​However, Aman New York is situated right in the center of the Manhattan jungle, at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 57th Street.

The building where the hotel is located is the iconic and historical Crown Building. This 100-year-old building, the first venue of MoMA, is also a magnificent symbol of the “Gilded Age” period. The Crown Building, designed by Warren & Wetmore, who are also the architects of Grand Central Station and the Helmsley Building, is one of the best examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in North America with its neo-classical exterior, French Renaissance details, and castle-like tower.

 

Of course, it was not an easy endeavor to transform the Crown Building into a hotel that would carry the spirit of Aman by preserving its historical value. Ultimately, Aman Resorts entrusted Jean-Michel Gathy and his studio Denniston Architects with the task of transforming the 25-story building to accommodate 83 suites and 22 residences.

 

The result? Incredibly successful! This is because both the traces and magnificent proportions of the golden age of the building havebeen preserved and the element of tranquility and privacy, which is Aman's signature, has been aptly incorporated into the building. The old and the new and the Orient and the Occident are elegantly blended. Therefore, the definition of "a quiet oasis in the city" attributed to Aman New York is completely real. For example, when I was staying in my suite on the 9th floor, thanks to the extraordinary insulation, the Manhattan noise outside was never heard inside.

 

There is more: When I entered the suite, I came across a burning fireplace, which was adorable! I should remind you that this fireplace, which can turned on and off through the remote control, is a very rare occasion in Manhattan... 

 

MAGNIFICENT DETAIL ON THE WALLS 

 

Organic materials such as oak, walnut, and aromatic cinnamon trees have been used all over Aman New York, that is, on all floors, doors, and custom-made furniture. Therefore, the meditative effect of the Orient is felt in every moment. The marble with a Belgian blue and chocolate brown color adds a more masculine New York touch to this atmosphere. In short, it is a complete yin and yang! 

 

The walls of the rooms have been covered with natural fabric, which was one of the details I liked the most when staying in my room. On the walls covered with natural fabric, floral arrangements inspired by Japan's classic Ikebana art form have been printed on delicate rice paper. These arrangements, which are a tribute to Aman's brand roots, have been inspired by Hasegawa Tōhaku's 15th-century masterpiece “Pine Trees”.

Let me note that "Pine Trees" is one of Japan's most famous works and was declared a National Treasure in 1952...  ​​​