Tried & Tested: Reviews The Peninsula, New York, US
author: Edward Robertson
Despite being one of the city’s grandest dames, The Peninsula New York is a big softy on the inside. The 23-storey property was built
in 1905 and, squarely occupying the south-west corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, is a true Midtown landmark. The outside is as impressive as ever thanks to its handsome grey stone exterior in Beaux Arts style. But once inside the hotel, a light modern feel completely dispels the clubby, men-only feeling that sometimes lingers in hotels from another era. Of the 235 rooms, including
55 suites, mine had more than enough space and most impressively, a bathroom that was designed for lingering. But it was the public spaces that
really impressed, in particular – Salon de Ning (pictured), the hotel’s signature bar, set on the rooftop with a 23rd-floor terrace to drink in the views. Access is via an express elevator hidden on the ground floor, ensuring anyone visiting it for its exceptional
The Mark, New York, US
author: Edward Robertson
Cycling through New York’s Central Park on a sunny autumn day is one of the finest things you can do in this city. The route, which takes in the entire length of the park, is easy enough and is designed to offer some of the park’s best views, which look even better with the colours of autumn. The other bonus is that in doing it, you feel a connection to the city beyond that of being a tourist, seeing the city through a New Yorker’s eyes. This is undoubtedly the intention
of The Mark, a hotel on the Upper East Side sandwiched between Madison Avenue and Central Park, which lends bicycles to its guests – along with a bespoke illustrated map – so they can explore at their own pace. In fact, the entire time
I stayed here, I felt like I belonged. Overlooking 77th Street, the
property was built in 1927 but benefited from a complete redesign by Jacques Grange in 2009 to bring it into this century. The Mark Bar has become a hit on the local scene, and seems to buzz from 6pm until it closes. Meanwhile, The Mark Restaurant by Jean- Georges was similarly popular when I dined there on a Friday night, with New York accents as likely to be overheard as international ones. The food showcases Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s French background with an interesting menu and excellent cooking that shows he has learnt a trick or two on the travels that brought him to New York. Most impressive of all the 150
rooms at the hotel is The Penthouse, 82
TTGLUXURY.COM WINTER 2015 TRIED & TESTED
which occupies the two top floors of the 16-storey building and in its main reception room boasts a two- storey 28ft high ceiling. The suite also has a roof terrace, steam rooms in some bathrooms and even an endless bathtub which fills from a tap in the ceiling. The price tag may be $75,000
a night, but those who can afford it will find themselves in good company in this neck of the woods. Other treats guests can avail themselves of include the Frederic Fekkai hair salon and expert John Lobb shoeshine services. And for those guests who don’t
fancy cycling themselves, The Mark Pedicabs can take the strain around town, while the branded strollers are also on hand so parents can get out and about too. Tel: 001 212 744 4300,
themarkhotel.com
How to book it Elegant Resorts offers three nights from £1,085pp (room-only), including British Airways flights from Heathrow and transfers (depart March 4). Tel: 01244 897518,
elegantresorts.co.uk
cocktails can shoot straight up there in VIP style. As good as the cocktails are, the views are even better, leaving you feeling like a superhero perched among the rooftops of Manhattan. Meanwhile, The Gotham Lounge has retained its Manhattan Deco look, providing the ideal space to take an afternoon tea with an American twist, while Clement provides the fine dining option. The Peninsula Spa has a
Forbes five-star rating and offers a number of treatments in its 11 treatment rooms, which
include a Private Spa Suite and a Nail Care Suite. Also in the spa area is an expertly kitted out gym with far-reaching views from its 22nd floor location while the swimming pool also offers the chance to take a dip high in the skies. And for those who are looking for
additional benefits beyond the hotel, the location is fantastic. Set at the north end of Midtown the hotel is within easy walking distance of Central Park, while the second you walk out of the front door you are surrounded by many people’s reason for going
to New York – the biggest and best retail therapy centre in the world. The hotel also offers a number
of unique experiences through The Peninsula Academy programme, including Broadway from an insider’s perspective or a private after hours tour of The Museum of Modern Art, exclusively guided by a PhD art historian. Tel: 00 800 2828 3888,
newyork.peninsula.com
How to book it Three nights with Carrier including flights costs from £1,470pp. Tel: 0161 492 1356,
carrier.co.uk
Manhattan marvel
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