Fasano Fifth Avenue

Fasano Fifth Avenue in New York City stands as a beacon of understated luxury and exclusivity, earning its place as a Michelin Key Selected property. This private club and hotel, the first North American outpost of the renowned Brazilian Fasano brand, offers an experience meticulously crafted for discerning travelers seeking privacy and impeccable service on Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Fasano Fifth Avenue is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its status as a five-star luxury destination. Guests appreciate its discreet nature and residential ambiance, which sets it apart from more conventional luxury hotels. It's often described as a high-end hideaway for VIPs who prefer to eschew the limelight. The property embodies quiet confidence and understated elegance, reflecting a philosophy rooted in tradition and meticulous attention to detail.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Fasano Fifth Avenue for several outstanding aspects:

• Service: The hotel is celebrated for its highly personal and discreet five-star service, with an attentive staff and dedicated concierge ensuring an elevated experience.
• Location: Its prime location directly across from Central Park on Fifth Avenue is a significant draw, offering coveted views and immediate access to the city's fashionable East Side.
• Design: Designed by the acclaimed Thierry W. Despont, the interiors boast sophisticated elegance. Key design elements include Loro Piana cashmere walls, vintage furnishings, and a blend of Parisian and Brazilian styles.
• Exclusivity & Amenities: The property offers a private club atmosphere with limited public spaces, enhancing its residential feel. Amenities include the Fasano Caffè, a boutique gym with a sauna, a terrace, and in-room dining services.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Fasano Fifth Avenue consist of elegant Clubhouse Suites and luxurious Duplex Apartments, designed to feel more like a pied-à-terre than a typical hotel room. Rooms feature walls sheathed in taupe Loro Piana cashmere, sleek herringbone oak floors, and custom-designed and hand-picked vintage furnishings, often from Rogerio Fasano's personal collection.

Comfort is paramount, with modern conveniences such as climate control, soundproofing, and integrated technology seamlessly woven into the design. Bathrooms are equally opulent, boasting heated marble floors, automated Toto commodes, walk-in showers with soaking tubs, and Aesop products. Each room includes a kitchenette, minibar, coffee/tea maker, complimentary bottled water, and free WiFi. Many accommodations offer stunning views of Central Park, while others overlook the elegant Upper East Side streets. Duplex Apartments are particularly spacious, offering multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a washer/dryer, and outdoor terraces overlooking Central Park.

4. Dining Experience

The primary dining experience within Fasano Fifth Avenue is the Fasano Caffè, an intimate and private dining bar reserved for guests and members. It serves an Italian cuisine menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also provides in-room dining services. For those seeking a broader culinary experience, guests and members receive priority reservations at the renowned Fasano Restaurant New York, located on 49th Street and Park Avenue. This restaurant specializes in classic Milanese cuisine by Chef Nicola Fedeli, offering dishes like Ossobuco Alla Menighina con Risotto Alla Milanese and an extensive wine list with over 1,000 labels.

5. Service & Staff

Fasano Fifth Avenue is renowned for its exceptional, five-star service. The staff is consistently described as personal, discreet, and highly attentive, reflecting over a century of Fasano's hospitality tradition. A dedicated concierge and management team are on hand to deliver personalized services, ensuring every guest's need is met, from forgotten items to transport arrangements via the available house car. The property's commitment to quality and meticulous attention to detail defines its service philosophy.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "impeccable" and "prime" location directly across from Central Park on Fifth Avenue, nestled between 62nd and 63rd Streets in the fashionable Upper East Side. This iconic address places guests within easy reach of New York's top attractions and cultural institutions. Nearby points of interest include the Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center, The Frick Collection, and prestigious dining establishments like Le Bilboquet and Daniel. World-class shopping on Madison and Fifth Avenues is just steps away. Public transportation is easily accessible, with subway stations like Fifth Avenue-59th Street and 59th Street-Lexington Avenue nearby.

7. Value & Pricing

Fasano Fifth Avenue is positioned at the pinnacle of luxury, reflected in its premium pricing. It caters to a clientele seeking exclusivity and a high-end, residential-style stay. Duplex residences have been listed for rent at rates ranging from $100,000 to $140,000 per month. Clubhouse suites also command significant prices, with examples showing one-bedroom suites for $40,000 to $70,000 monthly. Nightly rates for suites reportedly start from around $1,100. The property is often intended for longer stays, starting at 30 days, further solidifying its private residence club model. Given the unparalleled location, bespoke design, and discreet five-star service, the pricing aligns with its ultra-luxury positioning, offering a unique value proposition for those prioritizing privacy and a residential feel in New York City.

8. Common Complaints

Due to its exclusive and private nature, public reviews detailing common complaints are not widely available. However, a few points can be inferred:

• Limited Kitchenette Functionality in Suites: Some smaller clubhouse suites have been described as "glorified studios" with kitchenettes offering limited space for personal groceries and only a two-burner electric stove, potentially making extensive cooking challenging.
• Courtyard Views: While many rooms boast Central Park views, some eastern-facing rooms might overlook a "modest, as-of-yet lacklustre courtyard."
• Private Atmosphere vs. Traditional Hotel: The intentional lack of extensive public spaces, aiming for a "more residence than destination" feel, might not appeal to guests seeking a bustling hotel environment with numerous amenities and social areas.
• Children Policy: Children are not permitted to stay free of charge, and additional fees may apply for younger guests, which could be a consideration for families.

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