The Peninsula New York is peak luxury in the heart of the city
One of the city’s most reputable addresses, the Peninsula New York has undergone a major refurbishment
Words: Zak Maoui
The Peninsula may be a relatively new name in London, but over in New York City the hotel has been making waves on the scene since it flung open its doors at a Fifth Avenue-located, neo-classical, Beaux-Arts building in 1988. A beacon of the New York City high life, the Hiss & Weekes-designed building was constructed in 1905 and formerly housed the Gotham hotel, while in the early 1960s, the basement contained one of New York’s first high-end nightclubs.
Today, with the Peninsula group, it has kept all of the grandeur of yesteryear, and remains a symbol of Manhattanite luxury, within touching distance of Central Park, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue’s world-famous boutiques. The hotel, which spans 23 floors and has an impressive 219 guest rooms and suites, has been given a slight revamp, bringing it into the modern era, without skimping on any of the old world charm that made it a midtown attraction in the first place. It's still the place for the well-to-do, or those not afraid to throw some cash at their stay.
Case in point, the inspiration for the revamp, which sees the majority of public spaces, as well as each and every one of the rooms, get a lick of paint, drew inspiration from the elegance of Manhattan’s Roaring 1920s era. This is all too evident in the grand entrance hall, with its magnificent chandelier overlooking the dramatic double-height entry lobby and sweeping marble double-staircase. It's the sort of space that you'd expect to be frequented by the greats of Old Hollywood like Gene Kelly or Sydney Poitier, or in more recent years, 21st Century stars Ariana Grande, Drake and Lady Gaga (they've all enjoyed stays). Further along, the Palm Court - the hotel’s central atrium - features a newly commissioned triptych by contemporary artist Mexican artist Ricardo Mazal, which was inspired by nature and representing human energy in the city. It's a very fine spot in its own right, but the artwork lifts it beyond mere entrance hall and into a space to be marvelled at.
When it comes to its restaurants and bars, the Peninsula is unrivalled by any of the other hotels in midtown. To the side of the lobby is the Gotham Lounge, a nod to the hotel's first iteration, as well as the city that never sleeps. A piano bar at heart, the Gotham Lounge harks back to a time when the soulful melodies of a resident pianist were prevalent across New York City's hotels. It's here that you can reach for your night cap, or enjoy a low-key meal, away from the bustle of central Manhattan.
Up top, high above the intersection of 55th Street and Fifth Avenue, the impressive Pen Top (formerly Salon de Ning), is the place to be seen in New York City. With the city’s iconic skyline as the backdrop, it's the prime location for its extensive list of martinis and other classic and modern libations alongside a thoughtfully curated wine bottle selection. But it's the not the place to come solely for a cocktail and an Instagram-worthy picture. It's a place to savour the moment, because with a queue out the door, you might not get another shot at a seat.
There is also the Clement, the main restaurant, which exudes the luxury you'd expect from a Midtown spot. Large windows give you vantage point viewing of the shoppers on Fifth Avenue and it's the perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, with a menu by Executive Chef Malte Kontor, who has trained in Japanese, French, German and Italian cuisines. Our advice? Book in for the Fifth Avenue Weekend Brunch, which offers up a selection of sweet and savoury classics made using local and seasonal ingredients. Truffle egg omelette and Catskills smoked salmon? Perfect before a spot of sight-seeing or credit card flashing on Fifth.
It's with the bedrooms that the Peninsula really shines among a mass of other hotels in Manhattan. Each of the 219 rooms has been overhauled to suit a modern era of hotels, and the design team has said that each is intended to reflect the calm of classic New York apartments. The newly renovated Superior Rooms are the tranquil retreats for anyone in the city for a short stop, be it work or play, with grey, taupe, and gold decorating the spaces and interior courtyard views on offer. The Grand Luxe Rooms are the largest guest rooms, painted akin to the Superior Rooms, but have oversized windows that offer unbelievable city views. All bedrooms now have been updated with a state-of-the-art tech system - touch-screen tablets control the lighting and temperatures of rooms, as well as granting access to the hotel’s 24-hour digital concierge. Yep, including from the bath.
Up in the eaves of the building sits the Peninsula Spa, which merits a Five-Star rating from Forbes. An oasis quite literally above the concrete jungle, the newly-renovated spa offers an indoor heated pool, with views across Central Park and beyond, as well as a selection of treatments made in partnership with holistic brand Subtle Energies.
The Peninsula New York is the ideal spot for anyone wishing to hit up Midtown and its roster of shops with ease, a working professional with business in the city, or someone simply after somewhere to stay slap bang in the middle of the Big Apple, that still offers an oasis of luxurious calm (which can be hard to come by).
Nightly rates at The Peninsula New York start from £1,216 per room. To book head to peninsula.com.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
