Plenty of New Yorkers have grown weary of the wave of members-only destinations hitting the city in recent years, but for the privileged (apparently, not-so-) few who are willing to pay for promises of rarefied hospitality, exclusivity, and, most importantly, status, the next, most coveted, thing is always just around the corner.
This time, it's the corner of Fifth Avenue and East 57th street. That's where you'll find the Aman New York, the hotel, spa, residences, and membership club marketed as an all-around shrine to luxury. The establishment inside the historic Crown Building marks one of the most anticipated - and expensive - new arrivals in the city.
It also marks the very first urban outpost of the hotel brand in North America.
After earning itself a global cult following of dedicated jet-setters built upon a reputation of unparalleled service and experiences, it's no wonder the latest Aman property had its One Percenter devotees blindly wiring $200,000 for membership before it even opened its doors.
But alas, the loftier the expectations, the further they have to fall. And fall they apparently have since the delayed opening dates, miscommunicated amenities, construction accidents, and reported drama surrounding the Aman brand's elusive billionaire owner.
As stunning as the billion-dollar property turned out to be (it finally opened this August), it might be overshadowed by the spectacle surrounding it.
Care to judge for yourself? Click through for all the details...
[Photos via Aman New York]
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