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The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City has been named the winner of the American Express Travel One To Watch Award 2026, ahead of The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony, which takes place in Paris on 15 September.

The award recognises a rising-star hotel that has made a strong impression on The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy and the wider hospitality industry, and which has been identified by the 50 Best team as having the potential to enter the top 50 in a future edition of the ranking.

The Fifth Avenue Hotel is the second of two special accolades announced ahead of this year's awards ceremony, alongside the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award.

Located in the heart of Manhattan, The Fifth Avenue Hotel occupies the former estate of Mrs Charlotte Goodridge, a prominent 19th-century New York hostess whose home became a gathering place for the city's cultural and social circles.

Following a decade-long restoration by Flâneur Hospitality, the property combines the original brick-and-limestone Renaissance-style palazzo with a contemporary 24-storey glass tower. The two buildings bring together historic architecture and modern design, with interiors created by the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.

The hotel has 149 guest rooms and suites, decorated in rich shades of garden green, buttercup yellow and peony pink. Its double-height entrance lobby features faceted antique mirrors, marble floors and grand arched windows, while artworks and collected objects are displayed throughout the property.

A strong culinary offering

Food and drink are an important part of The Fifth Avenue Hotel experience. James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini oversees Café Carmellini, where seasonal dishes draw on his three decades of cooking in New York, alongside influences from Italian and French cuisine.

The hotel's Portrait Bar offers a more intimate setting, with a wood-panelled interior, carved stone fireplace and a cocktail menu combining modern and classic drinks inspired by travel and place.
The property also offers a series of distinctive guest experiences, including its signature Rituals. The Martini Ritual delivers two martinis prepared in-room to each guest's preference, while the Book Ritual brings a curated selection of 20 titles to the guest's room or suite.

Behind the Curtain, a hidden space accommodating just two guests at a time, takes inspiration from New York's legendary secret bars and the golden age of mixology.

Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, said the property had made a significant impression despite having opened only in October 2023.

“Having only opened in October 2023, The Fifth Avenue Hotel is a relative newcomer to New York’s hotel scene, yet it is clear to see why the property has made such an impact on its guests and industry colleagues,” she said.

She highlighted the hotel's service, as well as its food and drink offering at Portrait Bar and Café Carmellini, describing The Fifth as an example of “new age New York hospitality”.

Alex Ohebshalom, Founder and CEO of The Fifth Avenue Hotel, said the recognition reflected the vision behind the property and the work of its team.

“From the very beginning, our vision for this hotel was to celebrate the origins of Fifth Avenue and New York hospitality – longstanding gathering places for thinkers and creators,” he said.

Since opening, The Fifth Avenue Hotel has attracted attention for its distinctive interiors, service and culinary offering, establishing itself as one of America's notable independent hotels.

The hotel will formally receive the American Express Travel One To Watch Award 2026 at The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony at Les Salles du Carrousel in Paris on Tuesday, 15 September. The accolade is the only special award selected directly by the 50 Best team.

The World’s 50 Best Hotels ranking is determined by an Academy of more than 800 independent leaders selected for their expertise and knowledge of the international hotel industry. The awards programme brings together hoteliers, restaurateurs, bar owners, media, business leaders and luxury travellers from around the world.