Aman New York City | Imagine stepping from the relentless energy of Fifth Avenue into a world of profound silence and serene luxury. This is the captivating paradox of Aman New York—a sanctuary so perfectly insulated from the city that you could “hear a diamond tumble from its setting” while standing at one of the world’s busiest intersections. In this ultimate urban sanctuary, every element, from the 83 expansive suites to the three-story wellness cathedral, has been meticulously crafted to offer a transformative experience that redefines luxury hospitality in America’s most vibrant city.*
1 A Monument Reborn: The Crown Building’s Legacy
Since 1921, the Crown Building has presided over the coveted corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece originally designed by Warren & Wetmore, the visionary architects behind Grand Central Terminal. This historic landmark first gained cultural prominence as the original home of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) from 1929 to 1932, cementing its status as a cornerstone of New York’s artistic heritage.
The building’s monumental transformation into Aman New York represents a five-year journey of meticulous restoration and visionary reimagining led by Vlad Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman, who acquired the property in 2015. The celebrated designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects—the creative force behind iconic Aman properties including Amanyara, Amanwana, and Aman Venice—spearheaded the conversion, carefully preserving the building’s French Renaissance detailing and neo-classical façade while imbuing it with Aman’s distinctive design language.
Today, this architectural gem stands as a harmonious collision of New York’s gilded-age splendor and Aman’s philosophy of understated luxury—a physical manifestation of “East meets West and old meets new” in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
2 The Aman Arrival: A Journey of Transition
The experience of arrival at Aman New York is a carefully choreographed transition from city chaos to sanctuary calm. Unlike typical luxury hotels with grand street-level entrances, Aman’s approach is intentionally discreet—a “rather unremarkable and discrete entrance” on 57th Street that intentionally avoids the Fifth Avenue bustle. First-time visitors and taxi drivers alike have noted the challenge of locating this intentionally understated portal, with some spending “approximately 15 minutes screening the area” before discovering the entrance tucked away on 57th Street.
Upon entering, guests immediately encounter an “intimate ground floor lobby whose purposefully dark design exudes luxury and privacy,” effectively severing connections to Manhattan’s frenetic pace. From this hushed space, dedicated elevators transport guests to the 14th-floor main lobby—a double-height atrium that “instantly instills a sense of grandeur”.
This vertical journey serves as a symbolic and physical transition, culminating in a breathtaking space featuring “a graceful floral-inspired ceiling installation made from recycled cardboard” and subtle Asian influences paying homage to Aman’s Eastern roots. The atmosphere here sets the tone for the entire stay—what one reviewer described as “everyone dressed in black and looking achingly cool” in a “typical dark Aman property” that cultivates an atmosphere of sophisticated serenity.
3 Sanctuary Suites: The Anatomy of Urban Serenity
Aman New York redefines Manhattan living space with 83 suites that rank among the largest in New York City, ranging from 718 to over 2,770 square feet with nearly 11-foot-high ceilings. Every accommodation is designated a suite, though it’s worth noting that entry-level categories feature open-plan layouts rather than separate living areas. The design philosophy, masterminded by Jean-Michel Gathy, employs a “muted, minimalist color and material palette” that contributes to the hotel’s “aura of rarefied calm”.
3.1 Design Philosophy and Aesthetic Elements
The suites embody Japanese-inspired minimalism with meticulous attention to materiality. Design elements include:
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Organic Materials: Oak, walnut, and cinnamon woods used for finishes, floors, doors, and custom furnishings
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Metallic Accents: Bronze, brass, and blackened steel adding warmth throughout
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Textural Details: Stone floors laid in patterns reminiscent of woven rattan baskets
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Artistic Centerpiece: Each suite features a wall-sized replica of Hasegawa Tōhaku’s 16th-century ink masterpiece “Pine Trees” (Shōrin-zu byōbu), printed on delicate rice paper
One of the most celebrated innovations is the inclusion of a working fireplace in every suite—a remarkable first for any New York City hotel. In premium suites like the Grand Suite, this becomes a dual-sided transparent fireplace with integrated televisions on both sides that discreetly disappear when not in use.
3.2 Technological Integration and Spatial Flexibility
Aman New York seamlessly blends traditional luxury with cutting-edge technology. Each suite is equipped with tablets controlling lighting, shades, temperature, entertainment systems, and even the fireplace. The bathrooms, separated by pivoting panels “inspired by South Asian designs from Bali, Indonesia, and Thailand,” allow guests to moderate spatial flow and privacy.
The bathroom experience approaches the sublime, featuring:
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Egg-shaped soaking tubs resembling “one ginormous half of a cracked eggshell”
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Spacious black stone showers with multiple showerheads and steam capabilities
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Japanese-style toilets with electric bidets and heated seats
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Generous walk-in closets and double vanities
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Premium amenities including Dyson hair dryers, Frette linens, and Aman-branded products
3.3 The Pinnacle: The Aman Suite
For those seeking the ultimate urban retreat, the Aman Suite represents the hotel’s crown jewel. Awarded Three MICHELIN Keys—placing it among just four hotels in New York with this distinction—these sprawling corner accommodations offer breathtaking Fifth Avenue views.
The Aman Suite experience includes exclusive privileges such as:
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In-room omakase personally curated by Chef Takuma Yonemaru with handcrafted chopsticks and sake glasses
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Hidden functional spaces including a sleek office behind illuminated panels and a concealed wet bar
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Entertainment capacity for 20-25 guests with multi-configurable layouts
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Complete sound insulation creating profound silence despite the central location
4 Culinary Journeys: From Italian Harvest to Japanese Omakase
Aman New York presents a diverse culinary landscape that mirrors its East-meets-West philosophy, with venues accessible exclusively to hotel guests and Aman Club members.
4.1 Arva: Rustic Italian Elegance
Arva, Aman’s signature Italian restaurant, celebrates “cucina del raccolto” (harvest cuisine) with seasonal ingredients transformed into elegant dishes. The space flows seamlessly from the Lounge Bar to the Garden Terrace, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a changing atmosphere throughout the day.
While some guests have praised dishes like “silky yellowtail crudo” and “perfectly tender lamb chops,” others have noted inconsistencies, with one reviewer observing “missed orders, menu changes, just ‘okay’ dishes” that didn’t match the level of other Aman properties. The in-room dining continues the Italian theme but has been described by some as limited in selection.
4.2 Nama: Japanese Culinary Tradition
Nama honors the Japanese “washoku” dining tradition with authentic, elegant dishes. The restaurant features a seven-seat hinoki wood counter for omakase experiences overseen by the three-Michelin-starred chef from Aman Tokyo. For an unparalleled private experience, Aman Suite guests can enjoy personalized in-room omakase curated by Chef Takuma Yonemaru.
4.3 The Jazz Club: Subterranean Speakeasy
A quintessential New York concept reimagined, the subterranean Jazz Club (with its own separate entrance) brings “speakeasy style” back to Midtown. Nightly live performances span jazz and related genres, with New York DJs invoking “the energy of celebration and the nostalgia of years-gone-by”. The club represents one of the hotel’s few spaces accessible to the public, offering expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, atmospheric setting.
5 The Wellness Universe: A Three-Floor Sanctuary
At the heart of Aman New York lies what is arguably the most ambitious urban wellness destination in the Western Hemisphere: a 25,000-square-foot, three-story sanctuary representing “the fullest expression of the Aman Wellness concept yet”.
5.1 Facilities and Architectural Harmony
The spa’s design creates a serene environment through:
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A 20-meter (65-foot) heated swimming pool flanked by fire pits and daybeds, warmly illuminated by magnificent copper light installations
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Separate male and female changing rooms each with sauna, steam room, and cold bucket showers
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A 3,000-square-foot fitness center open 24 hours with Technogym equipment, infrared Body Rolls, and VacuTherm Stepper systems
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Specialized studios for yoga, Pilates (with Reformers), and movement
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Cutting-edge therapeutic facilities including a cryotherapy chamber and infrared zone
5.2 The Spa Houses: Ultimate Urban Retreat
For those seeking complete privacy, Aman offers two lavish Spa Houses available for half-day rentals—one centered around an Eastern European banya, the other a Moroccan hammam. These exclusive spaces include:
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Double treatment rooms and dedicated thermal experiences (Banya or Hammam)
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Private outdoor terraces with hot baths, cold plunge pools, and lounge areas
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Indoor lounges and fireplaces for complete relaxation
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Year-round accessibility with retractable elements
At approximately $6,000 for a half-day rental, these sanctuaries represent the pinnacle of urban wellness exclusivity.
5.3 Integrative Wellness and Celebrity Programmes
Aman New York’s wellness philosophy blends Eastern and Western modalities with access to specialists including Harvard-trained physicians. The spa offers comprehensive diagnostic testing through systems like SCANME, which assesses 93 parameters across cardiovascular, nervous, and respiratory systems.
The hotel has also developed exclusive programmes with global wellness ambassadors:
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Detoxification Programme by Novak Djokovic: A three-day guided reset for body, mind, and spirit
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Strength and Recovery by Maria Sharapova: A three-hour athlete-inspired journey
6 The Aman Ethos: Service, Exclusivity, and Refinement
Aman New York extends the brand’s legendary service philosophy into an urban context, creating what regular Aman guests (often called “Aman junkies”) have come to expect: discreet, personalized, and anticipatory hospitality.
6.1 Service Philosophy and Guest Experience
The Aman service approach emphasizes personalized attention with:
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Butler service for all suites
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Ninja housekeeping with multiple discreet room visits daily to restock and refresh
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Complimentary amenities including à la carte breakfast at Arva, in-room refreshments, and use of a house car within a 15-block radius
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24/7 room service with white-glove delivery, including tableside setup
However, the property’s emphasis on exclusivity has created what some guests describe as a “private members club vibe” that can feel “borderline intrusive” with multiple “gate keepers” requesting room key verification. This approach differs from the more personalized recognition found at properties like Aman Tokyo, where guests are greeted by name throughout their stay.
6.2 The Aman Club: Ultra-Exclusive Membership
Aman New York introduces the brand’s first members-only urban club, requiring a staggering $200,000 membership fee for access. This exclusive enclave includes:
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A private bar accessible only to members
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Preferred reservations and exclusive events
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Extended access to dining venues and spa facilities
The club embodies Aman’s strategy of creating layered exclusivity within an already elite environment.
7 The Urban Context: Aman in the City That Never Sleeps
Aman New York’s location at “the crossroads of Midtown’s most prestigious streets” places guests at the epicenter of Manhattan’s luxury landscape. The hotel occupies the upper floors of the Crown Building, with prestigious flagship stores like Bulgari occupying the lower levels.
7.1 Neighborhood and Accessibility
The hotel’s prime positioning offers:
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Immediate proximity to Central Park, Bergdorf Goodman, and Fifth Avenue’s luxury boutiques
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Direct access to cultural institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (around the corner) and Carnegie Hall
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Convenient transportation with three major airports (JFK, Newark, LaGuardia) 30-90 minutes by car
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Walking distance to Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, and other Manhattan landmarks
Despite this central location, the hotel’s exceptional soundproofing creates what guests describe as an “astonishingly quiet” environment where “you won’t hear a horn, a siren, or even a crying child”.
8 Comparative Perspective: Aman New York in the Luxury Landscape
When Aman New York opened in August 2022 with rates starting at $3,000-$5,500 per night, it immediately claimed the title of New York’s—and arguably the world’s—most expensive city hotel. While rates have adjusted to a “more reasonable $1,800 USD per night in low season,” the property remains approximately twice as expensive as other top luxury hotels in the city.
8.1 Value Proposition and Competitive Differentiation
Aman New York’s value proposition centers on:
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Unmatched space with the largest standard accommodations in New York
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Unprecedented amenities including in-suite fireplaces and three-story spa access
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Ultimate privacy and discretion for high-profile guests
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Aman brand prestige with its devoted following of “Aman junkies”
As one reviewer noted: “I prefer to spend my money on two nights at an Aman resort than two weeks at any other resort, as you pay for a unique and life-long memory”.
9 The Refined Critique: Balancing Expectations and Reality
Despite its extraordinary ambitions, Aman New York has faced critiques particularly around its early operational phases. These observations provide valuable insights for prospective guests:
9.1 Service Inconsistencies
Some guests have reported uneven experiences, including:
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Concierge challenges with missed restaurant reservations and communication breakdowns
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Dining inconsistencies ranging from exceptional meals to “just ‘okay’ dishes”
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Spa coordination issues including appointment reminder oversights and availability limitations
9.2 Design Considerations
The hotel’s intentional aesthetic choices have received mixed responses:
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Atmospheric lighting described as “a little dark and moody” in reception and spa areas
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Navigational complexity with minimal elevator signage requiring “button mashing” to locate facilities
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Limited pool loungers with only two chairs that don’t “allow you to comfortably lay down”
9.3 Technical Refinements
As with any new property, early guests encountered technical issues:
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Room system malfunctions including non-working Toto toilets and temperature control challenges
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Operational coordination such as duplicate turndown services
The management’s responsive compensation for these issues—including complimentary nights, spa treatments, and transportation—demonstrates commitment to service recovery.
10 The Evolution of Urban Luxury: Aman’s New York Legacy
Aman New York represents a bold experiment in urban hospitality—the creation of a self-contained sanctuary in what might be the world’s least sanctuary-like environment. Its success lies not in denying New York’s energy but in providing the ultimate control over how and when to engage with it.
The property has garnered prestigious recognition including:
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Three MICHELIN Keys (one of only four New York hotels with this distinction)
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Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2023 and Readers Choice Awards 2024
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Inclusion in “top 10 luxury hotels in New York City” lists from respected travel authorities
As the Aman brand’s first urban outpost in the United States and only its second city property worldwide after Aman Tokyo, this property represents a significant evolution in luxury hospitality. It challenges conventional notions of urban hotels by proving that profound tranquility and expansive wellness can thrive at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.
11 Planning Your Aman New York Experience
For those considering this extraordinary urban sanctuary, strategic planning enhances the experience:
11.1 Optimal Timing and Booking Strategies
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Seasonal Considerations: Visit during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) for potential rate advantages
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Booking Channels: Consider American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for benefits like potential upgrades, late checkout, and food credits
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Advance Reservations: Secure spa treatments and dining reservations well before arrival, especially for omakase at Nama
11.2 Navigating the Aman Experience
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Suite Selection: Consider either entry-level suites or top-tier accommodations, as mid-category upgrades may not offer proportional value
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Spa Strategy: Explore complimentary facilities like the pool and thermal areas alongside targeted treatments
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Dining Approach: Balance in-hotel dining with New York’s exceptional external restaurant scene
11.3 Managing Expectations
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Understand the Aesthetic: Embrace the minimalist, serene environment rather than expecting traditional opulence
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Appreciate the Privacy: Value the discretion and quiet even if it limits spontaneous interaction
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Acknowledge the Investment: Recognize that the experience prioritizes quality of space and serenity over conventional luxury metrics
Conclusion: The Ultimate Urban Sanctuary Realized
Aman New York achieves what many would consider impossible: creating a resort-scale sanctuary in the vertical density of Midtown Manhattan. It represents more than just a luxury hotel—it’s a philosophical statement about how we might inhabit dense urban environments while preserving personal serenity and wellness.
The property’s true innovation lies in its mastery of contrasts: the profound silence amidst the city’s roar, the expansive private spaces in a neighborhood defined by compression, the Japanese-inspired minimalism within a Beaux-Arts landmark, and the integration of comprehensive wellness facilities where real estate values typically preclude such indulgences.
For the global citizen who requires both seamless connection to world capital and profound disconnection from its demands, Aman New York offers a uniquely compelling proposition. It stands as a testament to the possibility of having it all—the energy of New York and the serenity of an Aman retreat, simultaneously, on your own terms.
As urban life grows increasingly demanding, Aman New York provides not merely accommodation but an antidote—a carefully crafted environment where space, silence, and service converge to create what might be the most essential luxury in today’s world: the ability to find profound peace at the center of everything.
For those inspired to explore other exceptional urban sanctuaries, consider Aman Tokyo for its sky-high serenity with breathtaking city views, The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca for its downtown artistic sensibility, or The Connaught in London for its masterful blend of traditional hospitality and contemporary design.
