The Peninsula New York: Midtown’s Historic 5-Star Luxury Hotel
The Peninsula New York is a 5-star hotel that defines luxury in Midtown Manhattan. Standing proudly on Fifth Avenue and 55th Street, this landmark Beaux-Arts building has welcomed travelers since 1905. Today, it is one of the most prestigious addresses in the city, offering elegant rooms, Michelin-inspired dining, a rooftop bar with skyline views, and the award-winning Peninsula Spa. Known for its refined service, the hotel regularly attracts celebrities, business leaders, and travelers who want the very best New York has to offer.
What makes the Peninsula unique is how it blends history with modern comforts. Guests enjoy spacious suites, high-end wellness facilities, and prime access to Manhattan’s most iconic attractions, including Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and Fifth Avenue shopping. During Christmas in New York, the hotel becomes even more special. Seasonal decorations, holiday packages, and festive dining experiences make it a favorite choice for travelers looking to celebrate in style.
If you are planning a December visit, explore our complete guide to the Best Things to Do at Christmas in New York. And for daily holiday inspiration, follow us on Instagram at @MyChristmasInNewYorkCity, where we share live updates from the city’s most magical spots.
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History and Location in Midtown Manhattan
The Peninsula New York has stood at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street since 1905. Originally built as the Gotham Hotel, the Beaux-Arts style building quickly became one of the most elegant addresses in the city. After several ownership changes and careful restorations, it joined the Peninsula Hotels group in 1988, which transformed it into one of New York’s leading luxury hotels.
The building’s historic architecture remains a highlight, with its grand façade blending seamlessly into the glamorous stretch of Fifth Avenue. Inside, modern luxury meets classic design, offering guests a refined atmosphere that reflects the character of both New York and the Peninsula brand.
Its location in Midtown Manhattan is one of its biggest advantages. Guests can walk to Central Park, Rockefeller Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and the city’s most famous shopping along Fifth Avenue. The area also provides easy access to Broadway theaters and fine dining, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
Whether you are visiting for business, shopping, or to enjoy Christmas in New York, the Peninsula offers both convenience and prestige. Its address places guests in the center of Manhattan’s most iconic attractions, ensuring that every stay feels connected to the energy and history of the city.
Rooms and Suites at The Peninsula New York
The Peninsula New York features 241 rooms and suites, each designed to combine classic style with modern technology. Spacious layouts, marble bathrooms, and elegant furnishings give guests the comfort expected from a five-star property. Even the standard rooms feel generous compared to many New York hotels, with thoughtful details like mood lighting, oversized work desks, and luxury linens.
For those seeking extra space, the suites offer a residential feel with separate living and sleeping areas. The most impressive is the Peninsula Suite, a nearly 3,000-square-foot apartment featuring a grand piano, dining room, and wraparound terrace overlooking Fifth Avenue. Many suites also include views of the Midtown skyline, creating a memorable New York backdrop.
Guests staying in suites benefit from exclusive amenities such as complimentary car service within Midtown, priority reservations at Clement Restaurant, and personalized concierge support. These touches make the Peninsula especially appealing to business travelers, celebrities, and families who want an effortless luxury stay.
Whether you choose a deluxe room or a signature suite, the Peninsula focuses on privacy, quiet, and relaxation. This makes it one of the best hotels in Midtown New York for travelers who want both elegance and convenience in the heart of Manhattan.
Dining at The Peninsula: Clement Restaurant & Weekend Brunch
Clement, located on the mezzanine level above the lobby, is the signature restaurant at The Peninsula New York. It is known for its refined modern American cuisine served in an elegant space that reflects the hotel’s understated luxury. The warm atmosphere attracts both hotel guests and New Yorkers, making it a dining destination in Midtown Manhattan.
Breakfast at Clement is a daily highlight, with freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, juices, and à la carte specialties. On weekends, the restaurant becomes especially popular thanks to its celebrated brunch. Every Saturday, Clement offers an à la carte brunch menu with creative dishes in a relaxed setting. Sundays feature a fixed-price brunch at $115 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. The abundant spread includes seafood, chef-prepared eggs, carved meats, and decadent desserts, served with champagne or cocktails. Reservations are open to both hotel guests and non-guests, with a smart casual dress code recommended for the experience.
During the Christmas season, Clement enhances its offerings with festive menus, holiday desserts, and seasonal décor. This creates a celebratory atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the elegance of the hotel. Many visitors choose to book the Peninsula not only for its rooms and suites but also for the chance to enjoy a holiday brunch or dinner at Clement, which blends tradition and luxury in a uniquely New York way.
Rooftop Experiences: Pen Top Terrace
Once known as Salon de Ning, the rooftop at The Peninsula New York has been reimagined as Pen Top, a sophisticated rooftop bar and terrace located on the 23rd floor. As one of New York’s first rooftop bars, it has hosted unforgettable evenings for decades, with iconic views stretching along Fifth Avenue and across Billionaire’s Row.
Designed in the style of a chic New York loft, Pen Top combines warm interiors with contemporary outdoor terraces surrounded by greenery. Guests can enjoy an extensive wine selection and a cocktail program that emphasizes premium spirits and generous pours, served alongside light bites. The result is a rooftop experience that feels refined yet approachable.
Pen Top is open to the public. Bottle service reservations can be made on the Tock platform, while the indoor bar and most terrace tables are first-come, first-served, with walk-ins welcome. The rooftop is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 12:30 am and closed on Sundays and Mondays. A smart casual dress code applies.
In winter, heaters and blankets make the terraces cozy, and festive cocktails capture the spirit of Christmas in New York. Whether visiting for a casual drink or an elegant evening, Pen Top remains one of the crown jewels of Midtown nightlife.
The Peninsula Spa New York and Wellness Facilities
The Peninsula Spa New York, on the 21st floor, is one of the city’s most exclusive wellness retreats. With 11 treatment rooms, including a private spa suite, it offers massages, facials, and multi-hour day retreats using luxury brands like Biologique Recherche. Guests must be 18 or older, and advance reservations are recommended. The spa operates Monday and Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, closing Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Wellness continues on the 22nd floor with a newly renovated fitness center, open 24 hours for hotel guests. Equipped with Technogym machines and filled with natural light, it also offers personal training sessions. The glass-enclosed indoor pool, also on the 22nd floor, is a highlight. Framed by teak columns and sleek black tiles, it features floor-to-ceiling windows with Midtown skyline views. Poolside dining is available daily from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, offering Naturally Peninsula dishes that focus on healthy, sustainable ingredients.
Completing the wellness offerings is Vu Hair New York, located on the 21st-floor mezzanine. Led by stylist Vu Nguyen, the salon provides haircuts, color, and makeup services, ideal for weddings, events, or everyday styling.
Together, the spa, pool, fitness center, and salon create a complete wellness destination. Whether guests come for a facial, a workout, or simply to relax by the pool, the Peninsula ensures every detail supports health, beauty, and balance in the middle of Manhattan.
Christmas at The Peninsula New York: Festive Packages and Holiday Decor
The Peninsula New York is more than just a hotel. It is a five-star experience that combines history, luxury, and unbeatable Midtown Manhattan convenience. With 241 elegant rooms and suites, award-winning dining at Clement, and one of the city’s most sophisticated rooftops at Pen Top, the hotel sets a standard that few properties can match. The spa, fitness center, and serene indoor pool add another layer of comfort, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers.
What sets the Peninsula apart is its ability to remain timeless while embracing modern luxury. Guests enjoy personalized service, refined design, and exclusive amenities that consistently place it among the best hotels in New York. Its location on Fifth Avenue means you are steps from Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and the world’s finest shopping, ensuring every stay feels connected to the heart of the city.
During Christmas, the Peninsula becomes even more special. Holiday packages, festive dining, and elegant décor create an atmosphere that blends luxury with seasonal magic. It is no surprise that the hotel is often named one of the best places to stay in New York during the holidays. For those wanting to make the most of a December trip, pairing a stay here with one of our Christmas tours ensures an unforgettable holiday experience.
If you are searching for a five-star hotel that delivers elegance, convenience, and festive charm, The Peninsula New York remains one of Midtown’s most iconic choices.
Why Is The Peninsula Hotel Famous?
The Peninsula New York is famous for its Beaux-Arts architecture, prime Fifth Avenue location, and reputation for five-star service. Opened in 1905 as the Gotham Hotel, the building was restored by the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels group in 1988 and became the Peninsula’s U.S. flagship.
Its Midtown setting near Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and luxury shopping adds to its prestige. Spacious rooms, an award-winning spa, and exclusive amenities make it one of the best hotels in New York. The property also attracts celebrities and business leaders who value privacy and refined service.
During the holidays, the Peninsula earns special attention for its festive décor and Christmas dining, which consistently place it among the city’s most celebrated seasonal hotels.
Who Owns The Peninsula New York?
The Peninsula New York is owned by The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH), a company based in Hong Kong. HSH manages the Peninsula brand worldwide, with luxury properties in major cities including Paris, Tokyo, and Beverly Hills. The New York location, opened under the group in 1988, remains its flagship hotel in the United States.
As part of the Peninsula portfolio, the hotel is known for combining Asian hospitality with classic New York elegance. One charming tradition carried from Hong Kong is the sale of the Peninsula’s famous mooncakes, a delicacy enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. These seasonal treats connect the New York property to the brand’s heritage and remain popular with guests seeking a taste of its global identity.
Conclusion: Should You Stay at The Peninsula New York?
The Peninsula New York is without question one of the most luxurious hotels in Midtown. With its historic Beaux-Arts building, refined service, elegant rooms, and a rooftop that overlooks Fifth Avenue, it delivers an experience that few properties in the city can match. Everything from the spa to the festive dining at Clement reflects the brand’s dedication to excellence.
That said, the Peninsula is a high-budget choice. Rates reflect the level of quality, space, and service provided, making it best suited for travelers who want the very finest during their stay in New York. For many guests, the combination of history, location, and amenities justifies the price.
When it comes to Christmas, the Peninsula is always among the city’s most elegant seasonal hotels. Still, if you’re comparing options, we recommend looking at our list of the Best Hotels in NYC for Christmas. Our personal favorite remains the Lotte New York Palace, which offers a different kind of festive atmosphere. Both properties highlight the magic of December in Manhattan, each in their own unique way.
If you want a stay that combines luxury, tradition, and an unbeatable Midtown location, The Peninsula New York will provide an unforgettable experience in every detail.
Author: Written by Dora Formica on behalf of My Christmas in New York
