Inside New York City’s Fifth Avenue Hotel, Old World grandeur meets richly layered interiors.
The hotel’s dark wood-paneled Portrait Bar, with its collection of paintings, photographs, and drawings, is an alluring spot for an intimate nightcap or light bite. / Photo by William Abranowicz
This article is from the fall 2026 issue of Boston Home. Sign up here to receive a subscription.
The first thing that strikes you about the Fifth Avenue Hotel is the building itself. Long before the hotel was imagined, the site belonged to Charlotte Goodridge, one of New York society’s leading hostesses, who commissioned a mansion and carriage house there in 1856. Filled with art and treasures gathered from abroad, the residence became known for its lavish receptions and musical soirees during the height of New York’s Gilded Age.
In 1907, the original mansion was replaced by the five-story Renaissance-style palazzo that stands today, designed by the legendary McKim, Mead & White. Built as the Second National Bank, the limestone structure evolved over the decades alongside the city itself, housing a variety of businesses before entering its latest chapter.
More than fifty years ago, the Ohebshalom family acquired the property, including the neighboring site once known as Charlotte’s Stables. But it was Alex Ohebshalom who ultimately envisioned transforming it into a hotel inspired by the spirit of the flâneur—the worldly wanderer captivated by art, beauty, culture, and city life. To bring that vision to life, he enlisted acclaimed designer Martin Brudnizki, known for richly atmospheric spaces including London’s Annabel’s. After an extensive renovation and the addition of a sleek 24-story tower behind the historical structure, the Fifth Avenue Hotel opened in 2023.
The Mansion Suite pairs luxury with maximalism in the best possible way. In the sitting room, under an ornate Murano glass chandelier, a red velvet sofa opens to a queen bed. / Photo by William Abranowicz
Inside, the atmosphere shifts dramatically from the restraint of the exterior. Velvet-covered walls in deep jewel tones, tasseled lampshades, richly patterned carpets, lacquered furniture, and handpainted wallpaper create interiors layered with personality and visual intrigue. What could have read as maximalist overload instead feels deeply intentional—a masterclass in balancing pattern, texture, and atmosphere.
Guest rooms are multidimensional and highly individual, with decorative details that slowly reveal themselves over the course of a stay. In the Mansion Suites, handmolded stucco detailing and painted wood-and-glass screens divide sleeping and living spaces, while tiger-striped rugs, pleated headboards, and lavish textiles give the rooms an almost cinematic quality. The palette is bold and highly layered, though modern comforts are seamlessly integrated through discreet technology that minimizes visual clutter. Upon arrival, guests are greeted outside their room by a butler offering warm towels, welcome drinks, and a quick orientation to the space, a thoughtful touch that sets the tone for the stay. Around-the-clock butler service is available throughout the hotel, lending the experience an Old World sense of hospitality that feels increasingly rare.
Private events are held in the hotel’s conservatory, which evokes the atmosphere of an outdoor terrace. / Courtesy photo
The hotel’s larger suites lean fully into indulgence. The Flâneur Suite includes a sprawling terrace with a Japanese garden and a soaking tub overlooking the Manhattan skyline, while two-bedroom accommodations cater especially well to families, with amenities such as pressing services and luxury car transportation.
The public spaces are equally memorable. Café Carmellini occupies the former banking hall, where dramatic ceilings and ornate architectural detailing meet velvet banquettes and moody lighting. Nearby, the Portrait Bar feels distinctly New York—dark, glamorous, and slightly old-fashioned in the best possible way.
The hotel also embraces a sense of ritual that feels increasingly rare. Between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., guests can request the hotel’s martini service delivered directly to their room, where a butler arrives with cocktails, warm towels, and all the ceremony of a bygone era.
Guest bathrooms feature polished nickel fixtures, bold wallcoverings, and marble surfaces. / Photo by Douglas Friedman
First published in the print edition of Boston Home Fall 2026, with the headline “The New Gilded Age.”