James NoMad (Formerly The Carlton Hotel)
88 Madison Ave., between 28th and 29th Sts., New York, New York 10016, USA
Why We Like It
The James NoMad is thoughtful in the types of amenities it provides its guests, particularly in the NoMad district which sees lots of business travelers. Personable service and inviting public spaces made the mid-island outpost a place to hang around, while the apartment-style guest floors feel discreetly anonymous. Though new to the neighborhood, the James is a smart addition to the ever-expanding hospitality footprint in the area.
Fodor's Expert Review
Overhauled by The James, which has its fabulous ivory tower in Soho, this Beaux-Arts building in the center of the NoMad district has recently opened with a mission of offering a “mindful stay” that includes thoughtful touches in-room and in public spaces. The hotel’s previous occupancy, the Carlton Hotel saw the 1904 building re-imagined by David Rockwell around the turn of the century—and none of Rockwell’s dramatic touch remains in this iteration. While it’s just settling into itself, this outpost of the James might need a bit more time for its cement to settle. Friendly and accommodating staffers certainly add a little extra warmth to this otherwise anonymous place. In keeping with tradition of the James brand, Scarpetta announces its return as the hotel’s restaurant and thus defacto scene.
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Room
The James aesthetic is a contemporary take on mid-century design, which sits in contrast with the now-white washed details of Beaux Arts style. Luckily buildings from the turn-of-the-century have ample space, even the lowest tier “guestroom” category stands at 200 sq ft. The suites are vast, so much so that the many seating arrangements (dining, work and leisure areas) still don’t seem to fill out the breadth of the room. The rooms, in fact, have a thoughtful interplay between sleep and work spaces, being mindful of both. Bedside charging stations, bluetooth speakers and other technological systems for easy modern living. The James stocks a truly excellent bathrobe, but curiously no slippers—a major downside when the floors are carpeted (and curiously dirty for a hotel open for less than a year). But space and value are the draw here, and they come in ample form.
You Should Know There are plenty of packages/upgrades available by booking directly on the website, including late 2pm check-out.
Bathroom
Is ‘hipster hospital’ a trend yet? The James may be setting its course with these contradictory bathrooms that are part-sophisticated, part-sanitarium. A beautiful wood-and-marble sink and mirror vanity stand harshly against hospital-tile, especially in the tiny water closet they call a shower. However, the sheer space of the bathroom is large enough to have four teenage girls getting ready for a night out. Luckily, the James provides more than one hair dryer.
Lobby
The Lobby has been elevated and moved to 29th street from its previous layout, and in its place is a distinct drawing room with accents of jade and pink, making the space really quite attractive. As the social hub of the hotel, where all-day coffee and happy hour wine draws in guests, it’s not uncommon to see the laptop-and-latte workers typing away.
Gym
The hotel brand places an emphasis on wellness, and here in-room yoga equipment is provided and instruction can be arranged through the concierge. There’s also a mid-size fitness center with the latest gear like Peloton Bikes is open 24-hour a day.
Dining
Scarpetta opened in February, marking the return of the LDV hospitality group’s scenester Italian emporium. The restaurant will also provide in-room dining.
Drinking
Bar service will also be provided by Scarpetta.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The James NoMad is close to both the 6 and R/W stops at 28th street
Restaurants
Try the sumptuous Upland (5-minute walk), where Tuscany meets California from an Il Buco alum. Don’t forget Marta (6-minute walk), hand-thrown pizzas and snazzy cocktails in the Redbury Hotel.
Bars
Though the secret’s very out, 230 Fifth (4-minute walk), the name and location, is quite an expansive rooftop bar. If you’re looking something cultural, kitsch and cheap, the bar at the Museum of Sex (3-minute walk) has drinks at ‘70s prices under the original disco ball from Studio 54.
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