BikingSportsGreat Amelia Spa

Location

While the New York’s location is likely what attracts many guests, it is its proximity to shopping, dining, theater and Central Park that puts highbrow, homey touches that keep them there. During a holiday season visit, festively costumed carolers greeted guests from the atop the grand staircase. Adjacent to the check-in desk, the seasonal Peninsula Sweet Shoppe, open daily for young guests from 4 to 6pm, offers a free candy store for children to mix and match from different candy jars to create custom personal goody bags. Finally, en route to the elevators, guests encounter an enormous gingerbread house replica of the hotel. If the devil is in the details, the Peninsula New York is heaven on Earth.|

The rooms

Slink further into Zen mode by indulging in one of the spa’s treatments, like an aromatherapy massage or a Himalayan crystal salt scrub. The spa also offers hair care and makeup services. A short flight of stairs takes you to the fitness center and pool area. The fitness center features machines for every workout, many with personal televisions, and weights. The facility also offers a variety of group fitness classes, like barre, yoga and spinning, that are free for hotel guests. After working out, relax by crossing the hallway to the beautiful glass-enclosed pool room that offers sweeping views of Midtown.

The service

While its high-rise location comes with an equally lofty price tag (a manicure will set you back $70–$75), all of the Asian-inflected services here are unparalleled in their luxuriousness. Their signature Journey and Ayurvedic Rituals (120 minutes, $450–$470) are huge draws, but the very best part may be the postservice pit stop in the relaxation lounge, which offers astounding views of the city.