Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton NoMad New York
When planning a few nights in NYC, I found myself torn between two Ritz-Carlton gems: the iconic, nearly century-old property by Central Park and the sleek newcomer in NoMad, unveiled in 2022. After reflecting on a less-than-stellar experience at The St. Regis New York, I chose the Ritz-Carlton NoMad. Its steep price tag aside, the allure of José Andrés’ stunning dining venues and breathtaking skyline views sealed the deal. While my recent stays at luxury Marriott properties—especially U.S.-based Ritz-Carltons—have been hit or miss, the NoMad location reminded me why this brand still stands as a beacon of sophistication and indulgence. Here is my review of the Ritz-Carlton NoMad New York:
The Ritz-Carlton NoMad New York is located at 25 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001.
Location
The Ritz-Carlton NoMad is located in New York City’s NoMad neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic dining. Nearby attractions include Madison Square Park, the iconic Flatiron Building, and the Empire State Building, offering scenic views of the city. Food enthusiasts can visit Eataly and Chelsea Market, while the Museum of Sex provides a unique cultural experience. The High Line, an elevated park, and Koreatown’s lively restaurants and shops are also close by. Additionally, Gramercy Park and the nearby subway lines make it easy to explore other parts of Manhattan.
Lobby & Check-In Review
Stepping off the R line at the 28th Street station, I was greeted by the hotel’s entrance just steps away—an incredibly convenient feature, even if we didn’t rely heavily on the subway during our stay. Entering the hotel felt like a breath of fresh air, with a charming hallway adorned with vibrant plants and flowers that instantly transformed the gritty NYC vibe into something serene.
The lush greenery in the entrance hallway, paired with thoughtfully designed lighting, offered a refreshing escape from NYC's concrete jungle.
At the end of the hall, a flower cart brimming with fresh lilies filled the lobby with their soothing floral fragrance. Impressively, the cart showcased a daily rotation of blooms, a thoughtful nod to the nearby NYC Flower District.
Fresh lilies on the flower cart graced the lobby with their enchanting fragrance, with new blooms elegantly swapped in every day.
The ground floor was home to Zaytinya, José Andrés' innovative mezze restaurant inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese flavors, as well as The Lobby Bar, an elegant lounge ideal for anything from an afternoon coffee to evening cocktails.
The Lobby Bar's interior was stunning, with velvet furniture and vibrant greenery creating an inviting ambiance.
While I didn’t get a chance to dine at Zaytinya, its sleek interior, highlighted by vibrant blue tones reminiscent of the Mediterranean, caught my eye.
The floor tiles reflected whimsical images of fish and added a playful touch that highlighted the restaurant's seafood-centric theme.
It was bustling in the evening, so reservations were a must during peak hours. The Lobby Bar was equally captivating, with plush green velvet chairs and abstract floral artwork extending the Flower District theme.
As night fell, the carefully designed lighting transformed the Lobby Bar into an intimate haven.
By day, sunlight poured through tall windows, energizing the space, while at night, soft ambient lighting created an intimate and sophisticated vibe—perfect for unwinding or enjoying a good read while waiting to check-in.
By day, the towering floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with radiant natural light.
Speaking of check-in, the process was seamless. Multiple receptionists behind marble desks promptly assisted us, and to my delight, I discovered that my Nightly Upgrade Award had been approved for an upgrade.
My Nightly Upgrade Award scored me a stunning corner suite, a luxurious upgrade that can command several thousand dollars on peak travel dates.
We were upgraded to the NoMad Suite—a spectacular gesture for our wedding anniversary. Considering the suite’s usual rate of over $3,500 per night, the experience felt all the more special, and we headed up to the 33rd floor, where our suite was located.
Living Room & Bedroom Review
The NoMad Suite is a rare gem, offering a generous 800 square feet of space—a true luxury by NYC standards. From the moment I entered, the spaciousness was evident, with high ceilings amplifying the airy feel of the living room. A plush green velvet couch served as both a stylish centerpiece and a cozy spot to unwind, doubling as an extra bed if needed.
The living room was both expansive and elegantly appointed with high-end, premium furniture.
The sleek black marble coffee table sat on a soft, patterned rug, complemented by matching side tables that tied the modern aesthetic together. Elegant light fixtures and monochrome abstract artwork added a refined touch, while a wall-mounted smart TV above the minibar balanced luxury with practicality.
The sleek media stand boasted a modern design while cleverly concealing the minibar, blending style with functionality.
The minibar was stocked with a curated selection of spirits, including Hudson Whiskey NY—a thoughtful nod to the city's heritage as the producer of New York’s first bourbon. Crystal cocktail glasses invited indulgence, though the premium prices were expected. If you want additional beverages like champagne, beer, or soda, you can find them in the pullout fridge below the minibar.
Given the suite’s premium price, the minibar offerings were surprisingly reasonably priced.
Below the minibar, a pullout shelf revealed a Nespresso machine with complimentary water bottles, and the addition of paper to-go cups was a considerate touch. However, with complimentary coffee and tea available in the lobby each morning, I rarely used it.
The inclusion of paper to-go cups ensured you could grab your morning coffee and head out without any extra stops.
Another pullout drawer housed local treats like Christina Tosi’s Milk Bar cookies, a delightful surprise that showcased the hotel’s appreciation for New York’s culinary icons.
I love when hotels showcase local brands, whether through snacks or toiletries.
In one corner of the living room, a dining table sat beside a large window framing the NYC skyline.
Having a proper dining table setup made room service feel effortless and elevated during our stay.
For our special occasion, the hotel went above and beyond, presenting us with a bottle of champagne, Kunik cheese from Nettle Meadow Farm, and a handwritten celebratory card. The Kunik cheese, paired with quince jam, was unforgettable—a savory welcome amenity that stood out as one of the best we’ve ever received.
The Kunik cheese was absolutely fantastic; it was decadent, buttery, and mushroomy with a subtle citrus note.
Moving to the bedroom, the suite’s corner location offered two expansive windows that bathed the room in natural light by day and showcased a dazzling panorama of city lights at night.
The bed was pure comfort, and the sunlit charm of the corner bedroom added a warm, inviting touch to the stay.
The king-sized bed, incredibly comfortable, was the perfect vantage point for soaking in the skyline views.
Waking up to an uninterrupted view of Manhattan in the morning was nothing short of breathtaking.
Modern lighting fixtures and accents of metal harmonized with warm natural elements like wood and black marble, creating a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere.
The sweeping panoramic view of Manhattan made every penny feel well spent.
The nightstands featured master light switches with clear, intuitive labels, and turndown service ensured complimentary water cartons were always replenished.
After turndown service, the housekeeping team thoughtfully replenished the water and left sweet treats.
A second smart TV, with adjustable viewing angles, added another layer of convenience. Both the living room and bedroom exuded a sleek, minimalist charm, with upscale finishes and thoughtful design choices. The absence of unnecessary clutter allowed the spaces to feel even more expansive.
The bedroom's clean and contemporary design was attractive, but it was the stunning view that truly stole the show.
The bedroom’s panoramic Manhattan views were nothing short of magical—especially at night when the city sparkled in all its glory. The NoMad Suite suite truly delivered on every level, from aesthetics to comfort, making our stay an unforgettable celebration of luxury and style.
It’s a rare treat to stay in a room with a crystal-clear view of the Empire State Building.
Bathroom Review
The NoMad Suite’s single bathroom, situated between the living room and bedroom, was a stunning blend of elegance and functionality. Its centerpiece was a sleek white marble double vanity, paired with terrazzo accent walls that added depth and texture.
The combination of white marble and black terrazzo tiles perfectly complements the hotel's sleek and sophisticated luxury.
The mirror, framed with bold ambient lighting, brought a contemporary edge, while the narrow yet expansive countertop offered just enough space for toiletries and a blow dryer, making it perfect for sharing with a partner. A live orchid graced the vanity, adding a touch of natural sophistication.
The sink featured an elegant, elongated white marble design, thoughtfully divided in the center for functionality.
Luxury extended to the amenities, with generously sized Diptyque toiletries in the signature Philosykos scent—a delightful blend of fig tree and creamy coconut.
The hotel selected Diptyque for its toiletries, and I adored the subtle, refreshing notes of fig tree and coconut.
The bathroom also featured a private water closet equipped with a handheld bidet, alongside a walk-in shower adorned with modern gray terrazzo tiles.
The water closet was finished with the same terrazzo tile flooring, seamlessly extending the design aesthetic.
Dual showerheads—rainfall and handheld—offered a spa-like experience, and opaque glass barriers maintained an intimate feel.
The opaque glass wall provided privacy while gracefully filtering in natural light, creating a bright yet secluded atmosphere.
The true star of the bathroom, however, was the freestanding tub. Deep and spacious, it was positioned perfectly beneath a large window that framed an unobstructed view of lower Manhattan.
The standalone tub was the centerpiece of the stay, offering breathtaking views of New York City.
Whether soaking in the natural light during the day or admiring the city’s dazzling lights at night, the experience was nothing short of magical.
It's not every day that you get to enjoy this view while taking a bath.
With its premium marble and terrazzo finishes, boutique Diptyque toiletries, and a bathtub view that felt straight out of a dream, the NoMad Suite’s bathroom was a luxurious retreat that elevated our stay to an entirely new level.
Bar Review—Nubeluz
One evening, we headed up to Nubeluz, the rooftop bar on the 50th floor, to enjoy cocktails and cap off our date night.
Nubeluz means a lightbox in the sky, bringing together the Spanish word for cloud (“nube”) and for light (“luz”).
This 1920s-inspired venue by José Andrés offers an elegant afternoon tea by day and transforms into a buzzing cocktail destination by night. Open to non-guests as well, those not staying at the hotel must check in at the lobby reception to access the bar.
The bar boasted chic interiors paired with a vibrant ambiance, capturing the essence of an upscale NYC rooftop experience.
Given its popularity, especially during peak hours, reservations are a must—particularly if you want to snag a seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase breathtaking views of the NYC skyline.
The outdoor deck offered clear, unobstructed views of the surrounding skyscrapers.
The atmosphere was lively, with upbeat music creating more of a party vibe than an intimate retreat. At the heart of the bar, a glowing marble countertop drew attention, where skilled bartenders crafted intricate cocktails.
I was captured by the captivating glow of the marble countertop, but we chose to sit by the windows to admire the view of NYC.
The space featured booth seating for groups and an outdoor section for those looking to soak in the fresh air and city views. Luckily, we scored a cozy table by the windows, the perfect spot for just the two of us. While Nubeluz offers small bites, they come at a premium. Having already enjoyed a fantastic dinner at the Michelin-starred Korean restaurant Jua, we focused solely on cocktails.
As anticipated, cocktails at Nubeluz came with a premium price tag, but the exceptional quality and stunning views made them well worth the splurge.
I opted for the Salt Air Margarita, made with Milagro Blanco tequila, Combier orange, and lime, and topped with a unique airy salt foam. Although margaritas aren’t my usual choice, the texture and flavor of the salt air made this $26 drink a standout experience.
I was initially skeptical about the "salt air" in my Salt Air Margarita, but its unique texture and flavor profoundly elevated the cocktail.
We tried a few more cocktails, and each one impressed us with its balance and creativity. With stunning skyline views and expertly crafted drinks, Nubeluz is a destination worth visiting—whether you're staying at the Ritz-Carlton NoMad or simply in the area. It’s a sophisticated yet vibrant spot to enjoy NYC from a whole new perspective.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Staying in the NoMad Suite was a delightful experience. As a corner unit, it offered stunning panoramic views of NYC, especially from the bedroom, which was both modern and equipped with high-end amenities. The bathroom was a standout feature, boasting a luxurious standalone tub with an unobstructed view of lower Manhattan. The suite’s design seamlessly blended upscale finishes with natural materials, creating a space that felt both stylish and serene.
While NoMad might not be the top pick for first-time NYC visitors, it’s an excellent location if you’re familiar with the city. Just a short walk away is Koreatown, perfect for indulging in authentic Korean cuisine, and Chelsea’s charming cafes and art galleries are a stone’s throw to the west. The R subway line conveniently located at the hotel entrance makes navigating the city effortless.
The hotel’s design was truly captivating. Its tribute to the nearby NYC Flower District was thoughtfully integrated into the lobby and lower floors, while the modern finishes across common areas and dining venues added a sophisticated touch. The rooftop bar, Nubeluz, was the icing on the cake, offering jaw-dropping views of the city skyline.
Negatives
The gym, located on level C2, though equipped with state-of-the-art machines, felt cramped for a hotel of this caliber. Additionally, the absence of an indoor swimming pool was a noticeable drawback for those seeking a more comprehensive wellness experience.
The absence of a swimming pool and the compact size of the gym may not resonate with guests who prioritize wellness amenities.
Summary
During my stay at the Ritz-Carlton NoMad New York, I was thoroughly impressed by its elegant ambiance and exceptional amenities. The hotel’s central location in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood, surrounded by iconic attractions like Madison Square Park and the Empire State Building, added to its allure. The lobby was adorned with fresh flowers and sophisticated décor, setting a welcoming tone. I was fortunately upgraded to The NoMad Suite, which featured expansive space and panoramic views of the NYC skyline and epitomized modern luxury. The suite's designer furniture, upscale finishes, and thoughtful amenities like a freestanding tub with stunning city views and indulgent welcome amenities made the stay unforgettable. Dining at Nubeluz offered delicious cocktails and breathtaking city vistas, rounding off a truly memorable experience. Despite the small gym and absence of an indoor pool, the Ritz-Carlton NoMad exceeded my expectations, reaffirming the Ritz-Carlton brand's commitment to delivering a meaningful and luxurious stay. I would highly recommend staying at The Ritz-Carlton NoMad New York to anyone visiting NYC.
