Arrival/Check-In: Who doesn’t love pulling up to a Fifth Avenue address? After driving in from Boston — an easy ride with the exception of the last 10 miles on FDR Drive and across town to Fifth Avenue — my sister, Nancy, and I were delighted with the prompt and courteous welcome awaiting us at Langham Place, Fifth Avenue. Bags unloaded. Check. Car whisked to a valet parking garage. Check. Friendly greeting and an escort to our gorgeous residential suite. Check.

Guest Quarters: After years of traveling, I’ve learned the discreet corner door in a hotel hallway often reveals the most stunning and spacious accommodations; this room was no exception. The bellman opened the door to reveal a beautiful corner suite with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the New York City landscape. A short entrance with a guest bath on the right opened to a spacious living area and fully functional kitchenette equipped with Miele appliances. Done in neutral tones throughout, living room furnishings included a comfortable couch, three chairs, a square coffee table and a flat-screen television set on a bookshelf. Natural light poured in through the windows, giving the room a warm afternoon glow.

The separate bedroom featured a king-sized bed swathed in Pratesi linens, a sitting area, a desk and a full wall of closet space. A short hallway, with a washer/dryer tucked discreetly behind closed closet doors, led to a spacious bathroom with a large soaking tub, a separate shower, a private water closet and a double vanity with a television embedded in the mirror. The pièce de résistance? Floor-to-ceiling windows (with easy-to-use privacy screens/blinds) made up most of the outside wall.

Services/Amenities: Our one-night stay was just a tease. Even the bellman frowned when he learned of our brief time in residence. As guests in a residence suite, we had access to a personal assistant, complimentary Internet access, complimentary water and soft drinks and pressing of up to five items of clothing upon arrival. So many amenities; so little time.

We would have loved to indulge in a treatment or two at the Langham Place Spa or sip cocktails in Measure Lounge. We did have a chance to peek into Ai Fiori, Alta Marea Group’s Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant — it’s on our must-visit list for our next trip to Manhattan. There’s also an on-site fitness center, the Julien Farel Salon and a house car available for drop-off service.

The Experience: Langham Place, Fifth Avenue is a home away from home … only better.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
• Turn-down service

Langham Place, Fifth Avenue

400 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10018
tel 212 695 4005
newyork.langhamplacehotels.com