Peninsula Hotels have come a long way since the opening of their first flagship in 1928. Founded by the longest-running hospitality company in Asia, Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH), the hotel group has expanded its presence to 12 cities: Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok, Manila, Tokyo, New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, London, Paris, and Istanbul. Since January 2024, the Peninsula Hotel New York has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment, which included the reception, lobby, a new Palm Court, and the rooftop lounge, better known as Pen Top. The buildings’ 219 guest rooms and suites also suffered an extensive makeover alongside public areas and certain dining spaces.
It all starts with the grand entrance
The historic building, built in 1904 on Fifth Avenue, has witnessed many design eras, including the Roaring 1920s, which have served as inspiration for the new design. The Bill Rooney Studio, an award-winning US design company, paired over-the-top 1920s aesthetics with elegant minimalism, tailor-made amenities, and personalised services. A large-scale statement piece chandelier at the entrance oversees a double-height entry lobby with a double staircase. The refreshed reception and Concierge Desk feature lighter finishes and wood panelling accents to create a welcoming atmosphere suitable even for the most demanding guests. Moving on to the hotel’s central atrium, the Palm Court, the visitors will encounter a Ricardo Mazal’s organic-themed triptych. The newly commissioned artwork depicts nature and the human energy of New York while highlighting the verticality of the spacious atrium.
Suites and Guest Rooms in neutral tones
The three Signature suites offer an unforgettable view of the surroundings, including the refurbished Grand Suite, ranging in size from over 1,600 square feet to 3,000 square feet. A light colour palette, chosen for the refurbished Guest rooms and suites, is reminiscent of private apartments in Manhattan. Contemporary lighting and furnishings are complemented by a curated selection of art, books, and objets d’art that powerfully depict the lively spirit of the Big Apple. Soft furnishing, tone-on-tone jacquard fabrics, and Quagliotti bedding are paired with enhanced illumination concepts, sculpted headboards, and engraved glass elements. Envisioned as light and elegant retreats, the guest rooms include all the technological advances needed for a hotel stay in the digital 21st century. Temperature and lighting can be controlled with bedside panels, while touch screen tablets in French, Arabic, English, Japanese, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese offer access to a digital 24/7 concierge.
Holiday Celebrations in The Peninsula
The Pen Top (formerly Salon de Ning) is reimagined with a new louvered roof, which provides extra seats for continuous indoor and outdoor dining. Filled with greenery and plush sofas, the redesigned rooftop conveys the spirit of an artist’s studio. Throughout the Holiday Season, the space will transform into Chesa, the Swiss chalet concept, with cosy décor, fondue, and cocktails that will teleport guests to the Alps. The Peninsula’s Legendary Afternoon Tea will be reinvented into a train-themed NYBG Holiday Afternoon Tea, honouring the upcoming exhibition at the event’s partner, the New York Botanical Garden. The event admission fee includes a ticket to the NYBG Holiday Train Show and a donation to the New York Children’s Centre. Simultaneously, guests are invited to the buffet at Clement, the hotel’s adjoining bar.
On Thanksgiving Day, Clement will offer holiday pies and a reimagined Children’s Buffet accompanied by live music. Christmas Eve Semi-Buffet in Clement offers appetisers, a selection of main courses, and a dessert buffet. The following Christmas Day will bring a selection of fresh salads, gourmet carving stations, a raw bar, and a delicious dessert buffet to the same location. Santa Claus will be the special guest for both Christmas events, which will be accompanied by songs performed by Victorian carolers. The New Year’s Eve Rooftop Party will welcome the year 2026 in style, with live music from popular band UNLTD!, a caviar and cocktail bar, a gourmet food station, and lignite bites all served in a heated and tented Terrace.
Photo credit: The Peninsula New York
