and both restaurants were stunningly designed.
The restaurants not only looked beautiful but served genuinely delicious food with a great atmosphere.
Valet parking for our rental car was included through Amex, which was a pleasant surprise since most places charge.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind About The Little Nell:
If you use Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts portal when booking, upgrades are a bit harder here as it was for us. This could be because smaller boutique hotels like this one tend to be more limited when it comes to upgrades, especially when you’ve already booked the highest room in your specific category and the next tier would require a move into a suite.
The rooms are quite small, so if space matters to you, consider booking up a few levels for something more comfortable.
There’s no traditional spa at the hotel, just a temporary pop-up suite offering facials only.
There’s no pool on property, if this matters to you.
There’s no on-site gym either, although they do offer passes to local gyms and fitness studios through their Fine Fitness Program, which is a nice effort and better than nothing.
The hotel does have a house car, but it’s only available until about 3 PM daily so it’s not sufficient if you’re needing a ride to dinner.
Tips:
Make sure to stop into Portrait Bar in the mornings for complimentary pastries, coffee, and baked goodies. It’s right on your way out and the thyme shortbread cookies were a standout.
Use the concierge to your advantage when booking your stay. I was in contact with Ben ahead of time and he is fantastic. He was able to secure Torrisi and The Polo Bar for us. One of the best concierges I’ve had in New York and genuinely helpful. Most five-star hotel concierges have a solid network, but these two are notoriously hard to book unless you’re lucky or extremely early. Torrisi ended up being one of my favorite meals I’ve ever had in the city. Polo Bar was fun for the vibe and the service, but the food itself was just okay. Still, it was great to experience both in one weekend.
If you're planning on having a rental car during your stay, definitely book through Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts portal. Complimentary valet parking is included, which is almost unheard of in New York and adds a lot of value to your stay.
Even though guests are prioritized, consider pre-booking a table at Portrait Bar in advance, especially for a nightcap. It’s a hit with both locals and visitors and tends to get busy. Try the burger or hot dog and tell me which one wins for you. It is moody and cozy, the perfect vibe after a long day in the city.
If you think 285 to 350 square feet might be a bit too tight, book up a level or two. The Grand King Room is the largest non-suite at 375 square feet and feels much more comfortable, especially if you’re traveling as a pair.
Don’t forget to enjoy the complimentary “maxi bar.” It’s restocked daily and filled with unique snacks and drinks, a thoughtful touch that makes the stay feel more generous.
Complimentary Services:
Mini bar / maxi bar with snacks and drinks restocked daily
Coffee, tea, pastries, and cookies each morning in the Portrait Bar
Valet for your car (if booking through Amex FHR travel portal)
Nespresso machine in the room
Dyson hair tools in the room
House car for local drop-offs (service ends early afternoon)
Pursuit Postscript:
The Fifth Avenue Hotel is a fun and visually striking stay. Every space from the restaurants and lobby to the hallways and elevator is beautifully designed with so much personality. The food is genuinely great, and if you appreciate hotels that feel unique and not mass produced, you’ll enjoy the experience here. It doesn’t have a full spa, gym, or pool so if you’re looking for something more traditional and amenity heavy this may not be your top choice, but if you’re someone who likes boutique hotels with character and thoughtful design, you’ll want to stay at least once. The location in NoMad makes it easy to get to both midtown and downtown depending on your plans, and for a newer hotel it already feels like one of the more stylish options in the city. Their concierge team is also fantastic and may be able to help you secure those hard-to-get restaurant reservations around town that you’ve been wanting to try.
[When you book with me as your luxury travel advisor, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks at the world’s finest hotels — daily complimentary breakfast for two, $100–$200 in hotel or spa credits, priority room upgrades when available, early check-in, late check-out, personalized VIP treatment and more depending on each hotel — all at no extra cost to you. Book with Me]
