If you are familiar with the private club concept that comes with staying at The Ned (or being a member), then this well-located hotel is for you. Its small lobby is the first indication that The Ned NoMad New York is not like other hotels in the neighborhood. It oozes sophistication and charm, making it feel like you have stepped into somewhere that is reserved for someone special.
While there is membership, this hotel is one of New York’s special gems. Here are five reasons why you should give it a try, whether you belong to its club or not.
The rooms
The rooms here are just as swanky as a public areas, and the variance size from the smaller Classics or Crash Pads to the much larger Grand and Studio rooms. What they have in common are beautiful hardwood floors with colorful area Ruth’s and a mix of antique and modern furnishings. It’s an early 20th century vibe, but in closer inspection although the modern conveniences are in place. Yes, you can charge your phone using the latest USB port, for example.
You’ll sink right into the beds with pillowtop mattresses, thick duvets and a bevy of pillows up against studded leather headboards. Eclectic design pieces and books like the shelves and tables. Work space is plentiful, and closets have all the necessities, including umbrellas. Deluxe rooms have cozy armchairs while Grand rooms and larger come with sofas.
The most impressive feature, besides the views from many of the rooms of the bustling neighborhood, are the bathrooms. Like other Ned properties, vanities stock Cowshed products, but not just small bottles. Instead, there are a half dozen full-size bottles of every scent and desired effect from rejuvenating to relaxing. By the sinks, some of which are open to the room (like in Studios), are even more toiletries like combs, razors and even condoms. Larger rooms add soaking tubs in the room.
The suites are real winners here. The salon and larger rotunda suites have separate living areas, and the Broadway sweep is enormous with lovely views of its namesake neighborhood. The largest is the Johnston Terrace Suite, which comes with a proper dining room, living room and stunning outdoor terrace.
The membership
Similar to its hotels in London, Washington DC and Doha, this hotel offers membership rates that allow others to enjoy exclusive access to special events, deals at its food, beverage and spa outlets, and priority service. Few other hotels tread this line, and the benefit of being a guest here is that you feel just like one of the members (as long as your key unlocks one of the guest rooms here).
Members can access the Library for a space to work away from home or the office and both the Magic Room and the Club room for live music or special events. They can also attend special panels and educational talks. And when they have guests in town, they enjoy special member rates for overnight stays.
If you’re a Ned member in Doha, you have access to any of the other locations, for example. It is this type of exclusivity, as well as opportunity to hob knob with other elite of the same ilk, that pays off for joining. If you chat with members, story after story reveals how membership has paid off in spades for them. They have closed big deals, networked with investors and even sparked romantic relationships among the people that they meet here.
This should come as no surprise since The Ned is born from Soho House’s Membership Collective Group although there is no reciprocal access between the brands.
The food
Cecconi’s, the main restaurant here, is a local institution. While it serves a decadent breakfast, it is the lunch and dinner menus that draw the most interest. Expect dishes like an authentic taglierini cacio e pepe, cavatelli with lamb ragu and veal Milanese.
Once the sun sets, don’t expect to parade around as you wish. A strict dress code calls for at least business casual attire if you want to enter some of the swanky bar spaces. The most prized vantage point is up on the rooftop where the city’s glittering skyline unfurls as you sip sexy cocktails (or mocktails) or indulge in the bar bites menu.
Little Ned serves light bites and craft cocktails to complement the famous Cecconi’s menu. Top Chef winner and culinary host Kristen Kish is adding her talents to the menu here, which means there are plenty of reason to dine onsite and hob knob with members rather than fight for a table elsewhere.
The location
In the heart of Broadway’s bustling theater district and not far from most major tourist and business addresses, this hotel is in the center of it all. It sits in the landmark Johnston Building, which dates back to 1908. Seen from across the street, the Beaux Arts architecture is rather chic and striking, alluding to the interesting encounters that a visit might entail.
This is New York City after all, and space is at a premium. There are not as many restaurants and bars as other Ned properties, but the city-center NYC location makes up for it. Being a member here pays off, especially since a second Ned location is in the works (and DC is not far away either).
The decor
From the vintage elevator entrances to the marble floor of the lobby, this is no average hotel. Guests sink into leather sofas while they await friends to join them in the bar, perhaps a special treat for locals who have always wondered more about The Ned NoMad.
Mahogany woods and Art Deco accents fill the public spaces, which are divided into numerous smaller rooms adding curiosity for arrivals to discover hey is just around the dim corner or behind the thickly tasseled curtain.
If you’re an art aficionado, you’ve come to the right place. The hotel boasts almost 300 individual, museum-quality pieces in its collection from names like Mickalene Thomas, Laurie Simmons, Hank Willis Thomas and Rachel Jones. A particular focus was given to female artists, a cue the hotel took from its sublime property in London. Many are bespoke for the hotel and include work from emerging talent who can showcase their work in front of the discerning Ned clientele.
