What it's like staying at Aman New York, 1 of the most expensive hotels in NYC

Aman New York is an enigma. This dawned on me last summer when I toured the hyperluxe property before it opened. The self-proclaimed "vertical spa resort" is located at the corner of West 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan's high-end shopping mecca, sitting atop a Bulgari boutique and across the street from Bergdorf Goodman.

With prices starting at over $1,700 per night, it has the city's most expensive entry-level room rates. Unlike most hotels, its restaurants and bars, save one speak-easy-style jazz club, aren't open to non-guests (at least not yet) unless you've plopped down a staggering $200,000 for a membership. And while it sits in the heart of the city, the entire ethos of the property is purposefully designed to keep New York City — its sounds, its smells and perhaps even its denizens — outside.

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In short, Aman New York is not for everyone — and that's the point. The hotel is tailor-made for guests with deep pockets who wish to remain in the shadows. Visitors who don't care that the Museum of Modern Art is around the corner, or who could probably get to a private jet faster than I could get to my Brooklyn subway stop. Basically, people who aren't me.

But through an unexpected twist of fate earlier this summer, the tables turned. I found myself with a one-night reservation thanks to an event being thrown by The Points Guy at Aman New York (TPG paid for the room and incidentals in order to hold the event there), and I took the subway to see how the other half lives ... well, stays.

If you're considering a stay at Aman New York, here's my take, plus everything else you need to know.

Aman New York is one of the newest luxury hotels in New York City, found in midtown Manhattan. It takes up residence in the historic Crown Building, a 1921 neoclassical landmark designed by Warren and Wetmore, the same team behind Grand Central Station. The original home of MoMa from 1929 to 1932, the building was transformed into an Asian-inspired spa resort and opened as an Aman in 2022. The hotel has a three-floor, 25,000-square-foot Aman spa, a 65-foot heated indoor pool, two restaurants, a subterranean speak-easy with a state-of-the-art sound system and some of the largest suites in New York. It also marks the brand's first city hotel in the U.S.

Out the gate, know that Aman New York does not participate in a loyalty program, and its nightly rates are extraordinarily high, even by New York City standards. And though you can occasionally find "low" rates of $1,750 per night for a deluxe suite, the majority of nights start closer to $2,300, excluding taxes and fees. Those nightly rates include a la carte breakfast at the restaurant Arva, butler service, use of a house car for drop-offs within a 15-block radius, in-room refreshments and snacks, and access to the spa and pool (excluding treatments).

The resort is also available to book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for people who carry The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts offers perks like a potential room upgrade, a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout and a $100 food and beverage credit.

The moment I entered the street-level lobby at Aman New York, the bright street and city noise disappeared into the dark, almost somber, space. After checking in, I was escorted to the elevator by a friendly staff member and we were joined by a group of men in immaculate suits with different flag pins attached to their lapels. And that moment was echoed throughout my stay: dark corners with chairs occupied by businessmen talking about military contracts, women in designer dresses chatting quietly over cocktails in the gold-clad lobby and an overall sense of anonymity paired with the curious feeling that each person was "someone."

Outside of the airy lobby bar, the hotel was slightly mazelike and purposefully dark in a way that exuded luxury and privacy, unlike many other newer upscale New York hotels that lean into floor-to-ceiling glass windows that show off the city. During my stay, there was no interaction with other guests except holding the elevator for a well-dressed European family who hardly acknowledged my presence — and that was fine; I was hoping I seemed just as mysterious, hushed and sophisticated.

Though I originally expected to be in an entry-level junior suite on Fifth Avenue that was booked in conjunction with an event TPG was hosting at the property, I was upgraded to a larger one-bedroom Grand Suite 57th Street (yes, that's the room category's full name).

The suite clocked in at 1,000 square feet and had an entryway foyer, a lounge area with two chaise lounges, a bar area, a round dining table, a long desk and a massive bed where I slept like an angel. But the best part was the clear, dual-sided fireplace that divided the room with two large TVs mounted on it, one on each side.

One of the best features of all the rooms at Aman New York is the wall-sized replica of Hasegawa Tōhaku's "Pine Trees," a 16th-century ink-on-paper mural that's a designated national treasure in Japan. The art, alongside the soft-hued fabrics, deep-toned woods, textured accents and gentle lighting, made it a place I truly wanted to spend time in.

And then there was the sumptuous bathroom, which was separated from the bedroom by rotating panels with crisscrossed patterning in the style of wicker baskets. These could be adjusted either to keep the space open and airy or closed off for privacy.

The bathroom was immaculate, with premium features everywhere, from the polished tile floors to the marble walls. But the showstopper was the egg-shaped free-standing soaking tub. I'm obsessed with fancy bathtubs, and this one was certainly splendid. As I soaked using the provided bath salts, I scrubbed away all semblance of my real life across the East River with the Aman-branded body wash.

Beyond the bathroom was a separate water closet with a fancy Japanese-style toilet with an electric bidet and a heated toilet seat. And farther beyond that (yes, it kept going) was a walk-in closet with enough space for a small family, and a shower that doubled as a steam room.

The room was perfect, beautiful, comfortable and so inviting. I could, with the touch of the button on one of the many touchscreen tablets throughout the room, lower the shades to completely block out the light of the city or open them up to remember exactly where I was — the heart of New York — as well as change the temperature, order room service or control the TV.

And, considering the hotel was specifically designed with state-of-the-art technology to cancel out the sound that comes with being in the heart of New York, it truly felt like an oasis.

And that's all by design. At first, I found it confusing that someone would want to pay so much money for a hotel room that wants to shield you from what I think is most important for a hotel: a sense of the place where you actually are. But after considering who might actually be staying here — celebrities, dignitaries and people who'd rather not be seen — it really all made sense.

I'd never felt so at home (albeit one significantly fancier than I've ever been in) as I did in this room. From the warm color palette to comfy lounge chairs to the fact I was able to spread out and even stream what I wanted to watch on TV, everything felt like a space I was supposed to temporarily live in and not just a room to sleep in for a few hours.

Since my one-night stay at Aman New York was fast, I (sadly) didn't have time for a treatment at the spa. If you do want one, the options on the menu are nearly limitless, ranging from traditional Chinese practices like acupuncture ($500 for a 60-minute session) to vitamin-infused IV drips (starting at $580) to cryotherapy ($80 for 5 minutes) and massages and facials (both starting at $380) using many of the hotel's own Aman Essentials skincare products.

But without having to commit to a treatment, I was still able to take advantage of one of the most interesting parts of the 25,000-square-foot spa — the 65-foot indoor pool flanked by lounge chairs and fire pits.

With about 45 minutes to relax, I sat in the pool area, where only one other guest was hanging out midafternoon, and soaked in the calm of it all. The space is beautiful, sure, but something about the quiet of the room was the best part. Before heading back, I waded in the heated water and was glad I made time to check it out.

Though I didn't visit for a workout, there was also a 3,000-square-foot gym with free weights, Technogym training equipment, infrared Body Roll systems, step-of-the-art VacuTherm Stepper systems and treadmills, as well as yoga and Pilates studios. Personal training is available, too, plus a sauna and steam rooms.

There's also a John Barrett salon offering all of the standard services like a haircut (starting at $550) or a manicure (from $140).

On my way out, I stopped in the spa reception area that also doubles as a store selling Aman's luxury spa products and Aman-branded designer bags and clothes like chic shoulder bags ($3,015) and a very cute yellow terrycloth baseball cap with the Aman logo I was very tempted to take home ($255). Though I personally didn't snag any goods for myself, the boutique was a fun stop to window shop.

At Aman New York, there are a few different places to eat, all of which offer very different vibes and experiences.

Arva, the Italian restaurant, is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The indoor-outdoor setting flows from the Lounge Bar (basically the lobby bar) and the Garden Terrace and takes on a different mood as the day unfolds. Nama is a Japanese restaurant offering a standard menu or omakase (where the chef selects what sushi you'll have), and The Jazz Club is basically a speak-easy accessible from 56th Street or a service elevator that the staff can help hotel guests access.

Before my room was ready, I stopped at Nama for lunch. As a fan of Japanese lunch sets, I was excited to see a few different options on the menu, ranging from a maitake mushroom "steak" box to unagi kabayaki donburi and various sushi boxes. Obsessed with mushrooms, I went for the maitake box ($35), with some hamachi nigiri ($15) and salmon nigiri ($11) to round out the meal. I'd be lying if I said I knew what most of it was, but it was all delicious. And watching the chefs at the counter prepare other meals was especially fun.

In the evenings, Nama is a popular spot for omakase, which chef Takuma Yonemaru serves at a seven-seat Japanese hinoki-wood counter. Available for just two nightly seatings, the omakase experience starts at $500 per person.

After lunch, my room was still not ready, so I went to the Lounge Bar and sipped on an iced coffee. Did I need more caffeine? No. But I did need to sit under this jellyfishlike art installation made of paper and bamboo by artist Peter Gentenaar. This space was intimate and quiet at the time with fireplaces all around. The intimacy of the space was contrasted by the high ceilings and towering beams, but it all worked together to create a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.

Though untouched at that moment, off to the side was a beautiful grand piano, and I imagine much wheeling and dealing and oohing and ahhing happens in the space while the instrument is being played.

Later, in the early evening, I went to the Garden Terrace for a snack and a cocktail. There, in the outdoors but still shielded from the hubbub of the city, I sipped a "Peace In Pantheon" ($30), a refreshing mix of Facundo Neo rum, cucumber, coconut water, yuzu, lemongrass and sesame oil. For food, I stuck with my favorite, blistered peppers (called friggitelli) with Italian barbecue sauce ($18), and the waiter was kind enough to surprise me with some delicious chicken bites I hadn't ordered. If you're really hungry or just enjoying the ambience, you can also have a full meal there, like rigatoni verrigni (a beef and pork ragu with aged Parmigiano, $38) or a classic cheeseburger ($39).

I was most excited for my visit to The Jazz Club, where I'd been told I could snack on elevated bar nibbles and drink cocktails named after different Aman properties, all while some of New York's top jazz artists played in a state-of-the-art acoustic environment located floors below the actual hotel.

To start, note that there's a $50 per person cover fee to get into The Jazz Club — and you should have a reservation. If you ask how to get there from the lobby, they'll take you to a service elevator and through the guts of the hotel, which is a fun experience. When I asked an employee how to get there, they graciously left the desk and took me down the service elevator and gave me the lay of the land before handing me off to the equally friendly staff at The Jazz Club for my 9 p.m. reservation.

Once seated, I ordered the Kyoto ($32), a cocktail combining Japanese Toki whisky, banana, ginger, lemon, yuzu and kaffir limes that was served with complimentary nuts and olives. Taking in my surroundings, I noticed elegant couples on dates and people with multiple bottles of Champagne on ice enjoying the incredible music. For a Tuesday, the club wasn't packed, but there was still a good amount of people — and folks came and went at a steady pace over the roughly two hours I stayed.

Thinking I could I snack my way through a pseudo-dinner, I scanned the menu and realized the options were pretty limited. Even though I love grilled cheese, I do not love truffles, so the truffle grilled cheese was a no-go. Instead, I ordered the crudites and vowed to enjoy room service later.

I had a blast during two sets at The Jazz Club — I also had a laugh at the crudites plate ($22), which was fresh and satisfying but also had the smallest carrotlike produce I've ever seen. For a nightcap, I ordered the Nemu ($32), which was the club's take on a martini, featuring London dry gin, Junmai Ginjo Olive sake, dry vermouth and shiso before zip-zapping my way back to my room with trumpets and percussion playing me out.

Back in my room, swathed in a robe and ensconced by my fireplace, I ordered room service from the tablet (one of many in the room): a glass of St. Michael-Eppan pinot grigio ($18) and a simple but delicious bowl of fusilli al pomodoro ($20). I streamed my latest obsession via Apple TV before rightfully passing out in one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in, thanks to the sheer size of the bed, the large and fluffy pillows and the ambient glow of the fireplace.

Lastly, since breakfast was included with my room, I headed back to the Garden Terrace area for an outdoor breakfast at Arva. The menu featured juices and shakes, plus sweet and savory options, but I went with my tried-and-true favorite: eggs and hash browns, but this time with a side of mushrooms ($35). Though simple, the food was exactly what I needed to help absorb the previous night's Jazz Club drinks. I also tried the steel-cut oatmeal with bananas and blueberries ($18), but it was a little too sweet for my liking.

Before my stay, multiple people from Aman New York reached out via email to see if I would like to make restaurant reservations or a spa appointment, which I thoroughly appreciated.

Overall, I found the staff at the hotel friendly, if not slightly subdued, as if any task or request would be completed quietly and without much fanfare — service designed to reflect the kind of clientele the hotel attracts.

My butler gave me a wonderful tour of the suite and asked if there was anything else he could do for me. Knowing I had plans to bop around the various bars and restaurants at Aman that night, I asked my personal butler if they could press a shirt for me. Later, after returning from the spa, I found it hanging in my closet, waiting for me, fresh as a newly printed $100 bill.

At the restaurants, the wait staff was kind and quickly engaging, seeming to purposefully get in and out, but waiting from afar to refill water glasses or offer another cocktail.

And in the spa, the receptionist kindly explained to me what amenities I could take advantage of without booking a spa treatment and never tried to upsell me anything.

As the Aman New York is a brand-new hotel in a country with strict accessibility requirements mandated by law, I was shocked by the lack of accessibility information on the hotel's website.

To book an accessible room, I think it's best to call the hotel directly to book and confirm what's available. Unfortunately, the listed number directly to the property was out of service when I called to inquire, so instead, I called the central booking number at 833-654-2626, which transferred me directly to the property's front desk. After I'd waited on hold for nearly five minutes, I was redirected to the operator who said the front desk was unavailable and they could take my information to call me back.

As the son of a wheelchair user, I frequently help book accessible accommodations, and I have to say the lack of information on the Aman New York website, combined with the inability to get this information easily on the phone, was a big red flag — the booking process should be the same for any guest. A Google search for "Aman New York accessibility" was also unhelpful, as the first thing that came up actually turned out to be the accessibility features of Amangani in Wyoming.

That said, I did appreciate what I saw with my own two eyes, like wide hallways and a lift into the indoor pool (which is noticeably absent from any of the pictures of the pool on the hotel website.)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again now: Aman New York isn't a typical New York City hotel for the likes of most people — including myself. But if I had a fund of some sort, hedge or trust or whatever, I could see myself coming back for a little staycation.

I did enjoy my visit — and would be perfectly fine living in that apartmentlike suite. But part of me still doesn't quite get it; unless you're constantly in town for business, or a long-term stay where the attractions of New York are not your main draw, why would you want to stay in your room when one of the most vibrant and dynamic metropolises in the world is right below you? It's true, that bed is a pretty convincing argument to stay in, and the spa feels world-class (and is priced to match). But with all the city has to offer, I personally couldn't help but feel like I was missing out by not venturing beyond those hotel walls.

If you want a high-priced getaway in the heart of Manhattan, though, Aman New York might just be the place to lay your head. If it's not, there are still plenty of incredible hotels without (quite) the price tag sprinkled all across New York City.