Sometimes when you’re planning a trip to NYC, you just want a classic New York experience. You want a hotel that you step into and think to yourself: “Yes—I am at a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan that feels like a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan.” The Peninsula New York is that hotel. That’s due, in large part, to a winning combination of its landmarked 1905 Beaux Arts building and a new state-of-the-art renovation. On a recent stay at the property, I had a lovely experience that felt both worlds away from the hectic streets outside and also physically (and spiritually) never far from Fifth Avenue.
Why stay at The Peninsula New York?
The Peninsula Hotels is an international chain of luxury hotels operated by Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels. Founded in 1928 by the Kadoorie family, the hotel group now has operations around the world—including properties in NYC, Los Angeles and Chicago. The Peninsula New York is the U.S. flagship property of the group. The historic building that it occupies originally opened as the Gotham Hotel in 1905 with a striking limestone and granite facade meant to complement the nearby University Club. After going through a few different incarnations, it opened as The Peninsula New York in 1988.
You can sense those layers of history as you move through the hotel—especially when you first walk in and encounter the grand, marble double-staircase that brings you to check-in and the hotel’s restaurants and bars. In addition to the elevated surroundings, a stay at The Peninsula is worth it for the spacious suites, refined dining options, rooftop bar with jaw-dropping city views and fantastic on-site spa. (The spa also features a one-of-a-kind amenity: an indoor pool where you can swim laps surrounded by skyscrapers.)
What are the rooms like at The Peninsula New York?
The 219 rooms at The Peninsula New York feel like an upscale Manhattan apartment. It’s a sleek and contemporary aesthetic with a light color palette, cool tones and thoughtfully placed art and objects that speak to its central location. We were given a suite with an expansive living area, comfortable bedroom and a showstopper of a bathroom complete with a large soaking tub and in-tub television. (I have to say, having an in-tub TV was a first for me!) As part of the recent renovation, all rooms now come complete with a touchscreen tablet providing access to a digital concierge as well as room controls. Luxurious Quagliotti bed linens round out the picture.
What restaurants and bars are at The Peninsula New York?
A stay at the Peninsula wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the venue’s newly refreshed rooftop Pen Top. The lovely rooftop, which has both indoor and outdoor areas, provides a unique view of midtown—incluing a jaw-dropping bird’s eye perspective up and down Fifth Avenue. From November through March, Pen Top also has luxurious private outdoor igloos that you can rent for a unique night out. (I’m told that, not surprisingly, they’ve seen many proposals.) On the lobby level, the hotel has a signature restaurant, Clement, with seasonal American fare and the Bar at Clement, an inviting lounge with craft cocktails. The Gotham Lounge is a bar off of the lobby with live piano music. Room service is also available.
What is the spa and pool like?
Hands down, the most unique amenity at The Peninsula New York is its stunning indoor pool. The pool is in a glass enclosed room with a conservatory feel that provides panoramic views. It’s also connected to an outdoor sun deck during the warmer months. It’s by far the most impressive indoor hotel pool I’ve ever seen in NYC. The pool is connected via staircase to the hotel’s award-winning spa which offers an expansive menu of treatments including massages, facials and more. I had a (welcomingly firm) 60-minute signature massage with some lovely aromatherapy. Before the treatment, I was able to relax in the tea lounge which features a number of relaxing, interconnected rooms. The expansive locker rooms have steam rooms, saunas and ice fountains to keep things cool.
What’s the area like around The Peninsula New York?
The Peninsula New York is located in the middle of midtown with all of the benefits of being smack-dab in the middle of the universe. The hotel is on Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s most famous shopping districts, and it’s just around the corner from the Museum of Modern Art. It’s a few blocks from Central Park, Times Square, the Theater District, Rockefeller Center and most major NYC tourist attractions. The bar and restaurant scene in the area also boasts hot spots like Four Twenty Five, The Grill and Polo Bar and most major subway lines are within walking distance. If this is your first time in NYC, it’s a great place to stay.
Why should you book a stay at The Peninsula New York?
This hotel is for travelers looking for an elevated experience in the center of NYC. It’s perfect for those looking for a homebase that feels more like a luxury apartment building than a bespoke boutique experience—as well as a location that offers extensive spa and wellness options. Thanks to its recent renovation, the suites have a new freshness and polish and provide a high level of comfort whether you have an in-tub television or not. Also, the indoor pool is one you’ll remember for quite some time.