How Flâneur Hospitality Is Redefining Modern Luxury

In a city where luxury hotels rise like monuments and competition is steeped in legacy, The Fifth Avenue Hotel by Flâneur Hospitality has swiftly claimed its place—not just as a newcomer, but as a visionary force. “The future of hotels is about story and soul,” says the company’s COO, Elizabeth Mullins, whose leadership has been instrumental in translating founder Alex Ohebshalom’s bold dream into a living, breathing brand. “Flâneur Hospitality is a new independent hotel collection that is about inspired hospitality, excellent service, art, and design that inspires,” she adds. “Our flagship is story-rich, art-focused, and distinctive in the New York landscape.”

Since its opening in late 2023, The Fifth Avenue Hotel has garnered impressive accolades, quickly becoming the most awarded independent hotel in the country. From The New York Times to Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List and two coveted Michelin Keys, it has captivated critics and guests alike. “Our very essence is to encourage ‘wonder wherever you wander,’” she says—a tagline that feels less like marketing and more like a guiding principle.

Operational Magic Meets Creative Soul

Leading operations at a brand as theatrical and refined as Flâneur requires an unusual alchemy: rigor and imagination. “I’ve worked my entire career for this moment,” the COO shares. “The moment to help our CEO and Founder Alex Ohebshalom create a collection of hotels and experiences.”

At the core of this approach is an unwavering commitment to company culture. “We work with a company out of the UK—The Empowered Company—to measure our culture, always striving to be best in class,” she says. “The team we assembled were hired for their love of people and creating dreams—the outcome has been exceptional.”

Creativity, she insists, is not an afterthought. It’s a foundation. “From the immersive spaces we offer our guests to the outstanding dining and beverage options, we always try to remain on the forefront.”

Storytelling as a Strategy

Where many hotels talk about narrative, Flâneur lives it. “Storytelling is not just a buzzword—it’s part of our design and execution strategy,” Elizabeth emphasizes. The property’s physical setting already lends itself to a rich narrative: the hotel is set within a Gilded Age mansion, lovingly preserved and reimagined for modern travelers. “Our Mansion on Fifth Avenue is a stunning reminder of the grandeur of NYC.”

And yet, it’s the human touch that makes the experience unforgettable. “We’re known for our Butler service,” she notes. “We hand-selected every Butler for their ability to execute on the individual stories of our guests.” That level of personalization is what elevates a luxury stay into something memorable—and magnetic.

Boutique Means Nimble

Having worked at some of the world’s most iconic brands, the COO is no stranger to the scale and structure of large hospitality organizations. But it’s in the boutique space where she sees true agility. “What’s amazing about boutique hotels is that you and your team are the key decision makers,” she explains. “You’re able to make instant decisions, make needed changes in moments—not months—and really impact the guest experience and employee culture.”

A New Definition of Luxury

As luxury guest expectations evolve, Flâneur Hospitality is asking the right question: What is modern luxury, really? For this team, it’s a blend of the poetic and the practical. “To me, it’s a hotel embedded in story, it’s a live-in mansion that whispers in every hallway, a finely curated bookshelf in The Portrait Bar inviting you to explore,” she says. “It’s a pastry cart that meanders through the dining room, one of the country’s most impressive wine collections, and the perfect light setting in your room at the end of the day.”

These aren’t just amenities—they’re emotional touchpoints. “It’s the scent, the art, the heartfelt service that makes you pause and say: I am someplace special.”

Women Leading the Future

Reflecting on her path to leadership, the COO is candid. “I grew up in an industry that had very few women at the helm,” she says. “But it’s different now—I see women leaders that inspire and, quite frankly, dazzle.”

Her hope? That the question of women in leadership soon becomes obsolete. “I’m looking forward to a day we don’t have to ask this question,” she says. “I love not being the sole female around the table. I’m always here to lend a hand, to cheer you on, and to honor your being. I believe the women hoteliers of today are quite capable of leading the industry into the future.”

The Power of Industry Community

At the heart of Flâneur’s rise is not only a great product and people, but the support of a like-minded industry community. “BLLA is an organization designed for hoteliers like me and for brands like Flâneur,” she explains. “BLLA teaches me, inspires me, and surrounds me with others that can be part of my journey. I am grateful to be a part.”

As boutique hospitality continues to reshape the luxury landscape, Flâneur Hospitality is proving that the best stays are those that tell a story—and leave guests with one of their own.