A tale of two cities

If you want to experience a little bit of old world charm in New York, a night at The NoMad Hotel is in order. Housed in a 1905 Beaux-Arts building that has been fully restored to its original grandeur, the swanky boutique hotel is intended as a fresh take on the classic grand hotels of Europe with a dose of downtown sensibility. Thanks to French interior designer Jacques Garcia,

Who is famous for his opulent style, the 133,000 sq ft hotel possesses elegant interiors to match the heritage and history of the landmark building. Garcia is the man behind the high-profile re-creation of an 18th-century tea house for Ladurée on the Champs Elysées, and the timeless design of the always relevant Hôtel Costes.

At first look, ‘lux’ is the word that comes to mind. Chandeliers illuminate the communal spaces of The NoMad Hotel with a glow, while rich velvet and silk fabrics create a seductive atmosphere. There is dark mahogany wood everywhere: from the dramatic 24-foot-long bar serving a selection of classic and proprietary cocktails that are a throwback to the prohibition era, to the two-level library which is connected by an original spiral staircase imported from the South of France.

Excerpt from the January issue of epicure