I have had the pleasure of staying in some of the finest five-star hotels worldwide. Yet, my recent experience at Aman New York has been nothing short of remarkable. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the various facets that make this property a new benchmark in luxury hospitality.

Background

Aman New York occupies a privileged position within the Crown Building, an architectural gem that has been a Manhattan landmark for over a century. Aman Resorts, known for their minimalist design and focus on wellness, have successfully transformed this iconic Beaux-Arts building into a tranquil urban sanctuary that opened its doors in 2021.

Jean-Michel Gathy, the renowned architect, has meticulously restored the building’s historic façade and artfully combined it with contemporary aesthetics. The result is a harmonious marriage of the past and present that is both a homage to the city’s rich history and a testament to its ever-evolving skyline.

The Rooms

Aman New York boasts 83 guestrooms and suites that exude a sense of calm and serenity, a welcome respite from the bustling city outside. Upon entering my suite, I was struck by the soaring ceilings, expansive windows, and the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the design. The use of natural materials and soft, muted tones creates an atmosphere of understated elegance that invites relaxation.

The rooms are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including touch panel controls for lighting, temperature, and entertainment. In my opinion, the pièce de résistance of the accommodation is the sumptuous bathroom, complete with a deep soaking tub and a rain shower that transports you to a private spa-like oasis.

Aman’s commitment to spaciousness is evident in the 83 suites available, which offer generous space uncommon in New York. Ranging from 775 to 2,770 square feet, each suite features nearly 11-foot-high ceilings, providing ample breathing room for guests. During my stay, I had the pleasure of experiencing a Premier Suite on the ninth floor, overlooking 57th Street. The first thing that caught my attention was the tranquility; the soundproofed windows effectively blocked out the noise of the bustling city below.

The room incorporated several elements that embodied a distinctive Japanese style, such as the textured paneling behind the bed that resembled a shoji screen and woven detailing that evoked traditional tatami mats. Additionally, a delicate washi paper mural adorned one wall, inspired by Hasegawa Tōhaku’s 15th-century masterpiece “Pine Trees” (Shōrin-zu byōbu). Despite the serene ambiance that the aesthetics conveyed, the technology incorporated in the room was also noteworthy. A tablet allowed guests to control the lighting, shades, fireplace, and even the television, which could discreetly retract into a console when not in use.

Food and Drink

Aman New York offers a tantalizing array of culinary experiences that cater to even the most discerning palates. Arva, the hotel’s signature restaurant, which is helmed by chef de cuisine Dario Ossolo (previously the executive chef at Aman Venice), presents contemporary Italian cuisine in a stunning, light-filled setting. During my visit, I was particularly impressed by the chef’s ability to elevate classic Italian dishes with inventive twists and artful presentations.

I was impressed with both breakfast and lunch; the dishes were exquisite, including a silky yellowtail crudo, lamb chops cooked to perfection in a rich, yet not overpowering sauce, and a meticulously crafted Florentine omelette. These culinary offerings exemplified the hotel’s impeccable finesse and refinement.

The premises offer various seating areas for guests to enjoy. For example, there is an outdoor seating area for Arva, and around the corner from that, there is an open seating area off the lobby where guests can relax and sip drinks from the Bar Lounge. Additionally, there is a space exclusively reserved for members of the club. Nama, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, will also have its own designated outdoor dining area.

For a more casual dining experience, Nama provides a delectable assortment of sushi and sashimi that rivals the best Japanese restaurants in the city. The Lounge, a sophisticated space with a curated selection of creative cocktails and an extensive wine list, is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Manhattan.

The Spa

The Aman Spa, encompassing three floors of the hotel, is a true sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa features seven treatment rooms, a 65-foot indoor swimming pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center that offers a comprehensive wellness experience.

During my stay, I indulged in the Aman New York Journey, a signature treatment that seamlessly blends traditional and modern therapies to create a sense of balance and harmony. In my opinion, the spa’s dedication to providing a holistic experience, combined with the exceptional skill of the therapists, sets it apart from its competitors.

For those interested, it is possible to spend a half or full day at one of the hotel’s two spa houses. The first spa house is centered around an Eastern European banya, while the second spa house features a Moroccan hammam. A group of friends can indulge in massages and treatments throughout the day and then enjoy dips in hot and cold outdoor plunge pools on their private terrace.

Guests can choose between a quick IV treatment or more conventional forms of treatment, such as acupuncture. Additionally, there are several medical professionals on-site, including the Harvard-trained physician Dr. Robert Graham, who can assess guests’ needs and devise customized programs for short- or long-term stays. Dr. Graham’s approach incorporates various modalities, including lifestyle medicine, culinary medicine, botanical medicine, ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine. Furthermore, he uses diagnostic testing, such as SCANME, which provides a full-body assessment based on 93 parameters, including the cardiovascular, nervous, and respiratory systems, to create nutritional and integrative medical plans.

The Neighborhood

Situated at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, Aman New York boasts an unrivaled location that provides easy access to Manhattan’s premier attractions. Central Park, MoMA, and the theater district are all within walking distance, making it an ideal base for both leisure and business travelers.

As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, I appreciated the hotel’s proximity to high-end shopping destinations such as Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co., and Louis Vuitton. The surrounding neighborhood also offers a plethora of world-class dining options, ensuring that guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to gastronomic experiences.

The Service

One aspect that truly sets Aman New York apart from other luxury hotels is its impeccable service. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warmth and attentiveness that remained consistent throughout my stay. The staff went above and beyond to accommodate my every request, from arranging private tours of the city to securing last-minute reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants.

As a seasoned traveler, I must say that the level of personalized service at Aman New York is unmatched. It’s this attention to detail that elevates the guest experience from exceptional to extraordinary, creating an ambiance where every guest feels valued and pampered.

Sustainability

Aman New York demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship by implementing sustainable practices throughout the property. The hotel utilizes energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and sources local, organic ingredients for its culinary offerings. As an advocate for sustainable travel, I was particularly impressed by the hotel’s efforts to minimize its environmental impact.

In addition to these eco-friendly initiatives, the Aman Spa features a range of sustainable products that align with the hotel’s ethos of responsible luxury. This attention to sustainability, without compromising on quality or guest experience, is truly commendable and sets a standard for the industry.

Aman’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in the kitchen. The hotel is dedicated to sourcing ingredients locally, including seafood purchased from the Bronx Fish Market and produce obtained through partnerships with Grow NYC and City Harvest. These organizations represent over 750 farmers and manage at least 100 farmer’s markets in and around the city.

Accessibility

Aman New York is dedicated to providing an inclusive and comfortable experience for all guests, regardless of their physical abilities. The hotel offers accessible rooms that feature roll-in showers, grab bars, and visual alarms, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone.

The property is also equipped with wheelchair-accessible entrances, ample elevators, and public spaces, demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusivity. As a travel journalist, I believe that accessibility is an essential component of luxury hospitality, and Aman New York excels in this regard.

To conclude, Aman New York is an exquisite masterpiece of luxury hospitality that effortlessly blends historic charm with contemporary elegance. From the meticulously designed accommodations to the unparalleled service, every aspect of the experience is thoughtfully curated to create lasting memories. For discerning travelers seeking a serene retreat in the heart of Manhattan, Aman New York is the epitome of urban luxury.