In the ultimate metropolis of fast-paced, bright lights and groundbreaking trends, every new arrival in any field feels like a challenge, attempting to push the boundaries and raise the bar even higher. Glitzy New York hotels are no exception, their imaginative and inspired spaces oozing style to such an extent that they seem to have sprung from the pages of magazines. And just a few months ago, the arrival of The Fifth Avenue, a masterfully designed hotel in the ever-rising NoMad neighborhood, has come to offer an intimate haven for those for whom impeccable aesthetics, unique character, comfort and relaxation in style are non-negotiable in their travels.
The story and rebirth of a legend
The Fifth Avenue Hotel may seem like it suddenly appeared in the middle of the ever-evolving area north of Madison Square, but in fact it is a landmark building that in the second half of the 19th century – a time of great economic prosperity, the so-called GildedAge – shone in the privileged its location next to Madison Square Park. Five storeys high, with a limestone and brick facade, it was originally owned by socialite Charlotte Goodridge of legendary party fame. In 1907, to serve as a bank, it was redesigned as a Renaissance Italianate palazzo by McKim, Mead & White, the architects who designed buildings as iconic as the Brooklyn Museum and the original Penn Station.
In the 1970s the family of the current owner -Alex Ohebshalom- acquired the building and in recent years his own vision for a truly unique hotel began to materialize with the addition of a brand new 24 story glass tower, tangential to the original building. The double project was essentially undertaken by the famous Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, creating with its exquisite, eclectic design a large-scale “hall of wonders” as the Fifth Avenue Hotel has been rightly described, but at the same time a colorful, energetic and luxurious hideaway, where elegance reigns.
The spectacular scenery
Martin Brudnizki has truly succeeded in reintroducing New Yorkers to a landmark of their city, with an imaginative and playful approach to old-fashioned Gilded Age glamour. From the moment you step through its threshold, the glamorous, high-ceilinged lobby dressed in jewel tones, colorful tapestries, marble flooring and an imaginative mix of materials sets you up for the level of Fifth Avenue accommodation. However, beyond the spectacular first impressions, great attention has been paid to the details, from the carefully selected and strategically placed artworks, to the fresh flowers and cheese platter as an original welcome.
During its conversion into a hotel, the Renaissance palace was redesigned bit by bit and embellished with thousands of elements that create a theatrical effect. For the Stockholm-born Brudnizki, who is famous for the way he brings to life the history of the spaces he undertakes, the guide was not only the past of the building, but also the travels of the owner, elements from which they combined harmoniously into a unique result: painters columns, rainbow-colored blown glass chandeliers, richly pleated pink silk, refreshing mint walls, mother-of-pearl patterned tables, lacquered surfaces, rich carpets in warm tones, and Chinese porcelain transport us to Morocco, Rajasthan and even further to the Far East.
And the corridors, dressed in vibrant tapestries of flowers and animals – real and mythical – become the perfect canvas for the hotel’s art collection, whether it’s period portraits or contemporary photography. The whole ensemble is a nod to the artistic spirit of Balzac and Baudelaire – there is even a suite named after the latter – and above all to the idea of the “flâneur”, the studious traveler who occupies a leading position in 19th century French literature.
The unique rooms and suites
The romantic, bohemian eclecticism follows you to the suites and rooms, the majority of which are located in the glass building of the complex, each in a different style, with a common denominator of imagination and a strong color palette, dominated by light green, sweet yellow, the vivid pink. Warm wood, pagoda-shaped portables, Asian-style wardrobes, ivory bedside tables, glass or woven bamboo screens, rich cushions, floral or animal print carpets, and marble bathrooms with heated floors and special bath cushions, provoke the senses, creating a unique kaleidoscope.
Some suites have an additional rare feature: balconies with stunning views. This Baudelaire Suite overlooks Madison Square Park and the Empire State Building, while the Flâneur’s wraparound terrace is complemented by a Japanese garden with an outdoor bathtub so you can view 5th Avenue while you bathe. And because comfort and innovation are not sacrificed for the sake of style, all functions are controlled via a personalized tablet waiting for you in the room.
Claim focus and stylish fun
The dreamy setting is complemented by a restaurant and bar under the helm of acclaimed chef Andrew Carmellini, adding to the hotel’s status as a fine dining destination. Café Carmellini’s Mediterranean-inspired menu is a bridge between New York’s culinary tradition and the latest taste trends, while dishes such as lobster cannelloni, duck tortellini or red snapper carpaccio à meunière combine impressive looks with homemade taste. Wine lovers will also appreciate the extensive cellar, as will the underground cellar below the restaurant, which is certainly not lacking in drama, decorated with Art Deco mirrors, tree sculptures, plush blue and mustard seating and spectacular bronze and glass chandeliers.
After dinner, the evening continues at the Portrait Bar, for a well-crafted cocktail – each named after a destination that inspired it – in this elegant, entirely wood-clad nest, with its fireplace and plush sofas in the cozy corners her. With another restaurant, The Study, due to open in the grand ballroom, with Oscar de la Renta having recently shown his latest collection here and already a member of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, there is no doubt that the Fifth Avenue, with its exceptional design and impeccable style, will be a landmark among the accommodations of the Big Apple.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel, 1 West 28th Str. New York
www.thefifthavenuehotel.com
