Summary
Luxury Accommodations
At 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, I sprawled on a lounger by the window of room 810 at the newly opened Aman New York, swathed in a deliciously soft Frette linen robe, my feet propped in front of the fireplace. Coming down from a respectable business buzz — a glass of Taittinger and a Hendrick’s martini — with a dark chocolate–covered caramel, I reveled in the sound of silence.
Nine hours before, when I entered the Crown Building at 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, home to luxury hospitality brand Aman’s second city hotel in its 34-resort portfolio, I learned just how quickly that silence envelops guests. Once you ascend to the main reception area on the 14th floor, or to any of the 83 suites occupying the seventh to 12th floors, the sounds of midtown completely fall away.
Aman New York Highlights
- Aman New York’s 83 suites are completely soundproof, ensuring guests can’t hear the bustle of midtown.
- The spa, which spans three floors, features a 65-foot fireplace-lined swimming pool and two “spa houses” with private hammam or banya and outdoor tubs.
- Guests can enjoy live music and expertly crafted martinis at the subterranean Jazz Club.
It’s something the hotel management is quite proud of; Aman New York’s director of marketing, Simon Kopec, conducted a sound test with me during our tour of a 2,025-square-foot Corner Suite, which starts at an impressive $15,000 a night.
“Hear that?” Kopec asked, referring to the rush hour traffic, which had started to pick up 10 stories below.
“No,” I replied.
“Exactly,” he noted. This soundproof quality truly highlights the extraordinary experience Aman New York provides, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an oasis of calm amidst the vibrant energy of NYC.
Unmatched Peace
The serenity felt most luxurious when I was alone in my 850-square-foot hotel suite, having just enjoyed a delightful meal at the on-site Italian restaurant Arva and some live music at the underground Jazz Club. The Garden Terrace, perched on the 14th floor, offered a magnificent nightcap experience.
“A terrace on the corner of 57th and Fifth is difficult to beat,” Jean-Michel Gathy, the designer behind Aman New York, told me. While he admits there are challenges that come with creating a luxury hotel within a historic building, he highlights the unique possibilities that arose during the design process.
Exclusive Experiences
To even pass through the entrance at Aman New York, you need to be a guest at the hotel. The nightly cost for an entry-level suite starts at $3,200, with additional options available for those seeking a more upscale experience.
Alternatively, individuals can secure an Aman Club membership for $200,000, accompanied by $15,000 in annual dues. This offers privileged access to an exclusive club experience for those who value access to Aman destinations around the globe.
Dining Options
While floors nine to 11 focus on tranquility, the dining option, Arva, emphasizes functionality over Michelin stars. It is designed to cater to important meetings with an environment conducive to conversations rather than drawn-out culinary experiences.
Additionally, the soon-to-open Jazz Club on the -1 floor, which will feature live music five nights a week, adds an exciting dimension to the hotel’s social offerings.
Historical Significance
The Crown Building, housing Aman New York, has a storied history dating back to its construction in 1921. Originally designed for the office complex by architects Whitney Warren and Charles Wetmore, it is recognized today as a symbol of architectural elegance on “Billionaire’s Row.”
Aman CEO and chairman Vlad Doronin, who runs both the owning and operating companies for the hotel, emphasizes the importance of exceptional locations. His vision to create a peaceful urban space within New York aligns with Aman’s brand dedication to tranquility.
Aman New York represents a commitment to luxury in an urban environment, offering guests an unparalleled experience that blends history with modern opulence.
