5 Minutes With The Fifth Avenue Hotel Team

The Fifth Avenue Hotel, Awards for Excellence in Hotel Development Finalist 

Alex Ohebshalom, Founder and CEO, The Fifth Avenue Hotel and Flâneur Hospitality

Who has had the greatest influence on your career and what was the best advice he or she gave you?  

My father has always been a source of inspiration, both personally and professionally. Among other things he instilled in me a great sense of grit or tenacity coupled with a trained sense of patience…almost the ability to slow things down in moments of chaos in an effort to make strong, clear, and effective decisions. These qualities have served me well over the years. He was a tough mentor! From the very beginning he told me to invest in myself, and to stick to what I know and love most. I am eternally grateful to have his support. 

As a ULI NY Awards nominee, what makes you most proud of your project?  

We poured our hearts and souls into bringing The Fifth Avenue Hotel to life, honoring a true New York landmark. Over the course of a decade, with endurance and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we thoughtfully restored the historic building, transforming it into a groundbreaking independent hotel. Every detail reflects our dedication to preserving the building’s rich legacy while reimagining it for a new era of luxury. 

What excites you about the future of New York City?

As we look to the future, it’s exciting to see New York City thriving across the hospitality and culinary landscapes. There’s an undeniable energy and buzz with the return of nightlife and the dynamic evolution of the city’s food and beverage scene. With interest rates coming down, we’re poised for a growth spurt, driving new investments and developments across the city. Additionally, the rise of AI is reshaping industries in ways we’ve never seen before, and I’m eager to see how it will transform and integrate into the hospitality space as we continue to grow and innovate.