The Peninsula New York

Profile

Call it a "boutique" luxury chain hotel: With just one entrance, an intimate reception, and elegant, individually decorated rooms, The Peninsula manages to convey high-end comfort minus the rococo fanfare of many of its midtown neighbors. Popular with both corporate and leisure travelers, the hotel is part of the Hong Kong-based Peninsula Hotels, which also has properties in Chicago and Beverly Hills. Subtle nods to this Asian connection include lovely lacquered armoires in many rooms and a high tea similar to the Hong Kong location’s traditional service. Located in a landmark 1905 Beaux Arts building, The Peninsula was extensively renovated in 1998 and continues to be upgraded as needed; as a result, it’s one of the most high-tech historic hotels, featuring bed-side control panels to manage music, temperature and lighting; separate modem, phone, fax and T1 lines; plasma TVs with memory card readers in all rooms; and TVs and hands-free phones by all bathtubs. Ranging from well-sized Standards and Deluxes to six levels of suites, rooms are done-up in a mix of warm beiges and antique gold accents; all have double-paned windows to keep din to a minimum. A three-floor spa and gym with swimming pool, whirlpool and extensive sundeck, plus a separate rooftop bar, are rare luxuries among New York hotels. — Sandra Ramani

Did we mention the pool and roof-deck? All that, plus the friendly staff and an effective mix of old-school charm and state-of-the-art facilities.

Cons
Although rooms are quiet, the central Fifth Avenue location is always bustling with tourists, shoppers and office workers—making snagging a cab notoriously difficult.

Claim to Fame
Fans of The Osbournes will have caught the hotel’s multiple TV appearances as the family’s favorite place to stay in New York

Bridal Spa Package
This lovely spa in the Peninsula Hotel offers customized bridal packages: Choose from a long list of well-executed services, including all manner of hydrating body wraps and treatments.