If the hotel atmosphere is what matters to you, The NoMad Hotel will by no means disappoint you.
In a recent short trip to New York, one of those business trips that come up all of a sudden, I knew I definitely had to visit the NoMad Hotel, since it has been in my want to stay list.
Each hotel has its own trademarks, I was thinking in a taxi on my way from Lower East Side to Midtown (The hotel is named after its neighborhood, NOMAD = ΝΟrth of MADison Square Park). Which is that of The NoMad? Is it its majestic fireplace at the lobby, the NoMad Library, a club-like space and a Pinterest myth, the in-room bathtubs with the stunning mid-town views or is it the cupola, the impressive dome on the rooftop, hosting special private dinners? I knew them all from popular photos in social media and couldn’t wait to see them up close.
There I am on a cloudy afternoon, ready to be ushered in the amazing world of the NoMad by two lovely PR ladies, Nicola and Mikaela. The first impression was the one I always hope to get as a true hotel life lover. That is to be immersed in the hotel’s universe and to feel its magic as soon as I step my foot inside it.
Despite the fact that I had spent the entire morning on the celebration event of Dove 60th anniversary, with much input and spectacular images of the Manhattan skyline in my head, the two doormen at The NoMad gate led me instantly to an alternate reality, much more atmospheric than the hustle and bustle of New York City.
Luxurious fabrics with dark patterns right behind the reception desk and a modern-maximalist lounge with a city bicycle was the first image I had upon my entrance. The hotel is intended as a fresh take on the classic grand hotels of Europe with a distinct New York sensibility. Let me also tell you that, the NoMad Hotel is housed in a turn-of-the-century Beaux-Arts building that has been fully restored to its original grandeur with interiors by French designer Jacques Garcia.
Let’s talk a bit more about atmosphere. Maybe the name Jacques Garcia says it all. The famous architect and interior designer of The NoMad has once stated “I am, before everything, a creator of atmospheres.” (He is a true legend and the man behind Hotel Cοstes and La Mamounia two of my favourite hotels in the whole world, among many others).
Back to my hotel tour. It took us a lot of time to explore the public spaces of The Nomad Hotel. Following my guides to something that resembled a mysterious maze with velvet drapes and purposefully under lit corridors, I discovered unique places; The Elephant Bar (decorated in leather and dark mahogany), the Αtrium (by award-winning chef Daniel Humm and Restaurateur Will Guidara of the 3 Michelin star-rated Eleven Madison Park), and of course what I have been dreaming of all along, The Library where we had our tea. This is where one can enjoy finger foods alongside coffee, wine and creative cocktails in a two level wood-panelled library, surrounded by book-lined shelves and a spiral staircase from South France. If you are a hotel lover and a book worm, like me, this is definitely your paradise. An eclectic literary collection is available, featuring extensive volumes on such wide-ranging topics as New York, music and spirits. And if you wonder, where are all these books from? It was Thatcher Wine, owner and founder of Juniper Books, that helped curate and stock this epic library…

I was very impressed by the fact there is a different art selection in each room
The images you encounter when entering the rooms of a hotel is what defines it. I look at the writing desks and the handmade vintage details (very of the moment and of the kind a hipster would appreciate a lot), I scan the walls, the décor and the furniture, I even peek at the snacks in the mini bar and the products in the bath tub. As I observe details and objects in the Deluxe Room, I listen to Nicola narrate a beautiful tale. The starting point of Garcia’s inspiration was the Parisian flat of his youth. This is why the 168 rooms are residential in feel and decorated in his classic, timeless style. Each room is appointed with hand-selected, richly textured custom-designed furnishings and original artwork. There is a different art selection on the walls of each room, curated by the Be-Poles studio (a design studio that has also created the brand identity of the hotel – I am now obsessed with their job, which you can check here)
Leaving the hotel, I wish to come back on a day that I can laze around its spaces enjoying its unique atmosphere or even better spend some days living in its cinematic micro-world.
4 more details to fall in love with The NoMad Hotel:
- In the hotel, you will find a pop up store of the Want Apothecary.
- You can have the ultimate bath experience by adding in your clawfoot bathtub, Argan products by Côté Bastide
- The custom linens, bedding and bathrobes are by Sferra and Frette
- The playing cards and the cookbook by The NoMad are brilliant memorabilia to buy on your check out from this smashing hotel