Walk out of Grand Central Terminal, dodge a few commuters, and look up. You’re right there. The Andaz NYC 5th Ave doesn’t scream for attention with a massive neon sign or a gold-plated doorman. It’s cooler than that. It’s tucked inside a 1916 limestone building that used to be the Rogers Peet department store. Honestly, if you weren’t looking for it, you might walk right past the entrance. That’s the point.
Most Midtown hotels feel like factories. They’re designed to process thousands of tourists a day with all the charm of an airport terminal. This place is different. It’s a Hyatt property, sure, but it feels like a high-end apartment owned by your wealthiest, most understated friend.
The Reality of Staying at Andaz NYC 5th Ave
Midtown is loud. Let’s be real. It’s a chaotic mess of sirens, steam vents, and people yelling about pretzels. But the moment those heavy doors at Andaz NYC 5th Ave close behind you, the volume drops to zero. The lobby isn’t a "lobby" in the traditional sense; they call it the Andaz Lounge. There’s no massive check-in desk acting as a barrier between you and the staff. You sit down, maybe grab a coffee, and someone with an iPad gets you sorted. It’s casual.
Tony Chi designed the interiors. If you know hotel design, that name carries weight. He went for a loft vibe. We’re talking massive windows—some of the biggest in the city—and high ceilings that make you forget you’re in one of the most densely packed square miles on earth.
The rooms start at around 322 square feet. In New York, that’s basically a mansion. If you’ve ever stayed at a "boutique" hotel in SoHo where you have to climb over your suitcase to get to the bathroom, you’ll appreciate the breathing room here. The bathrooms are the real stars, though. They feature double sinks and walk-in rain showers. Some even have those deep soaking tubs that look out over 5th Avenue. It’s a bit surreal to scrub your face while looking directly at the New York Public Library across the street.
Location is Everything (And Also the Problem)
People love to hate on Midtown. They say it’s too "touristy."
They aren't wrong.
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However, staying at Andaz NYC 5th Ave puts you at the absolute center of the transit universe. You are steps from the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S trains. You can be in Williamsburg for dinner in twenty minutes or at a Broadway show in ten. Bryant Park is literally your front yard. In the winter, you’ve got the ice skating rink and the Christmas shops. In the summer, there’s outdoor yoga and movie nights.
There is a downside. Because you’re on the corner of 41st and 5th, the traffic is relentless. Even with the double-paned glass, you might hear the occasional rogue honk if you’re on a lower floor. Ask for a room on a higher floor facing the back if you’re a light sleeper.
The "Free" Stuff Isn't Actually Free (But It's Nice)
Andaz has this thing about the "inclusive" minibar. You get snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for free. Is it a gimmick? Kind of. You’re paying for it in the room rate. But there is something undeniably satisfying about grabbing a bag of North Fork chips and a sparkling water without feeling like you’re being robbed by a $12 snickers bar.
Then there’s the wine hour.
Every evening in the lounge, they pour free wine and serve small bites. It sounds like it could be awkward—a bunch of strangers standing around in a lobby—but it actually works. It’s a good way to decompress before heading out to a $200 dinner. The staff actually knows the neighborhood. Ask them where the locals eat, and they won't just point you to the nearest Olive Garden. They’ll tell you about the hidden ramen spots over on 41st Street.
Dining at The Bar Downstairs
Don’t expect a massive, three-story restaurant here. The main spot is The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen. It’s dark. It’s moody. It feels like a speakeasy, even though it’s literally in the basement of a Hyatt.
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The menu is focused on seasonal, local stuff. It’s not revolutionary, but the execution is solid. They do a lot of small plates. The cocktails are where they really shine, though. They have a massive selection of rums and tequilas, and the bartenders actually know how to make a proper Old Fashioned. It’s a popular spot for people who work in the nearby office towers, so it gets a legitimate New York crowd, not just hotel guests.
Breakfast is served in the "shop" area. It’s a lot of farm-to-table vibes. Think lemon poppy seed pancakes that people actually travel across town for.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Hotel
A lot of travelers assume that because it’s a Hyatt, it’s going to be corporate.
That’s a mistake.
Andaz is Hyatt’s "un-brand." They don’t wear uniforms. They don’t follow a script. This can occasionally lead to service that feels a little too casual for some people’s tastes. If you want a white-gloved butler bowing to you every time you walk through the door, go to the St. Regis. This isn't that. This is for the traveler who wants luxury but doesn't want to feel like they're in a museum.
Another misconception is that the "Andaz Suite" is the only way to go. Honestly? The standard "Extra Large King" rooms are plenty big. Unless you’re planning on hosting a cocktail party in your room, don't feel like you have to drop the extra $300 a night for the suite designation.
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Technical Details for the Savvy Traveler
If you’re a World of Hyatt member, this is a Category 7 property. That means it’s near the top of the food chain. Points redemptions usually hover around 25,000 to 35,000 points per night. Given that cash rates can easily swing from $400 in the quiet season to $900 during the holidays, points are often the way to go here.
- Check-in: 4:00 PM
- Check-out: 11:00 AM
- Pet Policy: They’re pet-friendly (usually a $150 fee).
- Gym: It’s in the basement. It’s small but has Peloton bikes.
The Surprising History of the Site
Before the Rogers Peet building, this corner was residential. It’s hard to imagine now, but this was once the outskirts of the city. When the department store opened in the early 20th century, it was the height of fashion. The hotel has kept the original facade, which is why the windows are so massive. Those were display windows for suits and hats a hundred years ago.
Staying here feels like a bridge between that old-world New York and the glass-and-steel version we have now. You have the views of the modern skyscrapers, but you’re standing on floors that have been there for a century.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
New York is expensive. There’s no getting around it. You can find cheaper hotels in Long Island City or over in New Jersey, but you’ll spend half your life on the subway.
The value of the Andaz NYC 5th Ave isn't just in the room. It’s in the time you save. You can walk to the MoMA. You can walk to the Chrysler Building. You can walk to the shops on 5th Ave. When you factor in the "free" breakfast (if you have status) and the evening wine, the math starts to make sense for a high-end trip.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
If you're booking, do these three things to maximize the experience:
- Request a Library View: Specifically ask for a room facing 5th Avenue on a floor between 6 and 10. You want to be level with the stone lions at the library. It’s one of the best views in the city, especially at night when the building is lit up.
- Skip the Hotel Coffee: Head two blocks over to Culture Espresso on 38th Street. It’s widely considered one of the best coffee shops in Manhattan. Get the chocolate chip cookie. Trust me.
- Use the "Secret" Library Entrance: The main entrance to the New York Public Library on 5th Ave is always packed. Use the side entrance on 42nd Street. It’s faster, and you get to see more of the weird architectural details of the building.
- Check the Hyatt App: Andaz frequently runs "3rd Night Free" or "4th Night Free" promotions that don't always show up on third-party booking sites like Expedia. Always check the direct site first.
The Andaz NYC 5th Ave isn't perfect. The elevators can be a bit slow during peak times, and the minimalist decor isn't for everyone. But if you want a place that feels like a real New York home—albeit a very fancy one—this is where you land. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, and in a city that’s constantly trying to sell you something, it’s nice to stay somewhere that just lets you be.