Hotel Check: Andaz 5th Avenue, New York City
The Andaz in brand comes with a certain hipness that is always in play with the Millennial set and even more so as a perfectly located business stay in the heart of Manhattan. In reviewing the Andaz 5th Avenue in New York we were not disappointed
The Andaz as a brand in the Hyatt family comes with a certain hipness that is always in play with the Millennial set and is even more so as a perfectly located business stay in the heart of Manhattan. In reviewing the Andaz 5th Avenue in New York we were not disappointed.
WHERE IS IT? At the corner of 41st Street and Fifth Avenue, the Andaz 5th Avenue is a snappy taxi ride or even a quick stroll from Penn Station and a stone’s throw to many of New York’s favorite places: The New York Public Library, the Chrysler Building, Bryant Park.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? The property opened in 2010 in an early 20th century Art Deco’d former Fifth Avenue department store and later provided a heady address for Tommy Hilfiger. It has fashion and style at the heart of its spirit with Tony Chi interiors that bring light-filled, city view rooms given to minimalist sensibilities and calming tones. It amps up on extras: tech-focused rooms, an understated and uncluttered lobby; fresh coffee there until 10 am and a lively complimentary wine scene in the library space in the afternoons. The library space off the lobby is a nod to the New York Public Library across the street, and even receives a fresh book collection every few months, curated by a NYPL librarian.
ROOM FACILITIES: The boutique property’s184 rooms and suites are large for Manhattan sizes starting at 322 square feet, and bring a quiet and comfortable Zen ambience with cushiony low stature furniture, soft beds, deep pillows, floor to ceiling windows and a generous assembly of Nespresso pods and tea packets. Find a selection of 47 suites and many of those come with outside terraces for some rare truly New York moments. For the record, I slept in a Wellness Suite – one of seven that debuted in March as wellness has been a central focus of so many home-bound workers during so many months of lockdown. Now as travel ramps up again, the suites offer sweet boost of wellbeing managed through a thoughtful list of precious amenities.
To start, The Mirror by Lululemon sits squarely on a wall beckoning you for that oft-missed Yoga session or quads-strengthening stint through the ghost-like trainer in the mirror downloaded from a phalanx of choices, from meditation to Hip Hop moves. Need a human? A wellness concierge comes with these suites to order up the right in-room personal trainer or massage therapist. For after-fuel, a mini-bar is on hand with a small assortment of complimentary health snacks.
Sleep is managed on an Airweave bed of light, cool, recyclable BPA-free polyethylene, an exclusive amenity to these suites. Added sleep boosters by the bed include aromatherapy oils, Tibetan singing bowls, and a sound machine with various calming sound settings even though the city traffic and other ambient noises are barely audible. Floor to ceiling windows in the heights of the hotel bring an almost cinematic feel to the bedroom with views of the tops of skyscrapers all around. Easy digital management of shades complements a tech-forward bathroom with a yawning Japanese toilet, and a large and complex walk-in shower with multiple nozzles. And then there is the bathtub, actually an egg-shaped designer soaking tub framed by the Gotham setting and equipped with Apotheke bath amenities for a divine and relaxing immersion in the city’s altitudes.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS: The Andaz 5th Avenue offers a lively neighborhood dining spot, the Bar Downstairs and Kitchen, during normal times but due to Covid-19, that facility is not in operation. However, the hotel’s room service still offers a menu with trendy health options that are often high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Think avocado toast, creative kale salads, salmon with red quinoa.
LEISURE FACILITIES: For those who want to keep up their cardio, a 24-hour onsite fitness center offers a Peloton bike, Woodway treadmills, training equipment, and Life Fitness equipment with LCD virtual trainers. For those who want an in-room massage or even an in-room hair and makeover, the hotel desk or concierge will handle the request. For those who want to sneak in some sun between meetings, book the lofty Empire Terrace Suite. It has a furnished wrap-around patio overlooking the Empire State Building.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES: The Andaz 5th Avenue is a popular place to host meetings and events, not only for its precious location but also for its versatility and right-sized spaces that can accommodate up to 170 attendants. The Andaz Studios space offers flexible configurations for this with floor-to-ceiling windows panning out to the New York Public Library or 42nd Street. Other spaces for smaller and more intimate gatherings include the Kitchen Gallery, the Bar/Den and the Courtyard.
VERDICT: The Andaz 5th Avenue stands up to comparisons for its clean and chic interiors, its optimal use of light and surroundings, its convenient location, its responsive service, and its generous amenities. Rooms in this part of Manhattan will be pricey but World of Hyatt rewards will make this property a great choice for all needs.
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS: The Andaz 5th Avenue maintains a hip, energetic spirit with a happening wine scene in the afternoons and spacious, contemporary rooms that offer dreamy views of Gotham from every vantage.
HOW MANY ROOMS? The Andaz 5th Avenue has 184 rooms and suites
CONTACT: Find the Andaz 5th Avenue at 485 5th Avenue at 41st Street, New York, New York, 10017; (212) 601-1234; Andaz 5th Avenue Website
