The Nell New York
The Nell New York is the first hotel from Nell Hotels, a new brand from Aspen Hospitality built on the reputation of The Little Nell in Aspen. It will have 134 rooms at 10 Rockefeller Plaza, making it the only hotel inside Rockefeller Center, and will join Relais & Châteaux as the collection’s only New York City property. The investment is reported at more than $350 million.
The building and design
The hotel occupies former office floors above the plaza, with guests arriving at a seventh-floor lobby. Rockwell Group designed the public spaces and Pierre & Co. the guest rooms and suites. The seventh floor holds reception, lounges, wine spaces and meeting rooms, with a bar that looks straight down on the Rockefeller Center ice rink.
Eat and drink
Food and wine carry the Little Nell name, which is known for its cellar. Announced so far:
- an all-day dining room on the seventh floor, aimed at New Yorkers as well as guests
- a signature fine-dining restaurant on the 17th floor
- a lobby bar facing the rink
- a private wine lounge and cellar drawing on The Little Nell’s wine program
A spa and fitness centre sit one floor above the lobby.
What it means for advisors
This is an easy conversation with clients who already ski from The Little Nell, and a strong Midtown option for anyone who wants a smaller, service-led hotel in the middle of the action. Rockefeller Center at Christmas, the rink and Fifth Avenue shopping make December the obvious peak. Relais & Châteaux membership gives food-focused travellers a recognisable signal. No separate loyalty program has been announced.
Opening status
Aspen Hospitality announced the hotel in July 2026 for a fall 2027 opening, and the design was shown in September 2026. No exact date has been given. Related timing: The Little Nell in Aspen will close in April 2027 for renovation and reopen for the 2027-2028 winter season.
Sources: hospitalitynet.org, luxurytraveladvisor.com, hospitalitydesign.com