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Although I live in a typical New York City apartment, a great perk of my job is getting to review luxury New York City hotels. I have spent years meticulously exploring and evaluating the city’s luxury hotel offerings, so I know what separates the mediocre from the marvelous. The James New York—Nomad falls somewhere in between.
Here’s what it’s like to stay at the James: After a long day walking all over Manhattan, you stop in Seville for a nightcap, and then take the elevator up to your room. Peace, quiet and a luxury mattress await—to stay at The James feels like you’re living the life of a wealthy and in-the-know New Yorker (at least for the night.)
The James New York NoMad is a stylish hotel that appeals to trendy, younger professionals and creatives. Its modern, minimalist vibe and hot NoMad location draw a hip crowd of fashion insiders, artists, musicians, and digital entrepreneurs looking for a chic place to stay, work, and play. You’ll find lots of casually dressed 30-somethings in the lobby working remotely on laptops or meeting over craft cocktails. While it has an upscale feel, the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. It’s a favorite for locals celebrating special occasions as well for travelers seeking an upbeat, neighborhood-y boutique hotel experience in a central Manhattan locale.
The Unforgettable Moment: Late night room service and eating The James’ signature spiked sorbets in bed.
Pros
- Prime location in Manhattan’s trendy NoMad neighborhood
- Impeccable service
- Easy access to Scarpetta and Seville
- Spacious fitness center with Peloton bikes
- Free fruit, coffee, and tea in the mornings; Complimentary wine and light bites in the evenings
- Large guestrooms
- Quiet rooms
- Pet-friendly, with amenities like dog beds, treats, and dog-walking available
- Comfortable beds
Cons
- Shades don’t completely block out light in the guestrooms
- Small bathrooms
- Refillable toiletry bottles
- No spa
Rooms
Rooms at The James New York – Nomad are very spacious, especially for Manhattan. Rooms range from 200 sq. ft. (standard guestrooms) to 640 sq. ft.
The available room types are:
- Standard queen
- Deluxe two queens
- Standard king
- Deluxe king
- Deluxe corner king
- Jimmy suite king
- Jimmy suite king deluxe
- James suite king with Empire State view
- James suite two beds
- Penthouse
- Accessible queen
- Deluxe accessible king
- Accessible James suite with Empire State view
All rooms feature custom-made beds, pillow top mattresses, Turkish cotton towels, dimmable lighting, and dimmable lighting.
We recommend upgrading to the Deluxe Corner King room, which is worth it for the extra space.
Amenities
- 24-hour fitness center
- The Botanist and The Chemist bath toiletries
- In-room Four Bodies wellness programming (on-demand classes)
- Custom robes and slippers
- Partnership with nearby SLT Tread studio
Food and Drink
The hotel’s buzzy Italian restaurant Scarpetta is a place to see and be seen, drawing plenty of New Yorkers. The vibe here is indulgence, both in the food and the decor. Named after the Italian phrase “fare la scarpetta,” which means to savor a meal down to the last bite, Scarpetta serves up elegant Italian food in an airy, marble-accented dining room.
Scarpetta is open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily, and brunch on Sundays. There is no official dress code for Scarpetta, but dress to impress to fit in with the stylish locals. My favorite dish was the strawberries with fresh cream and basil granita, which is not to be missed if it’s in-season.
Expect a line down the block (even on weeknights) for the hotel’s exclusive cocktail lounge, Seville. This speakeasy-style bar draws celebrities who like the dark lighting and intimate nooks to sip craft cocktails undisturbed.
Who’s It For?
The guests who book this hotel are drawn to the James’ downtown NoMad location, a neighborhood that exudes a trendy, local vibe with its mix of buzz-worthy restaurants, cocktail bars, and indie boutiques. The lack of stuffy pretense at the James is a plus for these visitors, who desire a stay that feels more like crashing at an ultra-cool friend’s city apartment than a cookie-cutter chain hotel. For them, the James offers an “insider” home base to explore New York’s unique culture and energy.
Location + How to Get There
The James is located on the corner of 29th Street and Madison Avenue. It’s just over 0.5 miles from Penn Station, and is an easy walk to a number of subway stations.
FAQ
Does The James New York NoMad allow pets? Yes, The James allows dogs of all breeds and sizes. The hotel charges a one-time $150 pet cleaning fee.
Do the rooms have tea/coffee makers? No, there isn’t a coffee maker in the rooms at The James, but there is free coffee and tea served every morning in the lobby.
Are there minifridges in the room? There is a small stocked minibar with a refrigerator, or you can request an empty one to be brought up to your room.
Is there parking at The James New York – NoMad? Valet parking is available for a fee.
Are the rooms at The James New York – NoMad quiet? Despite the hotel’s location, the rooms are very quiet.
Does The James New York – NoMad have a pool? No, there is no pool.
