The Ned NoMad — Hotel in New York

The NoMad is not a hotel, it’s an overwhelmingly wonderful experience. My wife and I recently stayed to celebrate our 25th and we were beyond impressed; we were simply blown away by every aspect of this gem. I won’t want call The NoMad a hotel because it is so much more than simply staying someplace with a bed, bathroom, bar and dining room. It’s all too simple to throw down a bunch of cash to impress in the hopes of satisfying your guests. With age comes experience and knowledge and in this vein The NoMad is an education in refinement and attention to detail while epitomizing class.

The better part of what makes this a wonderful place to be are the people who take care of you. Just as I don’t want to call this a hotel I get the sense that one doesn’t work here rather folks comfort their guests. Remember when staying someplace that wasn’t your home made you feel like a long lost welcomed friend?

Your host is cooking for you and making sure that the individually crafted libations are nothing short of perfection. When we arrived our room wasn’t ready so our hosts sent us to the lounge for a drink on their tab. I was perfectly happy to pay my way but a real host does not allow this. The drinks, prawns, and Swiss Cheese were just splendid and exactly what we needed after a ride in the car. And dinner? The chicken for two is the signature dish for a reason; you are being welcomed into chef’s home. The piquant essence of the truffles and foie gras is simply sublime.

Let’s talk about the “décor”, a term too often only used derisively in reviews. There is no such thing here rather, there is an environment that envelops you. It’s very easy for a designer or decorator to get lost and hence overwrought in and with the reliefs, filigree, moldings, colors, textures, styles and historic nature of “things” but alas you’re not in someone’s statement you’re a guest at The NoMad; all is done to welcome, comfort and cocoon you, you are more in someone’s home than simply staying someplace.

Speaking of which, thank you Melissa (Concierge Extraordinaire) for making our stay just exactly perfect. When she and I started corresponding I immediately felt her genuine warmth and grace. When we arrived she greeted us, gave my wife and I a big hug, and asked what else we needed as the true host she and The NoMad are.

No attention to detail is lost here meaning I don’t need to talk about the towels, pillows, sheets, etc…, at this point either you get it or you don’t, you’re a guest and the hosts make sure you are more comfortable than they are.

There is a “magic show” here too that I put in quotes because it is so much more than that; it is a truly trans-formative experience. Never in my life have I had the privilege to bear witness to something that defines stupefying while simultaneously defying the laws of the universe. Dan White is not only a spectacular performer but he also comes across as an incredibly nice guy. Tickets are a challenge but well worth the effort.

I love New York with all of my heart and this place just reiterates why at every level but none more important or special than being welcomed and embraced. Thank you, thank you, thank you, we look forward to...

I have been staying at this hotel for many years, since it was the NoMad Hotel (before the Ned bought it and rebranded it). Our most recent stay was good overall but there were some communication issues throughout the stay as well as noise issues. The staff, however, worked to resolve issues and accommodate us so the fault cannot lie with them. The hotel itself is in a beautiful art deco building and the rooms are unique and charming compared to other hotels in the city. My favorite room type is the Grand Room, which is on the end of the hall and quieter than other room locations. The Classic room beside it is also great in layout. The location is my favorite in the city, just blocks from Madison Square Park and walkable to uptown and downtown (if you like long walks through the city). You can get complimentary coffee and tea set up in your room, which usually comes with a tin of delicious cookies. And the details in the bathrooms are first-rate, with a selection of bath products unrivaled by anyone (take your pick of three to four different shampoos and multiple versions of shower gels in different scents - the number of products crammed into the shower is almost laughable but I use them all when I stay here!). ||My only disappointment with the hotel is how the Ned has changed the vibe of the bar and library in the atrium, and changd the former restuarant into a lounge-type area with entertainment. You have to walk right through others to get to the bar or library, and both have become much quieter and less lively than in years past (the bar in the NoMad hotel was frequently on lists of best bars in the world - the vibe is sadly now gone, though). I hope they'll rethink how they have the lounge/bar/library utilized in the future to bring it back to its glory.||Also note, the area has grown a lot in recent years and outward facing rooms towards Broadway can be very noisy for light sleepers, much more than other areas. But you have so much right outside the door. Overall still a lovely hotel that needs a few tweaks in...

The Nomad made a perfect birthday dinner treat. A much more affordable and accessible alternative to Eleven Madison Park with equally fantastic food, the Nomad made our visit very memorable.

The drinks: started with cocktails at the bar which were very good and the bartenders weren't overly showy. We continued with more cocktails with the appetizer and weren't disappointed. Again they were very nicely mixed and tasty. Moved to the specialty beer pairing with the chicken which went very well with it. I would just drink this all night as it was malty perfection. The beer menu is huge and has some rararities including the oft sought after Pliny the Elder, often rated the best beer in the world and on the menu for $50 a glass. I had to try this and was disappointed, but this wasn't the restaurant's fault. Coffee. They serve inteligista coffee which was very good. I'm normally not ok drinking coffee black but this had enough flavor to not need any additions.

The food: We started with the beef tartar which was excellent. I've never had such a moist slice of beef and it was clearly just sliced. We had to get the chicken based on recommendations and reviews. They make a bit of a show of it by showing you the cooked bird before slicing it up. The truffle under the skin is decadent and over the top but delicious. I've never had chicken anything like this and doubt I will anywhere else. There is just nothing in common with the taste of any of chicken I've had. Obviously a must try. Milk and Honey. I didn't know this was the dish to get but from the menu it spoke to my childhood and I just had to try it. It was fantastic and took me back to breakfast cereals of yore. Very crispy and sweet in a perfect way.

Atmosphere and Service: I've never seen a higher proportion of staff to customers in a restaurant. Staff is litteraly waiting in the corners to meet your eye and swoop in for help. The tables are a bit close but the ambiance makes for quiet conversations so it isn't really distracting. Very upscale...