This NYC Hotel Might Feature the Best Rooftop Bar This Summer

The Dinogo perspective

Standing tall at 50 stories, this hotel is the second Ritz-Carlton in New York City following the one in Central Park. The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, which opened in July 2022, is a prime example of urban luxury. Nestled in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood—named for its location north of Madison Square Park and once known as the city’s flower district—this hotel greets guests with a nod to its botanical past. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by black-suited doormen and step into an oasis filled with lush palms and fig trees, leading into a spacious lobby adorned with greenery. This hotel elevates luxury hospitality standards in NoMad, offering three exceptional dining options and sleek guest rooms boasting some of the best views in the city.

Who’s it ideal for?

This hotel caters perfectly to business travelers seeking convenience in Midtown, with perks like newspaper delivery, complimentary garment pressing, and exclusive access to rooms on floors 33 to 37, which include entry to the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge with its continuous food service and workspaces. Leisure travelers will enjoy close proximity to attractions like the Empire State Building and Madison Square Park, alongside numerous hotel amenities, from the lively rooftop bar to indulgent treatments at the expansive spa. Families can comfortably stay as well, with 31 adjoining suites available. Pet owners are welcome to bring up to two pets, provided their combined weight does not exceed 60 pounds, with a $250 pet fee, and pets must be leashed or held in arms in public areas.

The setting

Even if you somehow overlook the greenery in the lobby antechamber, you can't miss the NoMad's connection to its historical flower district: a vibrant flower cart in the lobby that changes monthly (when I visited in March, it featured beautiful lilies).

Times Square is just a 15-minute stroll away, and some of New York City's most vibrant areas, including the museums and galleries of Chelsea and the lively restaurants and bars of Flatiron, are easily reachable by foot or cab.

Runners and walkers, there's no need for the treadmill here: In the lobby, the flower cart features QR codes for various guided neighborhood routes, along with towels and water for refreshing after your workout.

The accommodations

With 219 guest rooms and 31 suites located on floors 14 to 37, this hotel offers a range of options. The 16 one- and two-bedroom penthouse residences, ranging from 950 to 1,850 square feet, come equipped with kitchens, screening rooms, and wellness rooms featuring Peloton bikes and mats. The residences, which can also be booked by guests, are situated on floors 40 to 43. All guest rooms start on the 14th floor, providing stunning views of Manhattan (I enjoyed my evenings looking out at the sparkling city lights from my room on the 37th floor).

The design—by Susurrus International—aims to attract modern travelers seeking a straightforward aesthetic and a cozy, home-like atmosphere. A calming neutral palette of soft browns on the rugs and curtains reflects the natural beauty of nearby Madison Square Park. Brass chandeliers resemble flower petals, and thoughtfully chosen floral artwork adorns the walls. The spacious bathrooms are finished in terrazzo marble, with many featuring deep soaking tubs.

Choose a Club Lounge room located on floors 33 to 37 for an upgraded experience. On the 36th floor, the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge welcomes all Club Level guests. In this bright area with stunning city views, guests can work and enjoy tasty treats, ranging from baked eggs in the morning to decadent chocolate cakes at night. The José Andrés Group manages five meal and snack services daily, including hors d’oeuvres and cocktail hour from 5 to 8 p.m., followed by a dessert and cordials hour from 8 to 10 p.m. Club Level rooms also come with two complimentary garment pressings each day.

Culinary delights

The hotel’s four restaurants and bars are led by the José Andrés Group, featuring the ground-level restaurant Zaytinya, a meze-style establishment with a vibrant bar that highlights Greek, Lebanese, and Turkish flavors (an extension of Andrés’s restaurant in D.C.). My dining experience included a memorable hummus (it’s incredible how something so simple can be so delicious) and za’atar pide, a flatbread adorned with the signature spice, kasar cheese, and a delicately poached egg.

The Lobby Bar is the perfect spot for an afternoon glass of champagne or an evening cocktail. It features breakfast options like chia and coconut pudding, along with the quintessential New York bagels and lox. A gracefully curved staircase leads to the upcoming Bazaar restaurant—another flagship of Andrés, with locations in Vegas and Miami—celebrating his Spanish heritage. Designed by Spain’s Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio (renowned for creating some of Europe’s finest hotels, including the Maison Delano in Paris and the Barcelona Edition), the restaurant is adorned in warm rust and indigo tones, accented with gold, along with sketches of sailing vessels and whimsical chandeliers reminiscent of sea creatures.

Be sure to reserve a spot at the rooftop Nubeluz (reservations are essential; hotel guests receive priority and often can snag last-minute bookings). In Spanish, “nube” translates to “cloud” and “luz” means “light,” which perfectly captures the essence of this venue. Adorned in rich teal and rose tones, featuring an onyx bar and LED-lit wall accents along with 270-degree city views, it creates a breathtaking atmosphere, especially at sunset. Sip on a Floral Cloud (gin, lemon, maraschino, crème de violette, topped with fragrant hibiscus, orange blossom, and rose) or a refreshing non-alcoholic Emerald Coin (Seedlip’s citrusy Grove “spirit,” honeydew, lemongrass, lime, and celery). Complement your drinks with a delectable labneh topped with salmon roe, za’atar, herbs, and homemade potato chips for dipping.

Service Excellence

True to the Ritz-Carlton standard, a dedicated team of attentive staff is ready to assist you from the moment you arrive. On my first morning, the concierge kindly guided me through local running routes and explained how to use the QR code to select the best path for me. Guests on the Club Level enjoy personalized service from a dedicated staff in the Club Lounge.

Accessibility Options

The rooms here prioritize accessibility for both mobility and hearing needs. The hotel’s ADA-compliant rooms come equipped with visual alarms, doorbell notification devices, and closed captioning on TVs. TTY services are also available upon request.

Indulge in luxury

When the city’s hustle becomes too much, the 6,800-square-foot spa offers a serene escape. Upon entering, you are welcomed by calming Cipollino Ondulato floors—a stunning green-and-white Tuscan marble that resembles ocean waves—illuminated wood shelves displaying refined products, and vibrant greenery from fresh flowers and plants cascading down the shelves. Adjacent to the spa is the fitness center, equipped with Peloton bikes, kettlebells, and yoga blocks.

If you've scheduled a spa treatment, arrive early to enjoy the luxurious steam room, sauna, and relaxation area. I chose the Celebrate Me treatment, which featured 15 minutes in a Wellness Pod (imagine a cabana equipped with a Calm-like app screen that offers meditations and breathing exercises), a soothing rose-quartz massage, and the best facial I’ve ever experienced (thanks to Natalia). The spa also provides CBD-oil massages and a traveler's package designed to combat jet lag with a blend of aromatherapy massage and a hydrating facial.