I’m planning a trip to New York City and exploring the different hotels. The Peninsula New York seems like a wonderful option, especially after its recent updates. Here’s what I’ve found for planning your own visit.
Staying at The Peninsula New York
The Peninsula New York is part of a well-known luxury hotel chain that started in Asia. This hotel is considered their U.S. flagship. It’s located in a beautiful building that used to be the Gotham Hotel and was built in 1905. The Peninsula has been in this location since 1988.
The hotel recently had a big renovation. Now, it has 219 rooms and suites. The rooftop bar and the lobby area, called Palm Court, have also been updated. It’s a great place if you’re looking for a fancy stay in the heart of the city.
Modern and Luxurious Rooms
Even the regular rooms at The Peninsula are quite large for New York City, starting at 370 square feet. They feel very fresh and luxurious after their makeover by Bill Rooney Studio.
The colors inside the rooms are much lighter and more airy now. Instead of older, darker colors, you’ll find soft silver, pretty topaz-blue curtains, and interesting geometric carpets. The furniture is also new, with stylish bed headboards and elegant tables that can also serve as desks.
Of course, you’ll still find the smart Peninsula technology, like tablets to control the lights, temperature, and even order room service. I noted that some rooms have views looking out over Fifth Avenue towards other famous hotels.
The minibars are stocked with nice items, including special drinks. The bathrooms were already quite grand, with marble and stone. They mostly kept that feel, adding new lighting. Some bathrooms even have a small TV in the wall, which is a fun extra.
The hotel uses special bath products made just for them, with nice scents. I also spotted a small mix-up with products from another Peninsula hotel, which was a funny little detail. Overall, the rooms feel brighter and more peaceful than they used to.
Making the Most of Your Room
What are the room sizes like?
Rooms start at a large 370 square feet, offering plenty of space.
What kind of technology is in the rooms?
You can use tablets to control room features and order service.
Enjoying the Rooftop Bar
The Pen Top Bar and Terrace on the rooftop is a really special spot. It’s been updated to have a more modern feel. There’s a cozy indoor area, but the best part is the outdoor terrace with amazing views of Fifth Avenue.
These outdoor tables can be popular, so it’s best to arrive early, especially around sunset. You can also reserve a table if you plan to spend a certain amount. The drinks menu has some creative options alongside classic cocktails. The bar is open most evenings.
Tips for the Rooftop Bar
When is the best time to visit?
Arrive before sunset to get the best tables outside.
Do I need to book the rooftop in advance?
Tables are first-come, first-served, but can be reserved with a minimum spend.
Booking the Best Rates
It is often a good idea to book stays at The Peninsula New York through travel partners. Sometimes these bookings come with extra perks like room upgrades (if available), later check-out times, or credits to use at the hotel. These can add real value to your stay.
One of the best perks I found can be daily breakfast for two. For a luxury hotel like this, that can save you a lot of money each day.
Dining Options at the Hotel
What about breakfast at the hotel?
You can enjoy breakfast at the hotel’s main restaurant, Clement.
What are some breakfast choices?
Options like smoked salmon with a bagel or shakshuka are available.
The hotel’s main restaurant, Clement, is where breakfast is usually served. The dining room has a nice feel, with a long hand-painted wall depicting garden scenes. I looked at the menu, and a breakfast like smoked salmon with a bagel and coffee can add up quickly if you order a la carte.
You can also order breakfast through room service, which can be very convenient, especially if you have children with you. I found that room service arrived quickly and was still hot. They offer dishes like spicy shakshuka, which sounds delicious.
Clement also has a bar that is busy in the evenings, serving drinks and some food options like a lobster roll or Korean fried chicken. For something a bit more casual, the Gotham Bar offers classic dishes and New York favorites like a Reuben sandwich.
When planning your stay, consider booking a rate that includes breakfast to save on your food costs.
Grand Public Spaces and Art
The building itself is quite impressive, with its Beaux-Arts style. When you enter, you notice the grand staircase, beautiful floral arrangements, and a sparkling chandelier. The ceilings are also very ornate.
Throughout the hotel, you’ll find a collection of modern paintings. The hotel also hosts artists through its “Art in Resonance” program, which adds a nice cultural touch to your visit. There are new art pieces planned that aim to capture the energy of New York City.
Exploring the Hotel’s Art
What makes the hotel’s interior special?
The Beaux-Arts building features a grand staircase and ornate ceilings.
Is there art in the hotel?
Yes, contemporary paintings are displayed throughout the public spaces.
The Spa and Fitness Facilities
The hotel has a spa on the 21st floor offering a variety of treatments. They use high-quality product lines for facials and massages. Some of the treatments are quite luxurious and come with a higher price point, but they use top-tier brands.
One level up, on the 22nd floor, is the gym. It’s a spacious area with lots of natural light and great views of the city. It’s well-equipped with modern machines, including Peloton bikes. They also offer group fitness classes, and you can arrange for personal training sessions if you wish.
For families, the pool area on the same floor as the gym is popular. It has natural light from the windows and comfortable seating. It seems to be a favorite spot for families with younger children, but it can also be a quiet place.
What Services Are Available?
What can you do at the spa?
The spa offers various treatments, including facials and massages.
Is the gym well-equipped?
Yes, it features modern cardio and weight machines, plus Peloton bikes.
When I was looking into hotels for our family trip, I always consider places where both the adults and the kids can find something enjoyable. For instance, if Emma and Sofia were with me, having a nice pool would be a big plus. The Peninsula has an indoor pool which I found is popular with families, so that’s a good sign for keeping children entertained. The gym also looks like it has enough equipment for a good workout if you need one during your stay. I’m also looking into their spa options, as a little relaxation can be wonderful on a busy trip.
Exceptional Service
The service at The Peninsula New York is known to be top-notch. Staff members are diligent and discreet, making sure guests feel well taken care of. They are attentive without being intrusive.
I learned that they offer flexible check-in and check-out times, which they call “Peninsula Time.” This can be incredibly helpful, especially if you have an early arrival or a late departure, making your travel days much smoother. They aim to have your room ready when you arrive if you let them know your schedule.
Small details matter, like how quickly they respond to requests, such as a bucket of ice. Housekeeping is also mindful of your schedule, servicing rooms when you are out and performing turndown service in the evening. The staff seem to have mastered efficient and friendly service.
Understanding the Service Standards
What is “Peninsula Time”?
It offers flexible check-in and check-out times.
How is the staff’s attentiveness?
They provide diligent and discreet service to guests.
Accessibility Features
The Peninsula New York offers accessible rooms and suites designed to accommodate guests with different needs. These accommodations include features like wheelchair-accessible routes within the room, accessible bathrooms with grab bars or roll-in showers, and lower counter heights.
For guests who need them, the hotel can also provide special communication kits and alarms. These can include vibrating alarms, visual alarms, and TTY kits.
Getting around the hotel is also managed with accessibility in mind. While the main entrance has stairs, there is an alternative entrance through the Pen Top area that allows wheelchair users to access reception via an elevator. Elevators are also available to reach the spa and fitness areas, and the pool has a chair lift for easier entry and exit.
Planning for Accessible Travel
What accessible room options are available?
Accessible rooms and suites have features like roll-in showers.
How can guests with mobility issues enter the hotel?
An alternate entrance near Pen Top leads to elevators.
As a writer who focuses on family travel, I always look for places that welcome everyone. It makes planning trips much easier when you know there are options like accessible rooms and thoughtful features. For example, if I were traveling with a relative who uses a wheelchair, knowing about the special entrance and the pool lift would be very important to me. It shows that the hotel has considered different guest needs, which is a big part of creating a comfortable and safe experience for everyone.
Booking and Location
The Peninsula Hotels doesn’t have its own loyalty program. However, you can often book this hotel through programs like American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Edit by Chase Travel. These programs can provide benefits similar to elite status, even if you don’t have it. The rates are usually the same as booking directly.
Rates for rooms can start around $895 per night, with larger rooms like the Grand Luxe starting closer to $975 per night. It’s always a good idea to check current prices and any special offers when you plan your trip, as these details can change.
Finding the Best Deals
How can I get good rates?
Book through travel partners for potential extra benefits.
What are the typical room costs?
Rates generally start around $895 per night.
The Peninsula New York is located right at the corner of Fifth Avenue and West 55th Street. This spot is very convenient for both business and sightseeing. You can easily walk to many offices in Midtown. It’s also close to several subway stations, making it easy to get around the city.
You’re just around the corner from the Museum of Modern Art and a short walk from Carnegie Hall and Central Park. If you’re planning to see a Broadway show, most theaters are within a 15-20 minute walk. This central location makes it a great base for exploring everything New York City has to offer.
Final Thoughts on The Peninsula
The Peninsula New York remains a top choice for a luxury hotel experience in the city. Its recent updates have given its rooms and public areas a fresh, modern feel. Combined with its stunning rooftop views and exceptional service, it offers a comfortable and refined stay. For anyone planning a visit to New York, its central location and amenities make it an excellent option for exploring.
