Why The Ritz-Carlton New York City, NoMad Is One of NYC’s Most Celebrated Hotels

A Calm Arrival at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

We arrived in New York City on a late, chilly evening and immediately felt a sense of calm as we walked through a softly glowing vestibule lined with Christmas trees on both sides at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. The approach alone set the tone. Inside, the lobby felt polished and intentional—elegant without being overdone, festive without feeling crowded. After a long travel day, the atmosphere was grounding in the best possible way. We were here for five nights over Christmas and instantly knew we had chosen well.

We usually stay at The St. Regis New York across from Central Park, but during our last holiday visit, the area felt overwhelmingly busy. This time, we wanted a more local-feeling experience and a location closer to Greenwich Village and SoHo. While the St. Regis is undeniably charming, The Ritz-Carlton NoMad offers a different expression of luxury—urban, sophisticated, and refreshingly removed from the city’s most congested corners.

Understanding NYC’s Boroughs—and Why NoMad Works So Well

New York City is made up of five boroughs, each with its own personality, but for visitors who want to truly feel the city, Manhattan offers the most immediate connection. Compact and walkable, it’s a patchwork of neighborhoods that shift block by block. NoMad—short for North of Madison Square Park—sits at an ideal crossroads, with easy access to Greenwich Village, SoHo, the Flatiron District, and beyond. Staying here feels less like hovering over a postcard version of New York and more like stepping into a neighborhood that locals actually move through and live in.

That sense of movement is exactly what John and I wanted. As usual, our vacations are constantly in motion. We walk as much as possible, letting the city reveal itself at street level.

Winter in New York: Walking, Snowfall, and a West Coast Dream

The weather hovered between a brisk 28 and 34 degrees Fahrenheit, but I was perfectly bundled. I brought snow boots I’d purchased on a trip to Taos and ended up wearing them nearly every day in New York. They were ideal—especially when John got his Christmas wish, and we woke up to a snow day the day after Christmas. It was the first time New York City had seen snow in four years, and for us West Coast visitors, it was nothing short of magical.

Dining Well—With Room to Discover

Before our holiday trip, we secured reservations at several well-known restaurants that are famously hard to get into, but we always leave space to explore along the way. Over the course of the week, we dined at Bangkok Supper Club, Torrisi on Christmas Eve (a one-star Michelin restaurant), Rezdôra—twice (Michelin-mentioned and worth the repeat), San Carlo Osteria Piemonte, La Mercerie, and La Goulue. With so many memorable meals packed into the week, we didn’t quite make it to Bazaar Meats by José Andrés in NYC—just one more reason to return!

We also enjoyed room service at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, where a grilled salmon salad was exactly what we wanted after a long day of walking. And yes—hot dogs in Central Park were surprisingly delightful. On Christmas Day, we kept things simple and cozy, picking up snacks and pizza from Eataly in the Flatiron District, just a few blocks from the hotel.

A Hotel That Earns Its Place Among the World’s Best

Located in NoMad, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad feels like a true urban retreat. We’ve stayed at some extraordinary hotels around the world, from Le Sirenuse in Positano to Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, where we were married in Rancho Santa Fe to Zadún in Los Cabos. This Ritz-Carlton more than held its own and has officially earned a place on our all-time favorites list.

The hotel is pristine and beautifully styled, especially during the holidays. No matter how many times I walked through that glowing corridor of Christmas trees in the lobby, it always felt magical—elegant, serene, and thoughtfully done.

Inside Our Suite at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

Our suite was exceptional—so comfortable we joked we could have stayed for a month. The design was chic and understated, layered with warm, earthy tones that made the space feel both modern and inviting. The golden, velvet-toned sofa anchored the living area beautifully, catching the light just enough to glow softly in the evenings. Thoughtful lighting throughout the suite added to the atmosphere, creating a sense of calm after busy days in the city.

Floor-to-ceiling windows in both the bedroom and bathroom brought New York City right into the suite. Each morning, I loved opening the curtains immediately, welcoming in the daylight and the unmistakable rhythm of the city—historic buildings, movement, and that constant hum that makes New York feel alive.

Service at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

What truly elevates a stay at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad is the service. Every interaction felt thoughtful and genuinely kind, from arrival to departure. The suite was maintained flawlessly throughout our stay, with everything quietly refreshed and perfectly reset each day. There’s an ease to the hospitality here that never feels scripted or intrusive—just attentive in the way excellent service should be. The hotel also offers a complimentary house car, a thoughtful touch that made evenings out even easier, whisking us to nearby destinations like dinner reservations around the neighborhood. A special thank-you goes to Tess Rowe, the Front Office Manager, who helped place us in the perfect suite. It was clear she understood exactly what we were looking for, and that attention to detail made all the difference in how comfortable and cared for we felt during our time in New York.

Rooftop Nights Above the City

One evening, we headed up to the rooftop bar, Nubeluz, and were completely in awe the moment we stepped inside. As hotel guests, we were able to head straight up without a wait—a major perk in New York City, especially for a spot this popular. The views are breathtaking, with Manhattan stretching out in every direction and the Empire State Building glowing against the night sky. We enjoyed drinks inside, seated at the bar, taking in the nighttime ambiance and the energy of the bar. It’s a very hip yet refined setting, with dramatic lighting, warm metallic accents, and a lively buzz that feels elevated rather than overwhelming. One of the highlights was a glass of Rare Champagne 2013, elegant and celebratory—perfectly suited to the moment and the view. Sitting there, high above the city lights, it felt like one of those quintessential New York nights you don’t forget and relive through your memories over and over.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad

Is The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad in a good location?
Yes. Located in NoMad (North of Madison Square Park), the hotel sits in a walkable, central part of Manhattan with easy access to Greenwich Village, SoHo, the Flatiron District, and Midtown.

Does The Ritz-Carlton NoMad feel crowded?
Not at all. While it’s close to major attractions, the NoMad neighborhood feels calmer and more local than areas around Central Park or Times Square, especially during peak travel seasons.

Do hotel guests get priority access to the rooftop bar?
Yes. As hotel guests, we were able to head straight up to Nubeluz without a wait, which is a major perk in New York City.

What are the rooms and suites like?
Modern, spacious, and thoughtfully designed, with warm tones, excellent lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the city right in.Is this hotel better for first-time visitors or repeat NYC travelers?
It’s especially well-suited for repeat visitors or anyone looking for a more neighborhood-focused stay.