T+L Review of the Peninsula New York

The Peninsula New York is able to adapt without losing its soul in a city which reinvents itself nearly daily. This landmark Beaux-Arts building was built in 1904 and has had many lives. The Peninsula’s East Coast flagship has served as The Peninsula’s East Coast anchor since 1988. The Fifth Avenue anchor blends Old World splendor with modern luxury.

The Peninsula name itself has a history of nearly a century. Peninsula Hotels are known for combining the best of local cultures with impeccable service. The Peninsula Hotels are renowned for combining the best of local culture with impeccable service. New York hotel reflects these commitments while leaning into its own unique identity—a celebration of Manhattan’s Art Deco heritage infused with quiet confidence. The 2024 renovation brought a fresh chapter to the story by introducing updated public spaces while maintaining the historic bones of the building.

The common areas of the 219 guestrooms and suites have been updated with contemporary furnishings and artwork. The hotel’s Gotham Lounge was transformed into a piano bar. Salon de Ning (the former rooftop bar) is now Pen Top. It offers classic New York City cuisine and stunning views of Midtown.

The charm of The Peninsula New York lies in its ability to combine heritage with indulgence. The room I stayed in was an understated study of glamour. It had marble and metallic accents, as well as perfectly calibrated lighting. During my stay I enjoyed swimming in the glass-walled roof pool with a view of midtown. Pen Top was the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail while the Empire State Building shone in the evening sky. I walked to Central Park and the best shopping in New York, but always returned to my hotel to escape the noise of the city.

The Peninsula New York has been a landmark for me, but it still surprises me every time. My full review of The Peninsula New York is below.

The Rooms

The Peninsula New York has recently renovated its guest rooms as part of its revamp for 2024. Each of the 219 rooms and suites balances a muted color palette with Fifth Avenue glam—marble and metallic accents gently punctuate the spaces, nodding to the hotel’s art deco history. Accommodations are equipped with thoughtful details like peony- and musk scented bathroom toiletries. The guests are welcomed by a delicious gift, an assortment of New York themed cookies. Each cookie is perched beneath a glass cover and comes with the origin story.

Marble bathrooms with their deep soaking tubs are particularly luxurious. They also have upscale amenities like built-in televisions. The rooms feature a variety of tech features that are subtle but useful: wireless charging, intuitive lighting controls and blackout shades. The higher floors offer sweeping views of the midtown skyscrapers while the lower floors are a great way to experience Fifth Avenue, with all its energy and street noise.

Food and Drink

The Peninsula New York also offers three other dining options, in addition to the 24-hour room service: Clement Restaurant and Gotham Lounge. Clement was not on my list of dining options because I preferred a more casual dinner. However, other guests have described it as a stylish setting with polished American cuisine, and a luxurious breakfast. Gotham Lounge, an intimate space inspired by a townhouse, offers vintage cocktails with street views.

The 23rd-floor rooftop is the most glamorous bar in the hotel. This combines classic cocktails with the best views over midtown. The retractable enclosure allows it to be open all year round, making it perfect for both summer sunsets and winter evenings. You can’t deny the allure of a cocktail with a view of the Empire State Building lit up at night.

Activities and Experiences

Few Manhattan hotels offer an indoor pool with skyline view. This one is not an afterthought. It’s a true showpiece. The hotel’s indoor pool is located on the 19th-floor and features floor-to-ceiling glass and stylish plantscaping. This serene oasis allows guests to enjoy the view from a 360-degree vantage point. The fitness room is a large space for a city hotel, with modern equipment and plenty of light.

In this part of town, you’ll want a concierge service that is knowledgeable, efficient and willing to help with last-minute Broadway or dinner reservations. The Peninsula’s staff is determined to maintain a high standard of service that has become a rarity in New York City hotels.

The Spa

The Peninsula Spa isn’t just an amenity—it’s a destination in itself. It’s located high above Midtown and offers a tranquil respite, with private treatment areas, a tea room, gender-separated relaxing spaces, and a range of treatments that are both luxurious and deeply regenerative.

The hotel has a Vu-Nguyen Hair Salon, with a team of expert hairstylists.

Offers for Families

The Peninsula New York’s staff does their best to accommodate families, even though it is best for couples and business travelers. Kids are given thoughtful welcome gifts, such as bath toys. When the concierge learned that I’m the mother to twins aged seven, he gave me a little toy car to take home. As anyone who has traveled with young kids knows, the pool alone can be worth the admission price when you are trying to entertain your energetic traveling companions.

The hotel suites are large enough to make traveling easier with kids. You can also walk or take a cab to kid-friendly attractions like the Central Park Zoo and FAO Schwarz Toy Store, as well as the Museum of Modern Art.

Accessibility and sustainability

The Peninsula New York is committed to ensuring accessibility on the entire property. There are accessible entrances and elevators for all floors. Accessible rooms have adapted bathrooms. Staff are always ready to help guests with any concerns.

The Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels, parent company of The Peninsula Hotels has released its Sustainable Luxury Vision 2030, a roadmap to achieve the company’s environmental and community long-term goals. The company has a number of initiatives in place, including reducing the use of plastics across all its hotels as well as upgrading its facilities to reduce their environmental footprint. The Peninsula New York was awarded EarthCheck certification in the year 2024.

Location

The Peninsula New York has the best midtown location. Walking out the front door in the early morning makes you feel like you’re in the middle of all the shopping in New York. Fifth Avenue extends in both directions. Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art, and Central Park are all within walking distance.

Leisure guests get unbeatable access—most of it walkable—to New York’s museums, theaters, and landmarks. As with many Manhattan hotelsWithin a block radius, there are more dining and coffee options.

Book Now

Peninsula New York is a part of American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts The Edit by Chase Travel also offers free WiFi, early and late check in and out (based on available rooms), room upgrades (based upon availability), and a $100 hotel credit that can be used throughout the stay.

Get special rates on nights at The Peninsula New York Starts at $895

Each T+L Hotel Review is written by a reporter or editor who has visited the hotel. The hotel chosen must also align with our standards. core values.