As harsh as this winter has been, I have been craving a reset as Spring begins to bloom. Nothing like a solo staycation to recharge and rejuvenate myself. So, I checked into the well known 5-star NYC hotel The Peninsula on 5th Avenue for two days of luxury and relaxation. Drawn in by being one of the few hotels with a spa in NYC (sauna, steam room and climate-controlled pool) it was exactly what I needed.
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First Impressions of The Peninsula New York
Nestled in a prime spot on 5th Avenue, just two or three blocks from the now-iconic suitcase-shaped Louis Vuitton store, sits the renowned Peninsula Hotel. Its grand stone façade exudes timeless elegance, setting the tone before you even step inside. While the lobby was smaller than expected, it was elegantly decorated, especially with the brilliant chandelier and twin staircases leading up to the front desk. I was warmly welcomed, guided through the hotel’s amenities, and then shown to the elevators after receiving my room key.
The Peninsula New York Rooms: What to Expect
Booked through the American Express Concierge, I was able to secure a room upgrade along with some nice perks like complimentary continental breakfast and a $100 hotel credit to use on food, drinks, or at the spa. The room itself was modern, spacious, and had one of the best hotel room views in NYC, directly facing the suitcase-shaped Louis Vuitton store on Fifth Avenue.
The bed was soft and cozy, so much so that I found myself lounging in it for quite some time and almost forgot to take photos of the bathroom! The bathroom featured both a tub and a separate shower. One of my favorite parts of the stay was how most of the room’s features like the lights, TV, and sleep sounds were all controlled by a touchscreen remote The recent renovations were clearly noticeable compared to the older photos I had seen online, and they definitely felt like a welcome upgrade.
The Peninsula New York Room Service Review
Before I even placed a room service order, I was pleasantly surprised to find a plate of fresh fruits along with a couple of macaroons waiting in the room. I started wondering, do all 5-star NYC hotels offer macaroons? The Plaza did the same! Everything was delicious, but I had skipped breakfast to save room for a proper lunch before heading to the spa and pool.
I used the in-room touchscreen remote to call the kitchen, and the ordering process was smooth. The staff member on the phone kindly walked me through several menu items, even going into detail about the wine and champagne options. My order arrived quickly: Egg fried rice, The Peninsula beef burger, and a glass of Deutz ‘The Peninsula’ Brut NV champagne.
After staying at other 5-star hotels in NYC, I had pretty high expectations for the food, but honestly, I wasn’t that impressed. The cheeseburger lacked the juiciness I was hoping for, and the fried rice was just okay, which really shouldn’t be the case given the prices being charged.
Later in the evening, I decided to give room service another try hoping it would be better this time and wanting to use the rest of my food and beverage credit for dinner. I ordered the house-made tortilla chips, Chilean seabass, and freshly baked Peninsula signature cookies For the cookies, I specifically asked for all oatmeal raisin, normally the variety also includes chocolate chip and peanut butter flavor.
Unfortunately, dinner turned out to be a letdown as well. I couldn’t finish the house-made tortilla chips as they lacked crunch and were too greasy for my taste. The Chilean sea bass was dry and lacked the seasoning I was hoping for. While the oatmeal cookies were sweet and enjoyable, they weren’t all oatmeal raisin as I had requested. In the end, I only ate about half the meal before calling it a night.
In the end, breakfast couldn’t redeem what had become a consistent weak point during my stay the food. The Continental Breakfast included a choice of fruit juice, a breakfast basket with croissants and toast, and eggs benedict. While the eggs benedict was just okay, the juice tasted too sweet and likely wasn’t freshly squeezed. The only part I truly enjoyed was the variety of jams and the flaky croissants.
Spa, Pool & Gym at The Peninsula New York
Walking into the spa, I immediately felt calm and relaxed thanks to the peaceful ambiance. The front desk staff was kind and attentive, taking time to explain how to use the sauna and steam room before guiding me to the facilities. A nice bonus, both the sauna and steam room are complimentary for hotel guests. I ended up using just the sauna and felt completely at ease afterward, sipping on the fresh lemon water they provided.
After enjoying the spa, I headed to the indoor pool and it looked even better in person than the photos I’d seen online. When I arrived, the space was quiet and completely empty, which made it even more enjoyable. Swimming a few laps and then unwinding on the lounge chairs was definitely a highlight. There were plenty of towels available, and a staff attendant was present to assist and answer any questions.
Right next to the indoor pool is the gym. I didn’t work out, just walked around to check it out. It was a good size and even had a private room for workouts or yoga There were plenty of cool towels, fresh apples, and water available to help you have an optimal workout experience.
In-Room Spa Experience at The Peninsula New York
Since I had a 12pm late checkout, I ordered the Life Lived Best in-room spa bath experience before heading out. First, they brought over the well-known Peninsula Spa New York Signature Ginger Tea it was soothing and full of flavor, a perfect way to wrap up a relaxing staycation.
Soon after finishing the tea, I expected a spa staff member to come in and draw the bath, setting up the salts and oils Instead, they brought a tray with everything and included instructions on how to do it myself. The tea and bath experience was still a lovely way to end the stay, though the shape of the tub was a bit uncomfortable on my neck at times. Still, I enjoyed it overall.
Final Verdict: Is The Peninsula New York Worth It?
Must-Go Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Overall, I had a pleasant stay. The staff and service were just what you’d expect from a 5-star hotel on Fifth Avenue. However, the food being just average was a bit of a letdown. That said, I really enjoyed the spa and the pool. If I had stayed longer, I probably would have made use of the gym too. If you’re considering a visit, you can check out The Peninsula’s website. Also, set the mood before you visit check out our curated Spotify playlist inspired by our stay at The Peninsula. And if you’re looking for a fun spot nearby during your stay, don’t miss our review of Bar Orai — The One Drink Spot You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner!
