Planning a trip to New York? Some of its newest hotels offer fabulous bars and restaurants from which to enjoy iconic views (and first-class people watching!)
The Ned NoMad, 1170 Broadway
Best for: Art enthusiasts
If you’re familiar with The Ned in London, this is its first international site, located in the Johnston Building, Manhattan, which dates back to 1903. (The hotel takes its name from The NoMad which previously operated in the building). The SoHo house team are responsible for the transforming the interiors – which have a 1920s vibe across the 12-storeys. Think lush textures, dark marble, jewel-toned velvets, Murano glass … There are 167 rooms ranging from cosy crash pads to studio apartments.
In addition to a members-only Ned’s Club, facilities include the first Cecconi dining venue in the city, as well as a wood-panelled restaurant The Dining Room. A talking point is its art collection – with more than 150 pieces themed around “what a different century might have looked like had women, queer people and people of colour taken their rightful place in the cultural landscape.” Not forgetting the rooftop bar and terrace in the shadow of the Empire State Building; www.thened.com
Aman New York, 730 5th Avenue
Best for: Spa devotees
At the crossroads of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street and located in the former Crown Building, Aman New York designed by Jean-Michel Gathy just opened on August 2. This significant central Manhattan project includes 83 large guest rooms and suites (each with their own functioning fireplace!). In addition, Aman New York houses 22 private residences and a vast open air terrace on the 10th floor. Residents and guests have access to the three dining venues and a jazz club while the hotel is home to an Aman Club for members. The Aman brand, of course, is synonymous with wellness and the spa facilities – spread across three floors – are stunning. There are consultation, examination and therapy rooms in addition to spa treatment suites and two Banya and Hammam spa houses for half- and full-day experiences. Not forgetting the hot and cold plunge pools, an indoor swimming pool lined with daybeds and fire pits and and an impressive fitness studio; www.aman.com.
Hôtel Barrière Fouquet, 456 Greenwich Street
Best for: Some je ne sais quoi elegance
According to Barrière, the hotel located on 456 Greenwich Street, “blends Parisian panache with Tribeca cool.” Designed by the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (responsible for The Ivy Dublin), features 97 Art Deco-inspired rooms and suites (some with toile du Jouy), fine dining and vegetarian restaurants, a private Spa Diane Barrière, a cinema and rooftop terrace; www.hotelsbarriere.com
The Ritz Carlton, 50 Central Park South
Best for: Classic luxury and park views
Located in Midtown, where Central Park is on the doorstep, and a short stroll from the Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, this five-star property has had a discreet facelift, or “reawakening”. Warm wood panelling, and a sophisticated palette of taupes, grey and pink marble prevails throughout. The decor also includes dramatic prints of Audrey Hepburn, and there’s also a new signature scent: 50 Central Park by Antica Farmacista, which blends notes of elderflower, mountain mint and strawberry. In addition to a fragrant stay, there’s the renovated La Prairie Spa to enjoy. The Contour lounge is perfect for a pre-theatre bite and cocktails and serves Teeling 24-year-old single male Irish whiskey, particularly hard to find, apparently; www.ritzcarlton.com
Casa Cipriani, 10 South Street
Best for: Cocktail connoisseurs
Playing on the building’s waterfront location, in a former Beaux-Art-style ferry terminal, French architect Thierry Despont worked with the Italian hospitality brand to create a 47-room property that looks more like a vintage cruise ship f than a hotel. This is the place to order a Bellini (invented at Harry’s Bar, Venice in 1931 by the Cipriani family) and enjoy it on the chic rooftop terrace where views of the East River, the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. Look out for Aerin Lauder who says its restaurant is her new favourite place for dining. There’s also a posh spa which offers cryotherapy (or extreme cold therapy) among other treatments; www.casacipriani.com
