MY STAY
The Corner King room
The Fifth Avenue Hotel had more personality than a standard New York tower room. My Corner King brought daylight, a comfortable bed, heated bathroom floor and snacks already waiting. I liked that the minibar was included, rather than calculating the price of a late-night hotel drink before opening it. A Mansion Suite would offer a separate living room; an entry room should not be judged from photographs of that very different layout.
Practical details
Little practical details helped: a steamer for a wrinkled shirt and a welcome drink brought up after arrival. I still checked the windows and shower before settling in, because a small dark room with a poorly working shower would have changed the whole impression.
Café Carmellini & breakfast
Café Carmellini was worth a dinner reservation, as was the Portrait Bar for a later drink. Breakfast required more reliable information. A desk answer once sent me down before the restaurant had opened, making the snacks in the room more useful than waiting in a closed dining space.
Would I return?
A light-filled room and the hotel's distinctive character make more sense on a longer New York stay than choosing it for awards alone. The right bedroom and two tables booked ahead let the place feel comfortable rather than precious.