A Cool Boutique Hotel In New York

When people ask what my favorite hotel in New York is, I answer that question with the stipulation that I have a favorite room at a hotel—not just a hotel.  New York is notorious for having small hotel rooms—unless you have the funds to book a suite at the Four Seasons. So when I think about overall price, service, location, and cool factor, hands down, my hotel room of choice is the Parisian-inspired Atelier room at The NoMad Hotel, located just north of Madison Square Park. This room is large enough for two people to move around comfortably with full size luggage, has Frette bathrobes, custom linens, a walk-in shower and freestanding clawfoot tub, and if you’re really lucky (as I was), it will even have an amazing view of the Empire State Building.

I had not stayed here in a few years, but I was so pleasantly surprised that not a lot has changed. The rooms still feel current, the service is still excellent, and I even got my speicifc room of choice (which was not guaranteed). At $250/night (their holiday special), I challenge you to find a better room in the city. The NoMad has created a lifestyle for people like you and me, who want to feel like they are a local in a home-away-from-home, and not just a tourist passing through.

Design-centric, food focused (the chef is Daniel Humm from Eleven Madison Park), and cool to its core (see The Magician upstairs)—this is The NoMad NYC, and it’s my next Stylish Stay.

What I Loved: That after five stays over the course of many years, this hotel still gets my seal of excellence, and the Atelier room with bath views of the Empire State Building still remains my favorite choice for a hotel room in New York City.

Something to Know: Aside from the room, the hotel is quite dark and moody. The lobby can get quite busy, so this isn’t an easy hotel to photograph, or to find space for hanging out—aside from the restaurant/bar.

Suite Dreams: Remember that with every hotel, not all rooms are created equal, especially in New York City. I have stayed in several of their classic rooms, and while totally fine for one person, they just don’t give you the same amount of bang for your buck as the Atelier room.

Stylish Sips: The hotel bar is almost always bustling in the evening, and from my memory of past visits, the cocktails don’t disappoint. We were sent a bottle of champagne to the room in honor of my fifth stay, so we choose to have our drinks in the room before dinner instead. I have eaten in the restaurant many times, and it is exceptional for breakfast and dinner.

Cool Factor: The design makes you feel like an extremely wealthy Parisian living in New York because how else would you be able to afford an apartment that big?

Hero Shot:  The hotel is extremely dark, so your best shots will no doubt be in your bedroom of the gorgeous decor.

Happy five year stay to me!