Aman New York

There was a time when the Aman name was strictly synonymous with secluded resort destinations; Aman Tokyo was proof that the top of a city-center skyscraper could offer its own sense of seclusion. And Aman New York is still another chapter in the evolution of this top-tier hospitality brand: a self-contained world of luxury right in the heart of Manhattan, on 57th Street at 5th Avenue.

It’s discreetly tucked away inside the upper floors of the Crown Building, a Beaux-Arts skyscraper from 1921, a quietly elegant setting that compares favorably with some of its gaudier neighbors. The lobby is set not at ground level but on the 14th floor, which separates it both literally and figuratively from the busy streets of Midtown. And once you’re inside you’re immediately transported to Aman’s universe, a perfectly peaceful oasis where every detail is exactly as it should be.

The suites — they’re all suites, from the 745-square-foot juniors to the 2,000-square-foot Aman Suite — are inspired by Japanese minimalism, a look that demands top-quality materials and craftsmanship. They’re all serviced by butlers, and include every desirable luxury-hotel contrivance and none of the excessive ones.

As is customary in an Aman establishment, the service is ever-present and ever-professional. And if the rooms are some of the finest in the world, they’re equaled by the other facilities, from the vast and stylish spa to the social spaces, which include a flexible garden terrace and lounge bar as well as high-end Italian and Japanese restaurants, plus the Jazz Club, a speakeasy-style underground live performance venue.