Height of luxury
If you’re after a little indulgence, look no further, suggests
DREAMING OF INDULGING ina splashy, effervescent stay in the Big Apple? Lording above Midtown Manhattan in a 60-storey limestone skyscraper, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue beckons as a world-class sanctuary of luxury in the heart of the metropolis.
Located on Fifth Avenue and 36 Street in the Fashion District area, your prime location is in easy reach of so many iconic attractions, from Times Square and Broadway to the Empire State Building, just two blocks away. Strolling north up Fifth Avenue, you’re also in walking distance of a trove of sublime museums, including the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum.
With 234 guest rooms and suites, The Langham has created a new benchmark in luxury accommodations with the addition of three penthouse suites, with extra bedrooms, vast living and dining areas, and a custom design by French home decor company Roche Bobois. This luxury hotel straddles the line between the more ornate, old school five-star spots found further uptown and the lifestyle hotels that are so en vogue these days.
The ethos is definitely understated and sophisticated, but unmistakeably elegant, thanks to touches like the multi-milliondollar art collection that draws heavily on the vibrant works of American artist Alex Katz. Pleasingly, for Kiwis who prefer to travel in more casual attire, there’s also no pretence. With its residential vibe, this Langham property feels more like a highend apartment building than a hotel — albeit one with a Michelin-starred on-site restaurant.
Upon entering The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue you are greeted with the luxury hotel brand’s trademark pink roses and elegant ginger flower aroma, a soothing reminder that details are not overlooked in the Midtown hustle. A recent overhaul of the lobby and lounge area has brought a new glamour to the neighbourhood. The lobby centrepiece is two oversized paintings by contemporary American artist Alex Katz — injecting playing vitality and colour into the glossy space, while his works continue throughout the hotel. New York’s subway is good but nothing beats a ride in the hotel’s house car, available on a first-come first-served basis.
Guest rooms are beautifully-appointed and undeniably spacious by Manhattan standards (they average about 750 square feet). The hotel celebrates its prime location, taking full advantage of the elevated vistas. I fell in love of the sweeping views of the city’s skyline through my suite’s floor-toceiling windows, lulled to sleep by the neonlit curves of the shiny Chrysler building.
Room decor is simple and chic, with white linens, grey accents and Italian walnut furniture. Luxury amenities are laid on lavishly, like Swedish Duxiana beds, Italian linens, flat-screen TVS, Nespresso machines, robes and slippers. Suites have complimentary bottled water and sodas, full kitchenettes with Miele appliances, including washers and dryers. My marble bathroom was bigger than many New York apartments, with pampered accoutrements like in-mirror televisions, deep-soaking tubs and rain showers.
Fancy a workout? The ultracontemporary Fitness Centre features Peloton bikes, cardio equipment from Technogym’s popular Excite line, including stationary bikes, treadmills and elliptical machines. Best of all, Fitness on Demand, where you can try virtual fitness classes for a guided workout in your own time.
The Langham is home to acclaimed chef Michael White’s Ai Fiori. The restaurant features cutting-edge Mediterranean fare inspired by the French and Italian Riviera. In this sophisticated but not stuffy space, enjoy dishes like risotto with butternut squash and cranberry beans or pan-seared sea scallops, cauliflower puree with farro and walnuts.
Alongside the hotel’s exemplary fine dining, the cherry on top of this sparkling establishment is the new Langham Club, located on the fourth floor. It is not bankbreaking to upgrade for club access, which entitles you to a vast range of privileges including all-day refreshments featuring five culinary presentations. A lavish buffet style breakfast kicks offs the daily proceedings, followed by mid-morning snacks, light lunch snacks, afternoon treats, before settling in for evening cocktails and canapes. A premium bar service operates throughout the day, including champagne. It is a wondrous haven of indulgence, with dedicated club attendants raising the bar on exceptional service. But across the hotel, from the front desk to housekeeping, service is ultra-attentive, disarming and outgoing. It’s really where you want to be in NYC.