The hype
Travelers universally adore the staff's 'white glove' service and the stunning new room designs, but many balk at the astronomical food and drink prices.
The Peninsula New York
$975-1800/ night
Book this if You want the gravitas of old-school Fifth Avenue luxury with brand-new, tech-forward interiors and a pool that floats above Midtown.
Why People Love It
- The 'Peninsula Time' policy (check-in 6am, out 10pm) is a genuine industry-leading perk
- Newly renovated rooms (completed late 2024) finally match the grand Beaux-Arts facade
- The glass-enclosed indoor pool offers rare, serene views of the Manhattan skyline
Quick Take: It’s a grand dame that just got a facelift, so while the lobby screams 1905, the room tech is strictly 2025.
Reviewed by @Worldwide_winston: I brought my Corgi here for a weekend splurge and it was unforgettable. From the custom dog bed to the silver-tray room service for him, they didn't just tolerate my pet—they celebrated him. Waking up to that Fifth Avenue view with my best friend was pure magic.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Even with the renovation, the 'Grand Luxe' rooms facing Fifth Avenue can still let in the faint hum of the city—silence seekers should request the courtyard.
- You need flexible arrival/departure times (the 6am check-in is a lifesaver for red-eye arrivals)
- You prioritize a high-end gym and pool with a view over a dark basement workout room
- You want to be steps from MoMA and Fifth Avenue shopping
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Impeccable twice-daily service with turndown. Staff are thorough and 'white-glove' standard.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling new marble surfaces post-renovation. No mold or grout issues found.
- Maintenance: Generally excellent, though isolated reports of plumbing/hot water fluctuations in newly renovated rooms exist.
- Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count, and brand new following the 2024 refit.
- Odors & scents: Signature Peninsula scent (subtle floral/citrus) in lobby; rooms are fresh and neutral.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Fifth Avenue traffic (sirens, honking) for street-facing rooms
- Hallway noise if near the elevators in the busy main tower
Before you book
Good to know
- Book directly or via a luxury advisor to guarantee the 'Peninsula Time' (6am check-in / 10pm check-out) benefit.
- The house car (often a customized Mini Cooper) is available for short drops within Midtown—first come, first served.
- The spa's steam room and sauna are complimentary for all guests, even without booking a treatment.
What to pack
- Swimsuit for the glass-enclosed pool (it's a must-do)
- Smart casual attire for the Gotham Lounge and Clement (no shorts/flip-flops)
- Earplugs if you absolutely must have the Fifth Avenue view but are a light sleeper
Room Genie
Best picks
- Grand Luxe Room (for the iconic Fifth Avenue view, ask for a high floor)
- Superior Suite (for total silence, these face the interior courtyard)
- Junior Suite (best value for extra space without the full suite price tag)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Superior Rooms on low floors facing 55th Street (can be darker and noisier)
- Rooms directly below the Pen Top rooftop bar if you are a light sleeper
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a 'Grand Luxe' room on a high floor (15+) for the best light, or a courtyard-facing suite if available to ensure absolute quiet. Please verify the shower hot water pressure is fully functional prior to arrival.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the renovation actually finished?
Yes, the comprehensive refurbishment of rooms, lobby, and rooftop was completed in September 2024.
Does the hotel allow pets?
Yes, up to 60 lbs for a fee of ~$150 per stay. They provide beds and bowls.
Is breakfast included?
Typically no, unless booked via a specific package or luxury travel advisor. A la carte is pricey ($30+ for oatmeal).
How is the wifi?
Excellent and free. The new room tech includes dedicated bedside controls and strong signal.
Can I check in early?
If you book directly, yes—as early as 6:00 AM with 'Peninsula Time' at no extra cost.
Is there a dress code?
Smart casual is expected in public areas. The rooftop Pen Top is dressier in the evenings.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Peninsula Time' perk is not automatic for third-party bookings (Expedia, etc.)—you must book direct or via a Virtuoso agent.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast one day and walk 5 minutes to Ess-a-Bagel for a legendary (and cheaper) NYC experience.
- ✨
The spa has a 'relaxation lounge' with beds that is one of the most peaceful spots in Midtown—use it even if you just get a manicure.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'hot water' issue in some new showers is a known post-reno glitch—test your tap immediately upon entry.
💡The lobby is actually quite small; the grandeur is vertical (the staircase), not horizontal.
💡You can hear the church bells from St. Thomas Church next door—charming to some, annoying to others.
💡The in-room tablets control *everything*, which can be frustrating if you just want to turn on a lamp manually.
💡The 'courtyard view' is really just a view of the building's own HVAC systems and walls, but it is dead silent.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Peninsula New York is located and what's nearby.