While the Peninsula New York’s location is likely what attracts many guests, it is the hotel’s highbrow, homey touches that keep them there. During a holiday season visit, festively costumed carolers greeted guests from the atop the grand staircase. Adjacent to the check-in desk, the seasonal Peninsula Sweet Shoppe, open daily for young guests from 4 to 6pm, offers a free candy store for children to mix and match from different candy jars to create custom personal goody bags. Finally, en route to the elevators, guests encounter an enormous gingerbread house replica of the hotel. If the devil is in the details, the Peninsula New York is heaven on Earth.
Climb the escalator to discover a plethora of goodies. Stop at one of the 235 guestrooms, which average at 400 square feet and top out at 3,000 sprawling square feet. Each room features an electronic system of control panels—specifically designed for the hotel—that allows visitors to control their environment easily and efficiently. Among other features, the wall-mounted panel controls temperature; the bedside panel controls the television, the air conditioner and whether you want privacy or your room cleaned; and the bathroom panel controls lighting (there are multiple options, including sexy mood lighting) and the wall-inset television directly over the bathtub. Each room also features a separate sitting area, apart from the comfortable bed, an oversized work desk, free Wi-Fi and in-room fax-machine capability, as well as plush robes.
Take the elevator to the 21st floor to reach the spa and fitness center. The modern design of the spa, replete with wooden accents and earth-tone colors evoke a luxurious nature haven, which, in itself, transports guests from the often-overwhelming bustle of the city. Slink further into Zen mode by indulging in one of the spa’s treatments, like an aromatherapy massage or a Himalayan crystal salt scrub. The spa also offers hair care and makeup services. A short flight of stairs takes you to the fitness center and pool area. The fitness center features machines for every workout, many with personal televisions, and weights. The facility also offers a variety of group fitness classes, like barre, yoga and spinning, that are free for hotel guests. After working out, relax by crossing the hallway to the beautiful glass-enclosed pool room that offers sweeping views of Midtown.
Dining options are aplenty at the Peninsula: Enjoy classic afternoon tea service at Gotham Lounge; enjoy cocktail hour at the Bar at Clement, which offers an impressive selection of wine and champagne; stay at Clement for dinner, and consider the impeccable tasting menu with a wine pairing, which the in-house sommelier helps to curate; and take a separate elevator to the rooftop bar, Salon de Ning, for a nightcap, which features Asian influences in its bar fare and cocktails, indoor and outdoor areas, of course, unparalleled city views.
TIME OUT TIP: One of the city’s most historic (and incredibly beautiful) churches is located near the Peninsula: St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Peep the Neo-Gothic architecture of the Roman Catholic church, which opened in 1879.