Words by Arabella Peterson
Set in a historic Beaux-Arts building, The Ned NoMad is a sophisticated hotel in Manhattan’s Flatiron District that blends 1920s glamour with modern luxury. LLM contributor Arabella Peterson checks in to find out more.
Hotel
Full of character and Jazz Age charm, The Ned NoMad has the welcoming feel of a boutique hotel coupled with the exclusivity of a members-only club. Soho House parent company Membership Collective Group have taken their exquisite design sensibilities across the pond and created a sister to The Ned, London, a refined offering with just as much style (albeit slightly less opulence) than its UK counterpart.
The hotel’s limestone façade is original to the turn-of-the-century construction of the Johnston Building in which the establishment resides, and this neoclassical architecture clearly informs the elegance inside.
After entering beneath the expansive awning and through the double doors, you’re transported to an era of glamour and grandeur: tiled floors, dimmed lighting, marble details, and art deco-inspired furnishings abound. While the ambience conjures old-world allure, the hotel’s expansive art collection adds a modern edge. The ensemble, ‘A Different Century’, features hundreds of works by prominent New York artists and emerging talents like Patricia Cronin, Rashid Johnson, and Marilyn Minter.
The air of aloofness that some private members’ clubs have is notably absent here, with a lively atmosphere that amplifies as night falls. Live musical performances in cosy club rooms and bustling restaurants infuse the experience with energy. Still, among the numerous public and private areas, there are plenty of quiet nooks and alcoves to retreat for a cocktail, enhancing the intimate tone of the space.
Room
With 167 beautifully appointed bedrooms, there are options suited to every traveller – from compact ‘crash pad’ rooms for in-and-out travellers unwilling to sacrifice comfort, to expansive suites ideal for families and those on extended sojourns. For patrons with assistance requirements, there are eight mobility and hearing-accessible rooms and suites with wheelchair-adapted showers.
I stayed in a deluxe room, which spans 370 square feet and overlooks the vibrant city streets. The room’s Renaissance Revival accents capture the essence of the early 20th century, with cherry-wood panelling and brocade dividers nodding to bygone eras.
Other features include polished wooden floors adorned with a Persian rug, a king-size bed, a mahogany writing desk, club chairs, a walk-in shower and a water closet. The centrepiece is the standalone clawfoot bathtub, perfect for a luxurious soak, especially when paired with the premium Cowshed products provided.
Food and drink
As a non-member hotel guest, I had access to street-level establishments Cecconi’s and Little Ned, which are also open to the public. Two floors up, The Magic Room is a small, cabaret-inspired bar with marbled cornices, eclectic art and rich furnishings inspired by the golden age and intended for meetings and private events. Members can also revel in the beauty of the rooftop bar and terrace, featuring a heated pool and restaurant with direct views of St Patrick’s Cathedral and the Empire State Building.
Through the lobby and concealed behind a velvet curtain is Ned’s Club, an atrium filled with giant palms and sprawling plants. By day, it’s a light-filled haven for a quick bite or afternoon tipple; in the evening, it’s the perfect place for a martini and live music. Past the atrium is Little Ned, a club-style dining option featuring traditional favourites like oysters, burgers, salads, and sandwiches enjoyed amidst sumptuous booth seating, burl wood tables and lofty ceilings.
The ground-level restaurant, Cecconi’s, is a modern and distinctly New York take on the classic Italian trattoria. Set against a nostalgic backdrop of mosaic and terrazzo floors, plush navy velvet banquettes, and golden-yellow leather chairs, it’s a beautiful setting no matter which time of day you’re dining. Rich in Northern Italian flavours, the dinner menu boasts a variety of wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta. The Maine lobster spaghetti seemed to be the star of the show for my dining companions, but if you’re opting for a vegetarian dish not short on decadence, the tagliatelle with truffle and butter is outstanding.
There’s some contention about which city does brunch best, but after spending a week in the Big Apple, I’m siding with New Yorkers, and Cecconi’s is up there with the finest. Pizzette, pasta, risotto and Italian-inspired mains are available, as well as elevated breakfast classics like pancakes with blueberry compote (my personal favourite), mortadella brioche with fried eggs and pecorino or a classic smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. Another Cecconi’s offering worth mentioning is one for the cocktail aficionados; the daily Negroni hour from 3pm to 5pm sees hotel mixologists create innovative takes on the time-honoured libation.
To do
NoMad has experienced a cultural revival in recent years with an influx of restaurants and nightlife, and at The Ned, you’re perfectly positioned to experience the best of central Manhattan. Just a short walk away, explore Madison Square Park’s architectural marvels and greenery and take in the iconic view of the Flatiron Building. Immerse yourself in some retail therapy along the famous Fifth Avenue, and for a unique cultural experience, visit The Jazz Gallery nearby. End your day at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar for stunning cityscape views, or indulge in the culinary delights at Eataly, The US’s largest Italian marketplace.
Amenities and service
The service is attentive but discreet, ensuring a seamless and luxurious stay. The 24-hour gym caters to fitness enthusiasts, while the range of dining and social spaces meets the needs of both leisure and business travellers. Other features include in-room dining, a 24-hour front desk for round-the-clock assistance, a library, a lounge and pet-friendly accommodations. The only noticeable omission is an on-site spa, but if you’re after a day of pampering, you’re in no better location with luxury spots like Remedy Place and Rescue Spa just 10-minutes from the hotel.
In a nutshell
If you’re a seasoned traveller yearning for upscale comfort and the gilded elegance of the 1920s, The Ned NoMad is guaranteed to please. Its prime location, opulent design, and exceptional service make it a must-visit for those seeking a unique and memorable experience in the city that never sleeps.
Factbox
Rooms can be booked from £305 per night .
Address: 1170 Broadway, New York, NY 10001, United States
Phone: +1 212-722-0555
Email: enquiries.nomad@thened.com
Website: thened.com
Photography courtesy of The Ned NoMad
