One of New York's oldest, most iconic hotels just got a glow-up
It’s hard to make a hotel that’s steeped in history feel fresh and modern. Lots of fabled properties fall by the wayside and become faded glory, but not The Peninsula New York. It holds the accolade of being one of the oldest hotels in Manhattan, built in 1905 (and originally called The Gotham) and its façade has a grandeur that fits its prestigious Fifth Avenue address with its neo-classical columns.
Yet inside, The Peninsula is as glossy as ever – and has recently been given a glow-up. A year-long renovation has transformed its 219 guest rooms, 58 suites and public spaces, taking inspiration its early 20th century heritage.
Rooms feel elegant and airy thanks to a contemporary white-on-white palette. There are nods to Art Deco design with moulded headboards and etched glass, dark wood, lots of marble and Quagliotti bed linens with jacquard textiles. Even the lighting evokes an elegantly bygone era, casting a refined glow that you’ll be compelled to recreate the moment you get back home. In contrast to the sympathetic décor, the in-room technology is super high-tech, with touch-screen tablets that access a 24-hour digital concierge and bedside panels that control temperature and lighting. A giant LED flatscreen TV dominates in the bedroom, but the real kicker is the tiny TV inset into the marble at the end of bath, allowing guests to settle in and watch a movie, should they desire.
Despite a room that caters for every need (on that note, desks have been replaced with a table and two chairs, so guests can sit together to eat their room service instead of plumping for the bed), the team at The Peninsula has also put a great deal of thought into making the rest of your New York experience the best it can be, too. The hotel offers an exclusive programme of events, curated to bring the culture of the city to its guests through a series of intimate and unique opportunities, from a private yacht tour sailing around Manhattan and its five boroughs to a baking masterclass with Soho bakery Maman’s Head Pastry Chef to a private contemporary art tour at the Elizabeth Foundation of the Arts, visiting artists in their studio.
Once you’ve squeezed the joy from the city itself, head back to The Peninsula for the evening. Start with cocktails at the newly renovated PenTop - the inside-out rooftop bar and its outdoor terrace feels as glamorous and airy as the hotel’s interiors with huge planters, deep sofas and iconic views across the city. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun set. Back inside, Clement is the hotel’s signature restaurant, serving locally-sourced modern American foods in its cosy ochre-hued dining room. Brunch here is legendary, with laden pastry baskets, fruit plates and waffles delivered family-style. The Korean-style chicken with Brooklyn hot honey is definitely work saving room for, as is the mimosa – freshly squeezed organic orange juice with Champagne Deutz Brut ‘The Peninsula’.
However you choose to fill your days, save some time to enjoy Peninsula New York’s Spa and Wellness Centre. Stretched over the 21st floor, there’s a staggering amount to choose from, including private and group yoga and meditation (on the sundeck when the weather allows), HIIT, barre, cycling and Reformer Pilates, plus a pool with panoramic views and a lounge that serves its own delicious healthy lunch menu. The Spa is equally abundant with everything from a Red Carpet Healthy Glow facial to a CBD balancing massage and programmes that support everything from detoxing to sleep. Spa brands include French luxe skincare specialists Biologique Recherche to Australian Vedic Aromatherapy experts, Subtle Energies.
As a tourist in the city, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay. But for the buzz of Fifth Avenue, a stone’s throw from Central Park, and good old school glamour – yet with all mod-cons, Peninsula is hard to beat.
BOOK A STAY AT PENINSULA NEW YORK
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