One of New York’s newest openings, the freshly built Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad was envisioned as a temple of up-to-the-minute luxury. Soaring over 500 ft, it has already established itself as a landmark in the trendy neighborhood north of Madison Square Park.
To celebrate its partnership with Elite Traveler, we spoke to the hotel’s general manager Bastian Germer.
What attracted you to your position at the hotel?
What initially drew me to the role of general manager was the compelling vision shared between Flag Luxury and The Ritz-Carlton brand, aimed at pioneering the next generation of The Ritz-Carlton, tailored for the modern luxury traveler. Given my deep-rooted connection with brand, returning to The Ritz-Carlton felt like homecoming, following my tenure at The New York EDITION. Moreover, recognizing the allure and potential of the NoMad neighborhood, particularly as Manhattan’s new epicenter, alongside the wonderful culinary partnership with the José Andrés Group, further solidified my decision to embark on the journey of opening this incredible luxury property.
Tell us about a defining moment in your role that sticks out.
One of the many standout moments, was the culmination of the Countdown, to the ribbon cutting and then the grand opening day July 26th, 2022. We saw the presence of esteemed individuals including our dedicated Ladies & Gentlemen, The Ritz-Carlton brand team, ownership, and Marriott International executives, including our CEO Tony Capuano. That same week we received the coveted Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence “Most Anticipated Hotel Opening of 2022”. Having started as the first Gentleman of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad in April 2021, witnessing the hotel come to life was nothing short of exhilarating and a very proud moment in my career.
And what has been the hotel’s biggest challenge during your time there?
The most significant hurdle encountered during pre-opening was navigating the development and completion of the property amidst the unprecedented challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our efforts, like many, were compounded by a scarcity of construction material and labor, as well as delays in international shipping, impacting the procurement of operational supplies, furniture, and equipment. However, despite these obstacles, the journey has been immensely rewarding. Witnessing the hotel’s success today, it’s evident that every moment of waiting and every ounce of hard work was undeniably worth it.
What is it about this suite that separates it from anything else on offer in the region?
The Ritz-Carlton Suite at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad distinguishes itself by offering unparalleled views of Downtown Manhattan and the iconic Manhattan Skyline, showcasing landmarks such as The Empire State Building, One World Trade, and the Statue of Liberty. This meticulously designed suite on Level 37, embodies the essence of a luxurious penthouse overlooking the vibrant NoMad neighborhood. Boasting a spacious dining area, sophisticated media room, and a dedicated wellness space, guests can indulge in both relaxation and recreation within the comfort of this suite. Furthermore, the terrazzo marble bathroom features a luxurious deep soaking tub with breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline. This modern suite combined with the exceptional service from our Ladies & Gentlemen sets a new standard for luxury.
What exciting plans do you have for the hotel that you can share with our readers?
We are dedicated to enhancing our guests’ experiences through immersive wellness offerings at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. We are excited to continue to develop our partnership with luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader, introducing a bespoke treatment tailored to elevate our guests’ indulgent spa experiences. Further enriching our commitment to culinary excellence, the José Andrés partnership with the recent opening of The Bazaar by José Andrés, continues to position the hotel as the place to gather and create memories for locals and visitors alike.
