PHOTO: The Peninsula Hotel

Fodor's Expert Review The Peninsula

Name: The Peninsula
Address: 700 5th Ave., at 55th St., New York, New york, 10019, USA
Telephone: 212-956–2888;800-262–9467
Price range: $$$$

700 5th Ave., at 55th St., New York, New york 10019, USA See on Map Fodor's Choice

Jessica Colley Clarke

When you step through the Beaux Arts façade and onto the grand staircase at the Peninsula, you know you’re in for a glitzy treat. Amenities are downright decadent, from the rooftop Peninsula Spa with indoor pool to the Salon de Ning rooftop bar with dazzling Midtown views. Service is world-class and personalized.

Photo: The Peninsula Hotel

room

Starting at 370-square feet, rooms are luxurious retreats with plush fabrics, king-size beds, and large work desks. Excellent high-tech amenities include a bedside console that controls the lighting, sound, and thermostat.

In all but standard rooms, there is a soaking tub with a TV mounted above. This feature is worth an upgrade from the most basic room.

Photo: The Peninsula Hotel

bathroom

Marble bathrooms have Oscar de la Renta bath products, bathrobes and slippers, and most have a walk-in shower with separate deep soaking tub.

Photo: The Peninsula Hotel

lobby

A large chandelier glows over the grand staircase in the lobby, an elegant space always stocked with beautiful flower arrangements.

Photo: The Peninsula Hotel

pool

Located in the Peninsula rooftop Spa, the indoor pool is a glass-enclosed space flanked by lounge chairs. The space also has a large fitness center and a sun terrace with loungers, umbrellas, and city skyline views.

Photo: The Peninsula Hotel

dining

Clement Restaurant offers a fine dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bar at Clement is a more relaxed space for cocktails and small Asian-inspired bites.

Photo: The Peninsula Hotel

drinking

The Salon de Ning, bedecked with Chinese-style daybeds, may be the most famous rooftop bar in Manhattan. The Gotham Lounge is known for its afternoon tea.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Nothing comes cheap at this property and rooftop drinks are particularly expensive.

Photo: The Peninsula Hotel

LOCATION

Getting Around

Located on 5^th Avenue and 55^th Street, this hotel is in a good position for exploring Midtown East and its attractions on foot. Central Park is also a quick stroll away. Subway access is a bit limited, with the E and M trains at 53^rd Street/5^th Avenue and the F train at 57^th Street/6^th Avenue. Taxis and Uber are widely available, but traffic congestion can be a problem.

Restaurants

Chickens slowly rotating on the rotisserie can be seen through the open kitchen at Rotisserie Georgette (7-minute walk), a rustic French restaurant with an elegant dining room. The Modern (6-minute walk) overlooks the sculpture garden at the Museum of Modern Art and has been awarded two Michelin stars. For a casual breakfast or lunch, Bouchon Bakery (8-minute walk) produces reliably flaky croissants and sandwiches on fresh baguettes.

Bars

Across the street from the Peninsula in the St. Regis, the King Cole Bar (1-minute walk) is a glamorous place to raise a cocktail. Morrell Wine Bar (8-minute walk) has a lovely outdoor terrace during the warm months and serves more than 150 wines by the glass.

WHY WE LIKE IT

A combination of genuine New York history and contemporary luxury make this property stand out from other five-star hotels. We love the rooftop indoor pool with outdoor sun lounge and the legendary Salon De Ning rooftop bar.