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Above Fifth Avenue: An Urban Retreat at The Peninsula New York

by Lisa Loverro

You’ll be hard-pressed to find spots in midtown Manhattan where time seems to slow down, especially along Fifth Avenue where the shopping frenzy and the city’s hustle-bustle both seem relentless. There is, however, a rare find along this avenue, where the energy quietly simmers. The Peninsula New York is one such place, a retreat that feels both intimate and welcoming.

Located at heart of midtown, on 55th street and Fifth Avenue, the hotel is housed in a landmark Beaux-Arts building from 1905. The lobby's polished marble is a nod to a gilded past, while the guestrooms and suites feel tailored for the modern traveler who appreciates understated luxury. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your need for calm and peace, where Central Park is located just a few blocks away for a serene afternoon stroll, and the hotel’s spa can offer you rejuvenation and relaxation. It’s no surprise the hotel is AAA Five-Diamond rated.

But what truly elevates a stay here is The Peninsula’s personalized service. From the moment you arrive and ascend their grand staircase complete with a spectacular flower arraignment, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a quiet oasis in the middle of New York City.  The dining at their Clement Restaurant serves up notable American cuisine and also offers a Sunday buffet brunch, while the Pen Top rooftop lounge is the perfect spot to top off the night and linger over a cocktail while the majestic midtown skyscrapers twinkle around you. 

Above it all, quite literally, is The Peninsula Spa & Wellness Center. Tucked away on the 21st floor, the spa’s serene, minimalist interiors offer a sharp, soothing contrast to the buzz of Midtown below. Here, wellness is not a trend but a philosophy, approached with the same meticulous care that defines the hotel itself.

With 11 treatment rooms, their signature treatments blend Eastern and Western modalities: massages infused with aromatherapy, or detoxifying Biologique Recherche facials that deliver transformative results (I literally looked as if I had a Botox treatment after my facial). The sun-drenched indoor pool completes the experience, allowing guests to unwind, recharge, and simply breathe. They also offer healthy poolside dining, featuring a selection of Naturally Peninsula dishes.

At The Peninsula New York, luxury isn’t loud. It's a door held open with a welcoming smile and prompt attention to your requests. It’s the sensation of receiving complete care right in the middle of one of the busiest cities in the world.

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