Ericka

Intro/Amtrak
Our 3 year old son is going through his train phase, so we thought it would be fun to take him on a real train for the weekend. We decided on the Amtrak Acela Express into New York City and booked our business class tickets online. While the ride was a great deal of fun and had beautiful scenery, we wouldn't call it a luxurious experience. We were fortunate enough to get a four top seating arrangement with a table (and boarded early with a red cap to ensure this). But the cafe car was cafeteria style dining with hot dogs, chips, yogurt, trail mix, and the like. And the Acela, at 15 years old, is beginning to show it's age.

We decided on The Peninsula hotel based on a good previous stay, it's 5th Avenue location, the advice of fellow flyertalkers, and the many mommy bloggers that reported how child friendly it was. DavidO expertly managed our booking, and with a few phone calls was able to secure a guaranteed upgrade (currently offered via The Peninsula mobile app) along with the Virtuoso and PenClub amenities. These included a $100 food and beverage credit, breakfast, 30 minute spa treatment extension, early check in and late check out.

Exterior The Peninsula Hotel

Ericka

We stayed in a 725 square foot Executive Suite with a living room, separate bedroom, generous dressing area and large bathroom. There were lots of windows for multiple views of the city. The bedroom had a pull out sofa which was perfect for our one child family. The marble bathroom had a deep soaking tub with a small TV, a separate shower, and one sink with plenty of counter space. It was decorated in a traditional yet contemporary palate of black, white, cream and polished chrome. There were multiple fresh cut flower arrangements in the room as well.

Executive Suite Bathroom


Executive Suite Roses

Ericka

The service throughout our stay was very good. We made a number of special requests regarding the preparation of our room and it was all done to our satisfaction. Most of the staff knew us by name. The Clefs D'Ors concierge team made wonderful restaurant recommendations and the staff members in the hotel's own Clement restaurant and in room dining gave us quick, accurate, almost doting service. We also enjoyed being whisked around Manhattan in the hotel's custom made Mini Cooper Clubman. This service was free to all suite guests.

Of course, the true measure of service for us was how the hotel treated our son. The child amenities just kept coming:
(a) a welcome treat of M&Ms, a chocolate covered strawberry, a cookie and an "I love The Peninsula" cupcake presented in a cardboard Cadillac
(b) a welcome folder with an "in residence" business card with our son's name
(c) pages of NYC child friendly museums and eateries
(d) a hotel-based treasure hunt
(e) a Peninsula activity book with crayons and stickers
(f) children's menus at restaurants and for room service
(g) a Peninsula teddy bear in full uniform with pillbox hat
(h) a Peninsula chef bear given at the hotel restaurant
(i) bed rails for the pullout sofa
The Peninsula Academy had bespoke activities catering to the younger set as well, and with more time we would have taken advantage of the FDNY private firehouse and fire truck tour! And wherever we went, a Peninsula Hotel staffer was there to ask our son if he was having a fun stay.

The Peninsula Teddy Bear

Ericka

We had great breakfasts and one lunch at Clement restaurant. Memorable foods included the croissants and pain au chocolat, the applewood smoked bacon, the sashimi tuna appetizer and the warm lobster roll.

The hotel provided 24 hour room service with an extensive menu of both regional and global offerings.

Ericka

Mr. Ericka and I booked a sitter so that we could visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. We took the official tour of the museum which was an incredibly moving experience.

Since the iconic Fifth Avenue FAO Schwarz is closing next month, we took our son there and it remains his favorite part of the trip. We also spent time with him in Central Park, experiencing the carousel, the local musicians and artists, the row boats, and the model sail boats.

Back at The Peninsula, we enjoyed the family friendly, glass enclosed pool with 270 degree views of the city. The sun terrace, spa, fitness center and Salon de Ning rooftop lounge all looked lovely but we didn't have time to use them.

Central Park

Ericka

We had booked a Peninsula babysitter via email and after arrival, twice confirmed the times with the concierge. Each time, the staff confirmed the time on their computer screen but never bothered to call the sitter agency. Of course, the sitter didn't show up and after 15 minutes of frantic phone calls, one of the concierges (thank you, Victoria!) watched our son for an hour until a replacement sitter could be found. It was a good save, but never should have gotten that far. A simple confirmation phone call to the sitter agency would have solved the miscommunication ahead of time.

Also, we called one morning to have our room cleaned while we were at breakfast. The room wasn't cleaned, and when we inquired again we were told that housekeeping didn't start until later. That was fine, but they should have told us that on the first phone call and set our expectations accordingly.

Ericka

We had a great stay overall and would definitely recommend The Peninsula New York, especially to those traveling with families!

uggboy

Wonderful report of your stay at the Peninsula NYC. Thanks for sharing incl. your activities while in NYC and what the hotel could improve.

They know what makes little ones happy, awesome list of amenities for children offered and delivered.

Food sounds wonderful, indeed very enjoyable choices.

A super read, photos and insights, as always. ^

SanDiego1K

The bear is adorable, and what great branding for them.

Valveking

We stayed in that same room type at the Peninsula a few years ago with our then six year old daughter and had a great stay as well.

FlyingDoctorwu

Love your report.. thank you very much... we're often in NYC with our two (soon to be 3) kids and usually the budget has us some place decidely down market from the Pen. It does look great and maybe one day we'll get a chance to try it...

FDW

MikeFromTokyo

Great trip report, Ericka. I am glad your whole family enjoyed the Pen. Peninsula seems to do a great job with children's programs worldwide from what I have observed as a guest.

I quite like the Peninsula New York and your review has made me want to stay again soon!

Baghoarder

Great review - thanks Ericka! We'll be at the Peninsula with our two sons in a few weeks' time and we're very much looking forward to it on the basis of your report. Thanks especially for the tip about the babysitting.

offerendum

Seems to be a great hotel with kids. Is it really a tube-tv in the bathroom? I wonder why the didnīt replace it during last renovation

Musken

Thanks for your review. I am already looking forward to when we can go back to NYC again. Wonderful kids amenities, but the babysitter-story would have meant a huge disaster to many other visitors. While your son seems to accept a change of babysitter, I know a lot of other kids where this kind of option would not have worked at all. Many parents need to make sure that a new sitter comes in well in time before they leave in order to get to know each other with some trusted adults around meaning the whole sightseeing would just not have been possible at all with such a mistake/delay.