The Essence of Manhattan Elegance at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue
The only luxury hotel in the neighborhood to have remained open through all of 2020 and 2021, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue is a bastion of prestige and luxury on Manhattan’s most famous thoroughfare. Home to a world-class contemporary art collection, one of the city’s most beautiful hotel suites, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, the posh property has now inaugurated a new private jet partnership that makes it even more of a must-visit for discerning travelers.
“As many New Yorkers know, The Langham never closed during the months when our city—and the world—was impacted by recent events,” says Richard Bussiere, the hotel’s Managing Director. “During that time, we watched as the ‘city that never sleeps’ seemed to do just that. But we were also here to watch as it started to reawaken. It has been so exciting to see New York come alive again. And is it does, we are here and ready to welcome back visitors to show them why this is still the most exciting city in the world.”
One has only to look at the reservation book for Ai Fiori—“among the flowers” in Italian—which has earned a coveted Michelin star for its modern interpretation of classic Mediterranean cuisine, and in particular the bounty of the French and Italian Riviera, to see that Manhattan epicures have gotten their groove back. Run by the world-renowned Altamarea Group and helmed by Chef Michael White, Ai Fiori pivoted to an exclusive outdoor experience on one of the hotel’s luxury suite’s spacious terraces when indoor dining wasn’t an option.
To score a table at the popular Sky Terrace, one first has to check in at the main restaurant on the hotel's second floor (which has now resumed indoor service as well). Then you’ll be issued a room key for the special suite, which serves as the gateway to the unique space. The Sky Terrace “showcases two of the best features of our hotel,” as Bussiere, told Travel + Leisure, “our spacious guest rooms and our unparalleled city views.” Standout menu items include Moleche, with crispy soft shell crab, chorizo aïoli, arugula pesto, and fingerling potatoes; Trofie Nero, a Ligurian crustacean ragù, with seppia, scallops, and spiced mollica; and Astice, butter-poached Nova Scotia lobster, with corn crema, hearts of palm, and tomato escabèche.
The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue boasts an incomparable collection of artwork by the incredibly influential contemporary American figurative painter Alex Katz, known for his large-scale portraits. The auction record for one of his paintings was set at $4.1 million by Phillips in 2019. Katz’s works preside over several of the hotel’s spaces, including massive pieces in the lobby as well as in the highest-end accommodations and private function rooms. This makes staying at the hotel akin to visiting a world-class contemporary art museum; Katz’s work is in the collections of over 100 of them worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
The most desirable accommodation at the hotel, and one of the most coveted in the city, is the top-floor, 1,900-sq.-ft. Empire State Presidential Suite, designed by Roche Bobois. It was created to “epitomize modern luxury,” and in addition to Katz’s work features decorative accents from Hermès, some of Roche Bobois’ most famous pieces, and custom fabrics. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer inspiring views of the Empire State Building provides natural light all day. Guests of the Presidential Suite have access to a private chef service from the Ai Fiori culinary team as well as a curated minibar and pantry. The suite can also be connected to one, two, or three adjoining guest rooms for extended family or domestic staff.
The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, along with the other three luxurious properties in the Langham Hotels portfolio, including The Langham, Boston; The Langham, Chicago; and The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, recently partnered with private aviation leader XO to offer guests exclusive pricing for private charter flight services year-round between cities across the country and local private airports. Via XO’s curated team of Partner Advisors, The Langham “is able to customize each guest’s flight experience to their specific preferences to ensure a seamless experience in the air that matches the one they will experience at each of The Langham hotels,” the brand notes.
Guests of The Langham will receive priority access to XO’s dedicated fleet of super-midsize jets, including the Citation X, specifically designed for coast-to-coast flights, making for a truly luxurious journey. Meanwhile The Langham, New York has also recently kicked off its Raise The Curtain campaign, which “highlights not only the best of New York City but also The Langham’s enviable location in the middle of Fifth Avenue,” in the very heart of Manhattan. Each of the Raise the Curtain offers includes spacious accommodations at hotel plus breakfast for two from Private Kitchen, The Langham’s acclaimed in-room dining menu; and complimentary parking, along with a specially-curated experience featuring the concierge team’s favorite local attractions, from Broadway to the Empire State Building.
Perhaps the most attractive outing in our view is The Langham Sets Sail, which includes a 1.5 hour sunset cruise around the city on a stunning 1920s-style motor yacht courtesy of Classic Harbor Line, departing just before sunset from Chelsea Piers. That’s not to neglect The Langham Loves The Morgan, which offers access to The Morgan Library & Museum, housed in a complex of buildings that began in the 19th century as the private library of famed financier Pierpont Morgan; or The Langham Goes Shopping, which includes a personalized shopping experience at one of New York City’s most exciting retail destinations, Nordstrom, along with a $100 Nordstrom gift card.
