Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel Review: A Stylish Stay in the Heart of Manhattan

When it comes to luxury hotels in Midtown Manhattan, few properties manage to balance location, design, and genuine comfort as well as the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel. Sitting directly across from the iconic New York Public Library and just steps from Bryant Park, this hotel offers an experience that feels distinctly New York—sophisticated, energetic, and effortlessly cool.

In this in-depth review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about staying at the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel, from rooms and amenities to dining, service, and whether it’s actually worth the price. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a business trip, or your first visit to NYC, this guide will help you decide if Andaz 5th Avenue is the right fit for your stay.

Overview of Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel

The Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel is part of Hyatt’s Andaz brand, which focuses on boutique-style luxury with a modern, locally inspired twist. Unlike traditional luxury hotels that can feel formal or stiff, Andaz properties aim for a more relaxed, residential atmosphere—without sacrificing high-end comfort.

Opened in a historic building that once housed the headquarters of the New York Public Library, the hotel blends classic architecture with contemporary design. The result is a space that feels both timeless and fresh, making it especially appealing to travelers who want luxury without pretension.

Key highlights at a glance:

• Prime Fifth Avenue location
  
  

• Spacious rooms (by NYC standards)
  
  

• Complimentary minibar snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
  
  

• Modern, minimalist design
  
  

• Hyatt World of Hyatt loyalty benefits
  
  

Location: Why Fifth Avenue Makes a Difference

Location is one of the biggest selling points of the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel, and it’s hard to overstate how convenient it really is.

The hotel sits at 485 Fifth Avenue, directly across from the New York Public Library and Bryant Park. This puts you in the very heart of Midtown Manhattan, with easy access to:

• Times Square (10-minute walk)
  
  

• Grand Central Terminal (5 minutes away)
  
  

• Empire State Building (10-minute walk)
  
  

• Rockefeller Center
  
  

• Fifth Avenue shopping
  
  

Whether you’re in New York for sightseeing, shopping, or business meetings, staying at Andaz 5th Avenue means you’ll spend less time commuting and more time actually enjoying the city.

Another underrated benefit of this location is walkability. You can step outside and immediately feel immersed in NYC life, yet the hotel itself remains surprisingly calm and quiet once you’re inside.

First Impressions and Check-In Experience

From the moment you walk into the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel, the vibe is noticeably different from traditional luxury hotels. Instead of a formal front desk, check-in is often handled by a host with a tablet, creating a more relaxed and personalized arrival experience.

The lobby design is sleek and understated, featuring:

• Neutral color palettes
  
  

• Contemporary artwork
  
  

• Clean lines and open spaces
  
  

There’s no overwhelming grandeur here—just a calm, stylish environment that feels intentional. Staff members are generally friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient, striking a good balance between professional and approachable.

Rooms and Suites: Surprisingly Spacious for NYC

One of the standout features of the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel is the size of its rooms. New York City hotels are notorious for cramped spaces, but Andaz breaks the mold.

Room Size and Layout

Even the standard rooms feel generously sized, with high ceilings and smart layouts that make the space feel open rather than boxed in. Large windows allow plenty of natural light, and many rooms offer views of Fifth Avenue or the New York Public Library.

Room Features

Rooms at Andaz 5th Avenue typically include:

• King or two queen beds with plush bedding
  
  

• Floor-to-ceiling windows
  
  

• Spacious work desk
  
  

• Large flat-screen TV
  
  

• In-room safe
  
  

• Modern lighting controls
  
  

One of the most appreciated perks is the complimentary minibar, which includes snacks, bottled water, and non-alcoholic beverages—all refreshed daily. In a city where even a bottle of water can cost a small fortune, this feels like a genuinely thoughtful touch.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are sleek and modern, featuring:

• Walk-in rainfall showers (some rooms include soaking tubs)
  
  

• High-quality bath products
  
  

• Plush towels and robes
  
  

• Excellent water pressure
  
  

Everything feels clean, well-maintained, and designed for comfort rather than flash.

Suites and Premium Accommodations

For travelers looking to upgrade, the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel offers a range of suites that elevate the experience even further. These suites often include:

• Separate living areas
  
  

• Larger bathrooms with deep soaking tubs
  
  

• Panoramic city views
  
  

• Additional storage space
  
  

Suites are particularly popular with business travelers and couples celebrating special occasions, as they offer a more residential feel while still being right in the middle of Manhattan.

Dining at Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel

The Bar Downstairs & The Shop

Dining options at the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel are more understated than you might expect, but they fit the hotel’s relaxed, boutique style.

The Bar Downstairs & The Kitchen (when operating) has historically been a popular spot for craft cocktails and small plates. While offerings may change over time, the focus is typically on high-quality ingredients and a refined but unpretentious atmosphere.

There’s also The Shop, where guests can grab quick bites, snacks, and drinks—perfect for mornings when you want something light before heading out to explore the city.

Breakfast Options

Breakfast at Andaz 5th Avenue is usually well-reviewed, especially for guests with Hyatt status who may receive complimentary breakfast as a benefit. Expect fresh, thoughtfully prepared options rather than an overwhelming buffet.

Amenities and Services

While the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel isn’t a massive resort-style property, it offers all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury city hotel.

Fitness Center

The fitness center is modern and well-equipped, featuring:

• Cardio machines
  
  

• Free weights
  
  

• Strength-training equipment
  
  

It’s not huge, but it’s more than adequate for maintaining your routine while traveling.

Business and Event Spaces

Given its location, Andaz 5th Avenue is popular with business travelers. The hotel offers meeting rooms and event spaces suitable for:

• Corporate meetings
  
  

• Private events
  
  

• Small conferences
  
  

The proximity to Grand Central Terminal makes it especially convenient for professionals traveling in and out of the city.

Service and Overall Atmosphere

Service at the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel tends to be consistently solid. Staff members are attentive without being intrusive, and requests are usually handled promptly.

The overall atmosphere is:

• Calm and polished
  
  

• Stylish but not flashy
  
  

• Comfortable rather than overly formal
  
  

This makes the hotel appealing to a wide range of travelers, from solo business guests to couples and even families with older children.

Who Should Stay at Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel?

The Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel is especially well-suited for:

• Travelers who want a central Midtown location
  
  

• Guests who value modern design and spacious rooms
  
  

• Hyatt loyalists looking to maximize World of Hyatt benefits
  
  

• Business travelers needing easy access to transportation
  
  

• Couples seeking a refined but relaxed NYC stay
  
  

If you’re looking for a hotel with over-the-top luxury or resort-style amenities, this may not be the perfect fit. But if you want a high-quality, stylish, and comfortable base for exploring New York City, Andaz 5th Avenue delivers.

Pros and Cons of Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel

Pros

• Excellent Fifth Avenue location
  
  

• Large rooms by NYC standards
  
  

• Complimentary minibar snacks and drinks
  
  

• Modern, elegant design
  
  

• Strong Hyatt loyalty benefits
  
  

Cons

• Limited on-site dining compared to larger hotels
  
  

• Premium pricing during peak seasons
  
  

• Not a “classic” luxury experience for those who prefer traditional hotels
  
  

Final Verdict: Is Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel Worth It?

After considering location, comfort, design, and service, it’s easy to see why the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel remains a favorite among travelers who want a refined New York experience without unnecessary formality.

Its unbeatable Midtown location, spacious rooms, and thoughtful perks—like the complimentary minibar—set it apart from many competitors in the area. While it may not be the cheapest option, the value becomes clear once you factor in convenience, comfort, and overall quality.

If you’re looking for a stylish, centrally located hotel that feels modern, calm, and distinctly New York, the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel is absolutely worth considering for your next trip.