You're right that the Peninsula rooms are certainly not as new as, say, the Maybourne's or the Waldorf's. That said, I personally didn't think the Pen rooms or HP are particularly run down or in dire need of refresh, at least not the room I stayed in July 2022 (Villa Studio). But I think more than anything it's an aesthetic preference. 1) the Pen is more "classic," more Parisian/Georgian with some Art Deco touches, like the pool, while The Maybourne is very much like other Maybourne properties: very high-end mid-century modern. 2) The Maybourne is, like the Waldorf BH or the Wilshire, a grand hotel, whereas parts of the Peninsula - especially in the villas - feels more resorty with some outdoor green spaces. The pools at both are fun, but I think we slightly preferred the Peninsula's. Dante at the Maybourne is a great place to grab a drink and is a bit more lively, but the Peninsula library bar is classic dark-wood style, and particularly good for a night cap (if that's your scene). Can't really speak to service at the Maybourne as we didn't require much of them, but I broke my foot they day before arriving at the Pen, and they were very accommodating. Our experiences at other Pen properties have always been good.

If you're in the mood for something a bit more lively, maybe younger, and "cool," the Maybourne is the move. If you want somewhere more lowkey and where you can have High Tea on a Sunday, go with the Peninsula. They are both lovely hotels, and I don't think you can go wrong at either.