An Extravagant Stay at Aman New York, Among the Most Expensive Hotels in the City

With rates that start at $1,950 a night, Aman New York in Midtown is one of the most expensive hotels in the city and among the priciest in the U.S. Chatter about its recent debut had been building for more than a year, reaching an anticipation that’s rare for new hotels. I checked in for a night to see whether the reality lives up to the hype.

Exterior of Aman New York / Photo: Courtesy of Aman

Aman is known for its intimate properties featuring minimalist Zen design. Most are in resort or countryside destinations such as the mountains of Bhutan or on the beach in Greece’s Peloponnese.

Before my visit to the New York location, I had stayed at two Amans, Rosa Alpina in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains and Amanjena in Marrakesh. I’m not an Amanjunkie—the nickname reserved for hard-core guests—but am familiar with the brand’s level of luxury.

Chef Takuma Yonemaru preparing omakase at Nama / Photo: Photo: Courtesy of Aman

Situated in the Crown Building, a significant 1921 skyscraper, Aman New York beautifully captures the group’s classic sensibilities in an urban setting. Celebrated designer Jean-Michel Gathy created the aesthetic for the hushed sanctuary, which features a double-height lobby with oak, walnut and cinnamon woods and furniture and rugs in neutral tones. Asian-inspired artwork commissioned specifically for the property is displayed throughout the public spaces.

Given the hotel’s price point, I was wary that it might be stuffy, but the atmosphere turned out to be convivial. The friendly staff greeted me by name from the moment I checked in and made it clear that I had a team at my disposal for anything I needed.

Aman’s 83 accommodations start at a generous 718 square feet and are thoughtful in every manner: The subtly colored furniture is stylish, the desks are large, and there’s a round table with two chairs where guests can dine or work. My suite also had a window seat overlooking 57th Street where I could stretch my legs and read.

Bedroom in the Grand Suite / Photo: Courtesy of Aman

Lights, curtains, room-service requests and temperature are managed through an iPad that’s easy to navigate. In addition to two sinks and a vanity, the bathroom had a soaking tub and huge rainforest shower. The drawers were well stocked with toiletries including toothpaste from the high-end Italian label Marvis, Italian shaving cream, and a sturdy wood razor. When I requested my preferred brands of toothbrush and mouthwash, the concierge purchased them for me within a half hour at no additional charge. Given how attractive and spacious they are, it’s not hard to spend your time at the hotel hidden away in your room, but the amenities are just as appealing.

Heated pool at Aman Spa / Photo: Courtesy of Aman

A 25,000-square-foot spa has a lengthy list of treatments rooted in both Eastern and Western philosophies. My deep-tissue massage was a welcome relief to my sore muscles, and the supremely relaxing ambience served as the perfect antidote to travel-related stress.

The Jazz Club / Photo: Courtesy of Aman

Aman New York also offers a 65-foot indoor swimming pool, studios for yoga and Pilates, a top-of-the-line gym, jazz club, and sprawling terrace that’s heated in the winter. The all-day Italian eatery Arva is the hotel’s signature restaurant: I enjoyed an excellent breakfast of gluten-free avocado toast with pickled peppers and pesto and a side of eggs over hard. Another option is Nama, a serene Japanese spot that serves sushi and sashimi. The omakase is the meal to splurge on at $500 a person. Aman New York, in short, exemplifies extravagance, but the price is justified by the offerings and setting.