Midtown is usually a nightmare. It’s loud, the sidewalks are clogged with tourists who stop moving for no reason, and the hotels often feel like massive, soul-sucking factories. But then there's the Andaz 5th Avenue NYC. It sits right on the corner of 41st and 5th, staring directly at the New York Public Library’s marble lions. It doesn't have a massive, glowing sign. Honestly, if you aren't looking for the heavy bronze doors, you might walk right past it.
That’s exactly the point.
Most people booking a luxury stay in Manhattan get blinded by the big names—the Plazas or the St. Regises of the world—but the Andaz brand, which falls under the Hyatt umbrella, tries to do something different. It’s "luxury" but without the white gloves and the stiff "yes, sir" attitude that feels like a relic of the 1950s. At Andaz 5th Avenue NYC, you’re basically walking into a very expensive, very well-designed loft that happens to have a front desk. Actually, they don't even have a traditional front desk. They have "hosts" who check you in on iPads while you’re probably thinking about how much you need a drink.
The Room Situation: Why the Ceilings Matter
You know how most New York hotel rooms feel like fancy walk-in closets? This place is different. Because the building was originally built in 1916 as the Rogers Peet department store, the architecture isn't standard hospitality fare. The ceilings are twelve feet high. That sounds like a small detail until you’re actually inside. Those extra four or five feet of vertical space make a "standard" room feel like a suite.
Let's talk about the windows. They are massive. If you’re lucky enough to snag a "View" category room, you’re looking at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The library is one of the most beautiful structures in the city, and seeing it lit up at night while you’re sitting on a window seat (yes, many rooms have built-in window benches) is a vibe you can't really replicate elsewhere.
The bathrooms are also a bit of a flex. They use a lot of travertine stone and have these walk-in rain showers that could fit a small family. Most rooms have double sinks. In New York! That’s basically a miracle. Also, the minibar is a weirdly specific point of pride for Andaz. All the snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are free. It’s a small thing—a bag of chips and a sparkling water—but it beats paying $12 for a Snickers bar because you got hungry at midnight.
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The Vibe vs. The Reality of Midtown
Midtown East can be sterile. It’s the land of banks and law firms. However, being on 5th Avenue gives you a weirdly central pivot point. You can walk to Grand Central in five minutes. You can hit Bryant Park in two.
But here is the reality: New York is noisy. Even with the thickest glass in the world, you’re going to hear the occasional siren or a bus downshifting on 5th Avenue. It’s the city. If you want total silence, go to a spa in the Catskills. If you stay here, you’re trading total quiet for the ability to walk to the Theater District or the shops at Rockefeller Center without needing an Uber.
The interior design is the work of Tony Chi. He’s a legend in the design world, and his style here is very "residential chic." Think dark woods, clean lines, and a lot of white space. It’s meant to feel like an apartment. It mostly succeeds, though some people find the lack of a traditional lobby a bit disorienting. There’s no grand entrance hall to wait in. You just... arrive.
Eating and Drinking (And Where to Go Instead)
The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen is the heart of the hotel. It’s moody. It’s dark. It feels like a speakeasy because, well, it’s in a basement. The cocktails are genuinely good. They don't just lean on the classics; they actually try with the seasonal menu.
But let’s be real. You’re in New York. While the hotel food is solid, you are surrounded by some of the best food in the world.
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- Keens Steakhouse: It’s a few blocks away. It’s historic. The mutton chop is famous for a reason. Go there if you want to feel like a 19th-century tycoon.
- Culture Espresso: If you want the best chocolate chip cookie in the city, walk over to 38th Street. Don't argue. Just do it.
- Grand Central Oyster Bar: Even if you don't like oysters, the architecture of the whispering gallery and the vaulted ceilings is worth the five-minute walk.
What Most People Get Wrong About Andaz
A lot of travelers expect a "Grand Hyatt" experience. They want the massive lobby, the concierge desk with three people in suits, and the predictable ballroom vibe. Andaz 5th Avenue NYC isn't that. It’s decentralized.
The staff doesn't wear uniforms. They wear their own clothes, usually within a certain color palette. This throws some people off. They think the service is "casual." It isn't. It’s just not performative. If you need a reservation at a sold-out spot, they’ll get it for you, but they won't bow when they hand you the confirmation.
Another thing: the gym. It’s in the basement. It’s functional, and it has Peloton bikes, which seems to be the industry standard now for any hotel charging over $400 a night. It’s fine. It’s not a destination, but it gets the job done.
The "Library" Connection
Because the hotel is so close to the NYPL, they leaned into the theme. There are books everywhere. The "Library" lounge on the ground floor has a curated selection of titles you can actually read. It’s a nice touch that reflects the neighborhood's history as a hub for publishers and writers.
If you are a Hyatt loyalist, this is one of the best uses of points in the city. It’s a Category 7 property (usually), meaning it’s not cheap, but the value proposition compared to the Park Hyatt—which is significantly more expensive—is often better at the Andaz. You get 90% of the luxury for about 70% of the price.
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Is It Worth It?
Honestly, it depends on what you value. If you want to be pampered in a way that feels royal, go to the Upper East Side. If you want a place that feels like a cool, sophisticated base camp for exploring the city, this is it.
The rooms are huge by NYC standards. The location is unbeatable for first-timers or business travelers who need to be near the 4/5/6 or 7 trains. The staff is sharp. The free snacks are a nice "thank you" for spending your money there.
One tip: ask for a corner room. The way the light hits the 5th Avenue side in the morning is something you'll want to photograph, even if you hate being "that person" on Instagram.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Book a "Library View" Room: Do not settle for an interior courtyard view unless you’re strictly there to sleep. The view is half the reason to stay here.
- Use the Host: Since there’s no traditional concierge, use the text-messaging service the hotel provides. They are surprisingly fast at responding to requests for extra towels or late-night room service.
- Skip the Hotel Breakfast Once: Go to Bryant Park (right across the street) and grab a pastry and coffee from one of the kiosks. Sit by the lawn and watch the city wake up. It’s cheaper and more "New York."
- Check the Wine Hour: They usually host a complimentary wine hour for guests in the late afternoon. It’s a great way to decompress after a day of walking 15,000 steps.
- The 42nd Street Entrance: Use it. It’s often less crowded than the 5th Avenue side and easier for Uber drivers to pull over without getting honked at by a literal fleet of yellow cabs.
Staying at Andaz 5th Avenue NYC is about being in the middle of everything without feeling like you're stuck in a tourist trap. It’s sophisticated, slightly moody, and very comfortable. Just don't forget to look up at those ceilings.