Touching down in New York City was a dream come true for me! 30 years young and I hadn’t yet visited the East Coast. Landing at JFK, we were picked up in true NY style, in a big black Chevrolet, for an hour's drive from the airport to where I'd be spending just 48 blissful hours at the iconic Peninsula, New York.
After a smooth drive into Midtown, we rocked up (quite literally - sunglasses, heaps of luggage) at the beautiful, grand and newly refurbished hotspot, in New York's prime location. Sat on the luxurious corner where Fifth Avenue meets 55th Street, the location is unparalleled. On top of Central Park, minutes from the department stores such as Saks Fifth Av, and NYC Gem; Bergoff Goodman, with the infamous Polo Bar Lounge one street away and the MoMa just around the corner. Beautiful cathedrals such as St. Thomas, and St. Pauls are a short walk away and Times Square is a stone's throw.
The Timeless Charm of The Peninsula
Known for its luxe and grandeur, with the flagship opening in Hong Kong in December of 1928, The Peninsula is a brand with stories to tell.
Their New York location, housed in a stunning Neoclassical-style building, is a masterpiece in its own right. Built in 1905 and once known as The Gotham, it closed in the 1960s, and was closed for over a decade—until the Peninsula acquired it in the 1980s. Reopening in 1988, it became the grand Peninsula New York we know today. But not quite…
Summer of this year marks the extraordinary refurb which they’ve only just completed. The luxurious rebrand of 219 rooms and 58 suites has been done floor by floor, the hotel now boasts a three-floor spa, a world-class gym (finished the very day we arrived!), and spacious, tech-savvy rooms.
What are the rooms like?
Following its recent luxurious refurbishment, the rooms are pure indulgence, and my Grand Luxe room overlooking Fifth Avenue was no exception. The pictures don't do it justice, they are glamorous and charming and spacious. I was instantly impressed by the tech in the room, mini iPad devices act like phones, and tablets control everything from the lighting to the temperature to the sound. Lazy luxury anyone?
On arrival, I was welcomed with chocolate-covered strawberries, and a mini empire state building entirely made of chocolate with my name on it. It’s these small, thoughtful touches that make The Peninsula a class of its own.
What does the rest of the hotel have to offer?
We had just enough time for a quick shower, outfit change and makeup touch-up before heading up to the rooftop haven twenty-two floors up, which is home to the Peninsula’s beautiful Japanese open-top lounge “Pen-Top”, with views of the city that left me speechless. Delicious cocktails (and mocktails) awaited, and a snack menu if you prefer to skip dinner for sunset city views. Having no idea what casual is, I went full glam; donning a red maxi dress, leather gloves, and Celine sunnies.
Night 1, Dinner at Benoit
Luckily for us, we were heading downstairs for a beautiful dinner at Benoit, Alain Duccass’s amazing Parisian joint in the big city, modelled after the Paris original, and all about shared pleasure around the table.
If the chef is Alain Ducasse, need I say more? As one of France’s most famous and the first chef to be awarded three Michelin stars in three different cities simultaneously, we knew we were in for a treat.
On offer at Benoit, is classic French food with Duccasse’s signature flare and an extensive list of 1500 bottles of wine… would you expect anything less from a French chef?
To start? Snails, ovbs. Fully prepared for tomorrow's garlic breath, I dived straight in. The table was scattered with an array of dishes from Pâté en croûte to Brandade croquettes, and charcuterie boards - all equally delicious. I settled on the Filet Mignon for my main, as did most of the table - and the choice was so right. Stacks of sides, bottles of wine and a host of funny stories later, with macchiatos to finish, we were ready for a late-night stroll through the big city.
With Times Square, and the famous Plaza Hotel (from the Home Alone movie) within walking distance, The Peninsula is in the middle of it all. I thought NYC was a city that never sleeps; like Paris, or London, but I was told bars, clubs and nightlife only open until a measly 2:00am. We didn’t stay up late enough to find out, my freshly-made Egyptian cotton, king-size bed at The Peninsula was calling my name after a long day of travelling.
The Next Morning
Saturdays are made for a day of culture and the arts. My feet weren’t ready for the amount of walking we were about to do, and my footwear choice was fashionable yet questionable.
First stop: a private art tour at the famous MoMa on 53rd Street. The Museum of Modern Art in NYC, is home to some of the most incredible artworks; think Henry Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and even Vincent Van Gogh! Yes, we saw the original Starry Night” and it’s just as magical as seeing Venus de Milo, or the Mona Lisa for the first time.
It’s also home to a host of new and upcoming artists, full of originals, abstract works, sculptures, art of many different mediums, almost too much to see! I highly recommend booking the tour with a guide before the museum opens to the public, as by midday every floor is jam-packed with tourists and art enthusiasts, and the queue to enter folds around the corner of the street. The brilliant concierge at The Peninsula can arrange these private tours, and anything your heart desires really… for the right price that is.
After resisting spending my life savings in the MoMa gift shop, we had time to stroll through Central Park before heading back towards the hotel for brunch and then onto ballet.
Brunch and the Ballet…
Brunch at The Peninsula’s Clement restaurant is divine, to say the least. Think creamy avocado toast, spicy Korean chicken waffles and crispy but fluffy French toast with caramelised banana and hazelnut sauce. You’re drooling? Me too, just reminiscing on it.
Clement is one of the Peninsula's three eateries among Pen Top, and Gotham Bar. Lucky for us, we tried them all.
Belly’s full and tastebuds satisfied, we sauntered over to the ballet, held at the David H. Koch Theatre in the Lincoln Centre. Another first. My first time watching ballet, and a show that’s come highly recommended, Coppélia, which is the delightful tale of a mad inventor and the life-like doll he creates; It was beautiful, mysterious, and enchanting, and it felt so fitting to experience it in New York.
I always find a matinee show slightly weird, going in from the daylight to watch the show makes me sleepy (although, it could have been the jetlag) but I think it would have been more magical to do as an evening event…There’s something about NYC after dark, it’s electric.
Night 2 - Dinner at The Tin
From one Michelin-star restaurant to the next, we were treated to a beautiful Chinese dinner at The Red Pearl, nestled in The Tin building. The space was alive with energy, and each dish at The Pearl was a culinary experience of its own. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food and couldn’t believe a place like this existed in a repurposed old building. The tin used to be Fulton Fish Market, for almost a century, the building was a gritty and foul-smelling landmark in the area, which became more famous for police raids and mafia crackdowns than salmon and tilapia. But how times have changed, it’s now one of lower Manhattan's most glamorous hotspots, host to 12 different dining concepts; restaurants, a food market, and bars curated by Jean-Georges. It was like a high-end Boxpark with a New York twist.
The view of the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk was magical. Watching the skyline light up across the water felt like the moment from my vision board, something I had always dreamed of experiencing in person. The Peninsula might be close to everything, but it’s still a bit of a trek to Brooklyn. If you’re heading across the bridge, it’s a wise idea to give yourself plenty of time — NYC traffic is next-level chaos compared to London, and you don’t want to miss the sunset. Apparently, there’s a ferry that’ll take you across, but we couldn’t quite figure it out in time for our reservation. Maybe you’ll have better luck!
A Morning of Tranquility
Sunday morning was spent unwinding in The Peninsula's brand-new spa, an oasis of tranquillity across three floors. After a whirlwind of city sights, at least the first half of my final day had to be dedicated to self-care. Following the beautiful yoga session on the sun terrace, we had treatments to attend to (it’s a hard life, but somebody has to do it!)
Walking into the spa, it’s all dark wood, moody lighting, the smell of incense, and the sound of flutes and oriental bells. I changed into my cosy waffle robe ready for the facial of a lifetime.
After looking at my skin under a bright light, my lovely therapist, Lucy, determined the exact bespoke facial I needed. She took me through an 8-step facial routine using beautiful products by Biologique Recherche. As the delicious chocolate-scented products melted into my pores, I melted into the warm bed and any chaotic city energy melted away. I arrived stressed, with skin that was dry and dull, and left calm and glowing.
I glided out of the treatment room onto a beautiful lunch of lobster rolls and colourful salads on the mezzanine level. The spa sits on the 22nd floor, complete with ten treatment rooms, a beautiful pool, sauna, hammam, and ice fountain. It's a tranquil and holistic environment, that uses organic and natural brands such as Antara Organics Collection and my new favourite, Subtle Energies.
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With Sunday being the busiest day, guests come from far and wide to visit the three-floor spa and wind down, and it’s one of the biggest and most well-respected in the city. Yoga is complimentary for guests, as well as access to the beautiful spa and newly refurbed fitness centre.
Who says you can’t come for a weekend of relaxation in the Big Apple? The Peninsula says you absolutely can.
After an incredible facial and a delicious skyline lunch, I was ready for another day in NYC and a long flight back to London.
I just about had time to explore the shops (a must in NYC) and get lost on the Subway - I heard great things about the vintage thrifts and designer buys here. I even accidentally stumbled upon Holly Golightly's house from “Breakfast at Tiffany's” on East 71st Street, which after a little research found out you can rent for a short stay, iconic.
Farewell NYC
My flight got cancelled, which I thought was a sure sign to spend longer in the city, and if I didn't have to be at my desk by 9:00 on Monday morning, I'd have most definitely outstayed my welcome. Since I’m always fashionably late, I ran back to Fifth Avenue with my shopping bags to catch the next flight out. As seamless as everything they do, The Peninsula had arranged a lush car for me to the airport, and ensured my luggage was tagged up and ready to go back to London. Before I knew it, my ride had arrived to whiz me back to JFK, and straight to the office… from plane to desk. My carriage awaits…
NYC can be anything you want it to be, and for my very first time and with only two days to fit everything in, The Peninsula was the perfect base and the ultimate luxury. I feel like I've only scratched the surface of places to explore and I'll most certainly be back. Until we meet again…
Au revoir New York!
Superior Rooms start from $1,595 per night (approx £1,216)
