James NoMad Hotel NYC Review

James NoMad, the flagship of the James Hotel brand, opened in the Flatiron District of NYC (29th and Madison) in August 2017. Originally built in 1904 as the Seville Hotel, a city landmark, and then, in 1987, rebranded as the Carlton, the space was gut renovated in 2017. Developers kept its elegant Beaux Arts exterior, and re-imagined the interior as the boutique James NoMad.

Reception James NoMad NY
Reception James NoMad NY: The curvy hardwood reception desk is as polished and sleek as the stern of a yacht, and is nicely juxtaposed by soft deep-mauve suede-like wall panels behind it.

While you’re in the mood, check out these few dozen other Romantic Getaways in New York State.

First Impressions of The James NoMad

Beaux Arts Facade James NoMad NY
Beaux Arts Facade James NoMad NY

You’ll recognize The James, on the corner of Madison and 29th, by its intricate and stunning façade of terra cotta, limestone, and sculptural wrought iron. Take a moment to look up and appreciate the workmanship of a lost era.

Inside, all has changed. The curvy hardwood reception desk is as polished and sleek as the stern of a yacht, and is nicely juxtaposed by soft deep-mauve suede-like wall panels behind it.

Lobby James NoMad NY
Lobby James NoMad NY

The lobby area is long and narrow – with ample seating, including conversation nooks nestled within several high arched windows.

Window Nook James NoMad NY
Window Nook James NoMad NY

Couches cluster around cocktail tables topped with contemporary Chess sets and other knickknacks. The room is warm and inviting, and seems to be full of friends, groups, and strangers meeting up at all times of day.

Rooms at James NoMad

Guest Room James NoMad NY
Guest Room James NoMad NY

Spacious guest rooms are Designs Within Reach modern. Pleated lamps hang from the ceiling and voluminous white duvets are punched up by large pillows in shades of turquoise, sunshine, and cantaloupe.

King Room James NoMad NY
King Room James NoMad NY

Full bottles of Grey Goose Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, and more are dramatically up-lit in a 20’s style mini-bar. In addition, lower cabinets hide a small fridge and snacks for purchase.

Bathroom James NoMad NY
Bathroom James NoMad NY

The bathrooms here are the stars, fashioned with grey veined marble tiles on the floor and in a large glass shower. The centerpiece is the sink, however. It’s a smooth carved worry stone writ large. Just running my hands over its cool, curved surface was a soothing Zen exercise.

Bar Bathroom James NoMad NY
Bar Bathroom James New York NoMad

You won’t find chocolates on your pillow at turndown. But you will find a small “Sleep Well” tube of therapy balm. Applied to my pulse points, this stick of essential oils helped me relax and sleep.

Amenities at James NoMad

In Room Yoga Meditation James NoMad NY
In Room Yoga Meditation James NoMad NY

Experience a complimentary Yoga, Meditation, or cardio workout session in the privacy of your own room –  a nice perk. You can also fill up the water bottle, provided in your room, with triple filtered water at any tap.

Fitness Room James NoMad NY
Gym James NoMad NY

The Gym has everything you need for a total workout.

At 5pm every night, the low-lit lobby turns into a wine and cheese (complimentary) gathering space where young media types sip Chardonnay, nibble Smoked Gouda, peck on laptops, make quiet phone calls, have intimate conversations, and interview for new jobs. Though the opposite of rollicking, it’s a much-appreciated social aspect to what could otherwise be a solitary stay.

Nearby Attractions In NoMad New York City

80s Disco Museum of Sex NY
80s Disco Museum of Sex NY

GO: Museum of Sex

(Two blocks from James NoMad). Although not an all out porn fest, if you do take the kiddos to the Museum of Sex, be prepared to answer lots of questions. There are, for instance, sex toys, dildos, inflatable anatomically correct dolls, S&M devices, and tons of risqué candies.

Author

  • Malerie Yolen-Cohen

    Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.

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1 thought on “James NoMad Hotel NYC Review”

  1. The detailed description of James NoMad Hotel in NYC, along with insights into its amenities, rooms, and nearby attractions provided in the post, was incredibly helpful for my upcoming travel plans. The vivid portrayal of the hotel’s ambiance, design elements, and unique offerings has sparked my interest in considering it for a memorable stay in the city.

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