The Founder of New York's Hottest Hotel Knows What's Missing From Luxury Travel
Perhaps your introduction to Manhattan's Fifth Avenue Hotel is the exquisite martini at its mahogany-drenched watering hole, The Portrait Bar, which comes with a side "salad" of olives, pickles, and a lemon twist—all the things you wanted to ask for as garnishes but didn't for fear your waitress would think you greedy. But they knew!
Perhaps you fell deeper in delight with the place when that martini prompted you to order the "hot dog au poivre" from the bar snacks menu, or when you strolled down the hall to your reservation at Cafe Carmellini and had your first encounter with the "Duck-Duck-Duck Tortellini."
But what really seals the deal, what makes it the hotel you will begin to recommend most consistently to visiting friends, is an overnight stay among the seemingly bottomless trove of whimsical Martin Brudnizki design details, from pleated silk ceilings to peacock emblazoned wallpapers to cheeky brass sconces. (Don't sleep on the olfactory delights either -- you can buy the hotel's intoxicating scent in candle form at the front desk). There is no bad room—not even a boring corner—of this hotel but, nevertheless, we forced the hotel's founder, Alex Ohebshalom, to pick his favorite.
What do you consider to be the best room at the Fifth Avenue Hotel and why?
This is like asking me which of my children I like best! If I had to choose I’d say The Fifth Avenue Suite. This is such a special suite, located in the historic mansion building of the hotel. It occupies an entire wing of the building with views overlooking Fifth Avenue and down towards Madison Square Park. It has a truly residential layout, with the living room and interior hallway connecting to the grand bathroom and corner bedroom; it is a quintessential NY pied-à-terre.
How much does it cost per night?
$3,500++
How would you describe the vibe at the hotel?
Residential, warm and whimsical. One often feels that they’ve been transported to somewhere beautifully familiar and inviting…where home meets fantasy.
What was the genesis of this hotel?
Ten years ago, feeling distracted and disconnected, I set off for Southeast Asia, which forced me to immerse myself into a foreign culture, where I learned to savor experiences—the smell, the feel, the taste of, say, a home cooked meal—hearing the story of a family: their past, their present and their dreams. Learning to be fully in the moment provoked a kind of nostalgia in me. I recalled my childhood when I was wide-eyed and curious, taking everything in with the child-like openness of discovery. Reading Baudelaire at the time, I discovered the ‘flâneur’ character—an observer fully immersed in his surroundings. I became fascinated with the idea of translating this living, breathing notion into an experience. It’s what I believe is missing from luxury hospitality. At The Fifth, our intention is to create the luxury of an atmosphere where guests can slow down and enjoy themselves, using all five senses, for their own enrichment and enchantment.
Give us an interesting tidbit about the amazing design throughout the hotel.
Where to start?! The hotel is truly a discovery; you could find something new every time you walk through its trove of beautiful spaces. I’m very proud of the art program at The Fifth Avenue Hotel. We have over 600 unique works of art throughout the hotel, it really is incredibly layered. Working with Martin Brudnizki we created so many bespoke pieces for the hotel and collaborated with exceptional artisans from around the world. We spent two years developing the mother of pearl inlaid bar carts that you will find in guestrooms. For the elevator banks (yes, we truly considered every space in the hotel!), we worked with artisans from Paris to do the pleating of the pink silk walls and ceiling…a very unique and technical process.
What do you think gives the property such a unique identity?
We are independent and truly chart our own course. You feel that when you walk it and you feel it in the exceptional service from our staff who are more like caretakers– there is a distinctly warm and personalized touch that you don’t often find in city hotels.
I think that our food and beverage offering is unmatched and offers some of the most exciting culinary experiences in New York. Our signature restaurant, Café Carmellini is named for Chef Andrew Carmellini and under his outstanding direction, our menu blends his career fostered in kitchens throughout New York City into a modern setting, taking guests on a journey through his rich history and showcasing the essence of traveling with The Fifth. And The Portrait Bar comes to life through Bar Director Darryl Chan’s sophisticated cocktails.
We also offer some of the city’s most unique places to gather – whether that is over a coffee in the light and airy Conservatory, a private dinner in our Cellar (with original bank vaults we preserved during construction) or a more formal affair in our Fifth Avenue-facing ballroom.
What's your perfect Fifth Avenue Hotel-based day?
After you check into the hotel and settle in, have our signature Martini Ritual in your suite. Saunter downstairs for an exceptional culinary experience with your dinner at Café Carmellini and finish off the evening with a night cap at The Portrait Bar. Following a glorious night of sleep and breakfast in the morning, stroll over to the Rizzoli flagship bookstore, take in an exhibition at Fotografiska and walk through the latest artist installation in Madison Square Park.
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