"How did it strike you on arrival?Opulence greets you the minute you walk through the doors set just off of Fifth Avenue, where flower arrangements and a grand staircase serve as the lobby's centerpiece. It's a formal atmosphere, but not an unwelcoming one. What’s the crowd like?You'll find well-to-do business travelers who clearly have large expense accounts, as well as tourists who cherish the cosseted environment typical of Peninsulas everywhere. Importantly: Tell us about your room.Even the most basic rooms here are roomy by New York standards, at 370 square feet, with king beds and utilizing calming shades of gray, taupe, and gold. There's special attention paid to the workspace, with a large desk outfitted with a printer, scanner, and fax machine. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?It'd be hard to find better beds than those here, kitted out in Fili D'Oro linens from Italy. There's also a Life Lived Best Wellness Program, which offers guests sleep patches from Subtle Energies, and a Peaceful Sleep Bath Ritual that's specially designed to help guests relax and recharge. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Though luxurious, there's nothing particularly one-of-a-kind we'd take home with us. The Peninsula is all about the overall effect of the elegant room, the neutral palette, and restrained, calming decor. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Huge marble bathrooms have big tubs with televisions within the wall, and the toiletries, custom-made and curated by local fragrance curator Mackenzie Reilly, are worth stealing. We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?Fast, free Wi-Fi. Anything stand out about other services and features?It's a treat to have an indoor swimming pool like this in the middle of Manhattan, which is just long enough for a few laps or a relaxing dip and offers views of Fifth Avenue and Central Park. And the Salon de Ning rooftop bar and lounge is a chic retreat among the Midtown skyscrapers; During winter months, it’s transformed into Chalet de Ning, a Swiss Alps cocktails experience. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?While the rooms and facilities are grand, it's the staff's warmth that encourages repeat visits. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Huge, luxurious guest rooms, a top notch spa and swimming pool, an excellent restaurant (Clement), and one of the best service staffs in NYC make for an exceptional experience." - John Wogan
