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The Nell New York, a 134-room luxury property at 10 Rockefeller Plaza, is scheduled to become Rockefeller Center’s first hotel when it opens in fall 2027.
Developed by Aspen Hospitality with an investment of more than $350 million, the hotel will occupy former office space within the landmark Midtown complex. It will also mark the New York debut of Nell Hotels, a new brand shaped by more than 35 years of hospitality at The Little Nell in Aspen.
The project was announced on July 7, 2026. With 134 rooms, The Nell New York is expected to become New York City’s only Relais & Châteaux property.
A private arrival above Midtown
Located within Rockefeller Center, The Nell New York will place guests above one of Manhattan’s busiest cultural and entertainment destinations. The surrounding Art Deco campus includes The Rink, the Christmas tree, Top of the Rock, Rainbow Room, NBC Studios and more than 100 permanent artworks.
The hotel will receive guests on the seventh floor rather than at street level, separating the reception area from the movement of Midtown.
The location will also allow travellers to stay within the Rockefeller Center campus, which comprises 13 buildings connected by an underground concourse. Restaurants, bars, shops, public art and seasonal events will sit just below the hotel, making the wider complex part of the guest experience.
Jeff Toscano, CEO of Aspen Hospitality, said in the announcement that “Distinctive access will define the guest experience at The Nell New York.” The hotel plans to connect guests with studios, galleries, private dining rooms and cultural institutions across the city.
That approach translates The Little Nell’s connection to Aspen and its mountains into an urban setting. In Manhattan, access will focus on the people, spaces and cultural experiences that shape New York beyond its familiar landmarks.
Art Deco design and a New York art collection
The Nell New York’s interiors will reference the architectural ambition and Art Deco character of Rockefeller Center. Its design brief places craftsmanship and cultural expression at the centre, with details intended to reflect the building’s character.
Forbes reports that Rockwell Group is leading the design. Founded by David Rockwell, the New York studio has worked across the city’s hospitality, cultural and entertainment sectors.
Art will form a substantial part of the interiors, continuing a tradition established at The Little Nell. The planned collection will combine work by emerging artists with pieces from internationally recognised names, drawing contributors from New York and elsewhere.
Guests will remain close to Midtown’s energy while having a quieter base above it.
Dining, wine and wellness
The Nell New York will include an all-day dining venue, lobby bar, wine lounge, spa and signature fine-dining restaurant. Located on the 17th floor, the main restaurant is planned around expansive views across Rockefeller Center and the surrounding city.
Wine will provide one of the clearest links between Aspen and Manhattan. The hotel intends to bring The Little Nell’s established wine identity to New York through a dedicated lounge and broader wine experience, although details of its cellar, menus and reservations have not yet been released.
The combination of destination dining and wellness facilities is intended to make the property relevant beyond overnight stays. Its restaurants, bar and wine spaces will add places to eat and drink within the hotel, while the spa will provide wellness facilities.
A new chapter for The Little Nell
Aspen Hospitality, a division of Aspen One, has launched Nell Hotels, a new luxury brand inspired by The Little Nell, the ski-in/ski-out Aspen hotel that opened in 1989.
At launch, the collection encompasses The Little Nell, The Residences at The Little Nell and The Nell New York. The Manhattan property will be its first hotel beyond Colorado, giving the brand an urban counterpart to its mountain base.
Aspen Hospitality has said that Nell Hotels will expand selectively. Its stated approach centres on personal service, a sense of familiarity, purposeful local connections and access that reflects each destination.
The New York hotel is also slated to become part of Relais & Châteaux, the worldwide group of independently operated luxury hotels and restaurants. If confirmed, it would be the collection’s only property in New York City.
The expansion comes as Aspen sees changes of its own. The Little Nell is due to close temporarily in April 2027 for a full renovation covering its guestrooms, public spaces and dining outlets, before reopening for the 2027–2028 winter season. Its Wedding Deck and The Residences at The Little Nell will continue to operate during the closure.
What to know about The Nell New York
- Address: 10 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown Manhattan
- Opening: Scheduled for fall 2027
- Rooms: 134
- Operator: Aspen Hospitality, part of Aspen One
- Investment: More than $350 million
- Planned amenities: Two restaurants, a lobby bar, wine lounge, wine experience and spa
- Arrival: Private seventh-floor reception
- Affiliation: Expected to become New York City’s only Relais & Châteaux property
Room categories, rates and reservation dates have not yet been announced. Travellers interested in a design-led stay inside Rockefeller Center can follow Nell Hotels for opening and booking updates.
