New York City has a way of swallowing you whole. One minute you’re admiring the Chrysler Building, and the next, you’re trapped in a sea of tourists on a humid sidewalk near Grand Central. Most people looking for luxury in Midtown end up at the big, gilded names. You know them. The ones with the heavy drapes and the stuffy doormen who look like they’re judging your sneakers. But Andaz 5th Avenue New York is different. Honestly, it’s kinda weird for a Hyatt property, but in a good way. It feels more like a very expensive, very well-curated loft owned by a friend who has impeccable taste and a massive art collection.
If you’ve ever stayed at an Andaz before, you know they ditched the traditional check-in desk years ago. You walk in, and someone with an iPad meets you. It’s supposed to be seamless. Sometimes it is; sometimes you’re just standing in a lobby wondering who actually works there. But that’s the vibe. It’s casual. It’s "loft-style." And since it sits right across from the New York Public Library, you’re basically in the middle of everything without the chaotic energy of Times Square bleeding into your bedroom.
The Room Situation: Loft Vibes vs. Reality
Let’s talk about the space. New York hotel rooms are notoriously tiny. You’re lucky if you can open your suitcase without hitting the bed. The Andaz 5th Avenue New York actually gives you room to breathe. Tony Chi, the designer behind the interiors, went for this minimalist, residential feel. We’re talking high ceilings—like, twelve feet high in some cases—and massive floor-to-ceiling windows.
The lighting is dim. Intentionally so. It’s moody. If you’re trying to do precision eyeliner, you might struggle, but if you’re trying to recover from a twelve-hour flight, it’s perfect. The bathrooms are the real winner here. Most rooms have these huge walk-in rain showers, and some of the suites have travertine marble tubs that are basically small swimming pools.
- The "Splash" suites are the ones people post on Instagram.
- Standard rooms are still larger than the NYC average.
- The "View" rooms actually face the library, which is a massive flex.
One thing that confuses people: the mini-bar. It’s "free," but there’s a catch. The snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are included. If you want the tiny bottle of gin, you’re paying NYC prices. Still, having a stash of North Fork chips and sparkling water that doesn't cost $9 a pop feels like a win.
💡 You might also like: Super 8 Fort Myers Florida: What to Honestly Expect Before You Book
Why the Location is Actually Strategic
Midtown gets a bad rap. Travel influencers always tell you to stay in the West Village or Williamsburg to "live like a local." That’s fine if you want to spend forty minutes on a subway every time you want to see a show or visit a museum. Andaz 5th Avenue New York is located at the intersection of 41st and 5th.
You are literally across the street from the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building—that’s the main library with the lions. Bryant Park is right there. In the winter, you can watch the ice skaters from some of the upper-floor rooms. In the summer, it’s the best spot in the city for a cheap outdoor movie or a coffee.
You’ve got Grand Central Terminal a few blocks east. This isn't just for trains; it’s for the Oyster Bar and the Great Northern Food Hall. You can get anywhere in the city from here. It’s a hub. If you’re in town for business, you can walk to half the towers in Midtown. If you’re here for fun, the shops on 5th Avenue start right at your doorstep.
The Bar Downstairs and the Food Scene
The hotel’s main restaurant and bar situation has evolved over the years. Right now, The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen is the heart of the place. It’s a basement spot. Usually, basement bars feel like dungeons, but this one feels like a secret club. They focus on Latin-influenced plates and cocktails that actually pack a punch.
📖 Related: Weather at Lake Charles Explained: Why It Is More Than Just Humidity
- They do a lot of "speakeasy" style drinks.
- The kitchen uses seasonal stuff from the Union Square Greenmarket.
- It’s surprisingly popular with locals, not just hotel guests.
Don't expect a massive, sprawling buffet breakfast. This isn't a Vegas resort. It’s more boutique. You get high-quality coffee and a menu that hits the basics really well. If you want a massive brunch, walk three blocks to a diner. If you want a quiet, sophisticated start to the day, stay put.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Service
Some guests complain that the service feels "too relaxed." If you’re used to the Ritz-Carlton where everyone calls you "Sir" or "Ma'am" every five seconds, the Andaz might feel a bit jarring. The staff wears casual clothes. They talk to you like a human being. Honestly, it’s refreshing. They aren't hovering, but they are there when you need them.
The "Andaz Hosts" are supposed to be jacks-of-all-trades. They check you in, they make your dinner reservations, and they tell you which subway line is delayed. It’s a flatter hierarchy. It works if you’re a low-maintenance traveler who wants efficiency over ceremony.
Real Talk: The Noise and the Price
Look, it’s New York. Even with double-paned windows, you’re going to hear a siren. You’re going to hear a bus air-braking at 2 AM. The lower floors are definitely noisier. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a higher floor or a room facing the back of the building.
👉 See also: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
The price point? It’s high. You’re paying for the 5th Avenue address and the square footage. Is it worth it? If you value design and location over old-school luxury tropes, then yes. If you want a gold-plated lobby and a bellhop in a pillbox hat, you’ll be disappointed.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay
If you’re booking the Andaz 5th Avenue New York, don’t just take the first room they give you. The layout of this building is a bit of a maze because it’s a converted department store (the old Rogers Peet building).
First, check the Hyatt app. Often, they have "Member Rates" that shave off a decent chunk of the nightly fee. Second, join the World of Hyatt program even if you don't stay at Hyatts often. The perks at the Andaz brand—like the evening wine hour—are way better when the staff knows you’re a "member."
Practical Next Steps for Your Trip
- Book a Library View Room: If you can swing the extra $50–$100, do it. Looking out at the lighted facade of the library at night is one of the most "New York" experiences you can have without leaving your bed.
- Use the Library: Don't just look at it. Go inside. The Rose Main Reading Room is one of the most beautiful spaces in the world, and it’s free.
- Skip the Hotel Breakfast Once: Walk over to Culture Espresso on 38th Street. Get the chocolate chip cookie. It’s legendary.
- Check the Wine Hour: Usually between 5 PM and 6 PM, they serve free wine and snacks in the lounge area. It’s a great way to decompress before heading out to dinner.
- Walk to the Morgan Library: It’s just a few blocks south on Madison. It’s Pierpont Morgan’s old private library. It’s quiet, it’s stunning, and most tourists completely miss it.
Staying at Andaz 5th Avenue New York puts you in a specific headspace. You aren't just a tourist; you’re a temporary resident of a very chic, very tall apartment building. Embrace the minimalism, drink the free sparkling water, and make sure you spend at least one sunset sitting by the window watching the city move below you. It’s one of the few places in Midtown that actually feels like it has a soul.