Top New York City Hotel Spas
New York boasts some of the most exclusive hotels in the world, but what about their spas? I visited the top Manhattan hotel spas to see if they measured up. Fortunately, I wasn’t disappointed.
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
One of the most spacious spas in Manhattan, this 35,000 square-foot rooftop oasis is located on the city's famed Fifth Avenue. Moments after walking in, I forgot I was smack dab in the middle of Midtown Manhattan and instead entered a warm and inviting oasis.
The three-level facility is located on the top floors of the hotel. The lack of noise and the expansive amount of space were a real treat. Many New York City spas are small, simply because there isn't the physical space to expand, but this spa is different.
In fact, it's downright big. I even got lost and had to be redirected by the helpful and always-present attendants. There's plenty to experience here: there's the Asian Tea Lounge, the thermal suite with ice fountain and experience showers, plus the steam room and sauna. Additionally, all treatments over 90 minutes include access to the pool where the panoramic city views alone are worth a visit.
In terms of treatments, the menu is extensive. I had the Deep Tissue Experience, one of the spa's signature "ceremony" treatments. It was especially nice because it included a bit of everything. What did I like best? The relaxing foot ritual, the facial cleanse, the full body therapeutic massage, the head massage, the dry body brushing or the full body exfoliation? Truth be told, I loved it all--and the two hours flew. The therapist was highly skilled and the treatment was well-orchestrated, moving seamless between each element. Together it created a nice full-body spa experience.
My favorite part of the spa--besides the actual treatment--was the relaxation room, where four private bed chambers were the perfect way to cocoon and melt away any remaining stress (these were some of the most comfortable beds I've experienced and I loved the option to elevate my feet).
For those looking for a complete spa retreat, the Peninsula Spa by ESPA is hard to beat. Read another review from our Spas guide.
Web:www.peninsula.com/newyorkspa
Phone: (212) 903 3910
Address:
700 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York
If I had to pick one spa with the best views, it would be hard to beat this one. Located on floors 35 and 36 of the hotel, the spa spans 14,500 feet high above Manhattan. The relaxation lounge, where I spent a good chunk of my time, offers amazing views of Central Park. The lounge was so enticing that I stayed both before and after my treatment.
The service at the spa is top-notch and began as soon as I walked through the doors.
They immediately took my shoes upon entering reception, exchanging them for slippers and gave me a bottle of water (they have both chilled and room temperature--since I hate cold water, I loved this touch). Guests are encouraged to arrive 40 minutes before their treatment to enjoy the heat experience including the amethyst crystal steam room and the vitality pool. The pool contains a selection of hydrotherapy body jets, a floor jet and reclining "air bed" lounge with jets to gently massage the entire body. I could have stayed in the pool for hours.
After enjoying the vitality pool and steam room, I headed to the lounge. With the floor-to-ceiling views, it didn't take a lot of convincing for me to curl up with a cozy blanket, a cup of herbal tea and discover my inner bliss. An attendant offered me a hot pad for my shoulders (a wonderful touch) as well as bottled water and fruit--bananas, oranges and apples.
My treatment--Nature's Radiant Facial--was very personalized and the esthetician gave me good feedback on my skin.
For a true head-to-toe pampering experiencing, while enjoying amazing views of Central Park, this spa is well worth a visit.
Web:www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/spa
Phone: (212) 805 8990
Address:
80 Columbus Circle
New York, New York 10023
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York
The Four Seasons Hotel is known for their high-level, over-the-top service and this is certainly the case of the well-trained therapists in the spa. The highly-skilled estheticians and massage therapists showcase their work in the extensive menu of treatments available. I had the classic massage and was not disappointed. My therapist catered the treatment to my problem areas (back and shoulders) and used pressure points as well as deep-tissue strokes.
Located in midtown Manhattan on bustling 57th Street, this 5,000-square-foot spa has nine treatment rooms including four massage rooms, three facial rooms, one wet room and a manicure/pedicure suite. There is also a private lounge area in the women's changing room along with a whirlpool, sauna and steam room. Complimentary water, juice, tea, coffee, fresh fruit and newspapers are available.
Signature treatments include the "Big Apple Body Treatment" which includes a scrub, Vichy shower and massage; the "Botanical Balancer Facial" which utilizes organic products and the "Thai Ceremony Massage" which incorporates heated herbal packs and traditional Thai stretches.
Web:http://www.fourseasons.com/newyorkfs/spa
Phone: 212 350 6420
Address:
57 East 57th Street
New York, New York 10022
La Prairie at the Ritz-Carlton Spa
Little touches are the difference between a good spa and a great spa, and this is exemplified at La Prairie at the Ritz-Carlton Spa: the music menu I was given prior to my massage; the hot pad for my shoulders that the attendant would exchange for a hotter one after mine cooled; the glass of champagne given after my spa treatment to top off a wonderful experience. The Ritz-Carlton is classy and this can be seen in the details of the spa, like the cozy, plush bathrobe and slippers, and the nice selection of fresh fruits, nuts and herbal teas.
The lounge is beautifully designed in old-world charm and is inviting and tranquil.
This is the first state-side La Prairie spa and it's not surprising that it found its home in the glamorous Ritz-Carlton, Central Park address. La Prairie is the world-renowned Swiss beauty company whose skincare collection is highly regarded by celebrities and those in the know. The spa sells over 50 La Prairie skin care products. The treatment menu--including facials, massages and body treatments--is just as expansive with an entire offering devoted to men (which makes up a surprising number of the spa's clientele.)
The "Manhattan Minutes" collection is a great way to sample several treatments, including La Prairie's signature facial. The spa has six treatment rooms, men's and women's steam rooms, and the co-ed lounge.
Read an additional review from our guide to Spas.
Web:Ritz Carlton
Phone: (212) 521-6135
Address:
50 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
Oasis Day Spa at the Affinia Dumont Hotel
There are two Oasis Day Spa locations in New York City. Their flagship spa is Oasis on Park, located on Park Avenue between 32nd & 33rd Street. This spacious in-demand spa is often very busy with their loyal, repeat clientele. The relaxation lounge is a soothing environment complete with teas, lemon and cucumber water, fruits and nuts, magazines, soft lighting and music. Oasis Day Spa at the Affinia Dumont Hotel is located nearby on 34th street between Lexington and Third Avenue and caters to many of the hotel's guests.
I visited both locations. The therapists often go back and forth between the two spas, so the service is equally good at both. The main difference is that the flagship location is much larger and thus has a more spacious lounge for relaxing. The benefit of the hotel location is that it's less busy, so I enjoyed a very quiet and tranquil time there.
The treatment menu is very extensive and includes a variety of massages and facials beyond the basics. For example, there's the organic seaweed facial, the phyto stem cell facial and microdermabrasion. There's also a wide variety of scrubs and wraps available.
Website:Oasis Day Spa
Phone: (212) 545-5254
Address:
150 East 34th Street
New York, NY 10016
Exhale Spa at the Hotel Gansevoort
Located in Manhattan's trendy Meatpacking District, this is Exhale's fourth New York City location. What makes this spot special is that it's a great way for guests to experience downtown chic combined with upscale luxury.
I had first heard about Exhale less as a spa and more for fitness. In fact the Exhale brand is unique in that it seeks to integrate fitness, healing and relaxation within the spa environment, moving away from the industry's focus on just beauty and pampering.
So instead of just offering standard spa fare--massages, facials, wraps--Exhale also offers yoga; Pilates-infused Core Fusion toning classes; nutrition, diet and detox programs; and well-being workshops. There's also acupuncture, cupping and their signature "6-Week Core Evolution" program.
Basically you can get your body/mind in shape as well as pampering your skin. I only had time for the spa therapy and I wasn't disappointed in my massage. The no-nonsense therapist was excellent when it came to tackling my aches and pains. While I felt slightly guilty for not working out--many of the women in the changing room were attending a class--I would definitely go back for another treatment.
For those who want to combine fitness with pampering, Exhale is the place.
Web:Exhale Spa
Phone: 212 660 6733
Address:
18 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10014
The Chatwal Spa by Kashwere
A big part of the spa experience is the pampering and that starts with the plushness of the robe. At this spa, I was given a choice of several different options--ranging from thick, warm and soft to a lighter, cooler version. I later learned that Kashwere's first spa product, a shawl-collared robe woven from its proprietary Chenilla yarn, made Oprah's list of "Favorite Things" and became the robe of choice for celebrities and resorts.
After relaxing in the robe, I could understand why Kashwere products draw such a following.
This small but intimate spa--it's 2,400 square feet--has three treatment rooms, each fitted with light therapy technology. There are also three private changing suites with steam shower and private bathroom. The relaxation area has a menu in which to order healthy spa cuisine. Additionally, there are two saltwater plunge pools (both hot and cold), a saltwater lap-pool able to simulate natural water currents, a manicure and pedicure room and a cardio/strength fitness studio.
Some of their signature treatments include the 'Chatwal Luxe' massage, the 'Barefoot on Broadway' pedicure and the 'In a New York Minute' facial.
I loved the spa butler, who was attentive without being intrusive, refilling my water and tea, bringing me more magazines and just making sure I was okay. I also really liked having my own private changing room which included a five-head shower and a wide variety of amenities. The lounge was modern, yet elegant and I certainly did not feel like I was in the middle of the theater district.
To complete my day of pampering, after my treatment I had lunch at the hotel's famous Lambs Club restaurant; the food was as fabulous as the atmosphere. Good food, good spa--it's no wonder this hotel is garnering so much buzz since its opening in 2010.
Web:The Chatwal Spa
Phone: (212) 764-6200
Address:
130 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Located on Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side, the Spa at the Surrey resides on the second floor of the hotel and opened in 2009. The Spa is void of a communal changing room, so I never changed into the standard spa robe and slippers and instead relaxed in the lounge wearing my regular clothes. Then my therapist took me to my treatment room to change and explain what I was having. I was getting a Kodo massage, which taps into the ancient healing traditions of Australian Aboriginal culture.
The treatment utilizes natural resources such as Tasmanian soils, native flowers, berries, kelp, barks, desert salts and indigenous plants. The massage was as relaxing as it was unique.
The lounge area has individual seating areas partitioned by flowing white curtains to give privacy (something appreciated by the hotel's upscale clientele). Water, tea and other beverages are available. The spa is small, but nicely decorated. There are three treatment rooms, two oversized spa suites and a manicure/pedicure station. The treatment rooms and spa suites have a dressing armoire, vanity, and shower. The spa suites can accommodate couples massage and include a full private bath with an infinity soaking tub and dual temperature shower.
The spa's design is soft and welcoming, with white and beige hues, Art Deco light fixtures and ornate hand-painted armoires alongside contemporary artwork. I loved that it was so airy and light--the bright white design felt very positive and calming.
Web:The Spa at The Surrey
Phone: (646) 358-3600
Address:
20 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
Most things associated with the Trump brand are done on a grand scale, and the spa is no exception. The 11,000-square-foot spa occupies the 7th and 8th floors of the hotel, found in the trendy Soho district. I was excited to check out the hammams--the spa boasts two--which is a rarity in New York City. This Middle Eastern ritual that combines heat, steam, scrub and massage was something I loved in Turkey and was happy to find it duplicated--authentically--right here in downtown Manhattan.
The spa has nine private treatment rooms and a spacious relaxation lounge. For serious spa goers who want pampering 24/7 in the privacy of their own room, the hotel can accommodate that. It just launched three luxury spa suites. Located adjacent to the spa, guests in these suites can enjoy endless treatments, from multiple massages and facials to scrubs and stimulating hydrotherapy showers, without ever leaving their guest room. One suite is even equipped with a sauna for two.
Whether you want one treatment in the spa's main setting or a number of treatments in one of the hotel's spa suites, it's undeniable: Trump delivers a high-quality product.
Web:Trump SoHo
Phone: (212) 842-5505
Address:
246 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013
Want more? See More Top NYC Hotel Spas.
New York boasts some of the most exclusive hotels in the world, but what about their spas? I visited the top Manhattan hotel spas to see if they measured up. Fortunately, I wasn’t disappointed.
The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
One of the most spacious spas in Manhattan, this 35,000 square-foot rooftop oasis is located on the city's famed Fifth Avenue. Moments after walking in, I forgot I was smack dab in the middle of Midtown Manhattan and instead entered a warm and inviting oasis.
The three-level facility is located on the top floors of the hotel. The lack of noise and the expansive amount of space were a real treat. Many New York City spas are small, simply because there isn't the physical space to expand, but this spa is different.
In fact, it's downright big. I even got lost and had to be redirected by the helpful and always-present attendants. There's plenty to experience here: there's the Asian Tea Lounge, the thermal suite with ice fountain and experience showers, plus the steam room and sauna. Additionally, all treatments over 90 minutes include access to the pool where the panoramic city views alone are worth a visit.
In terms of treatments, the menu is extensive. I had the Deep Tissue Experience, one of the spa's signature "ceremony" treatments. It was especially nice because it included a bit of everything. What did I like best? The relaxing foot ritual, the facial cleanse, the full body therapeutic massage, the head massage, the dry body brushing or the full body exfoliation? Truth be told, I loved it all--and the two hours flew. The therapist was highly skilled and the treatment was well-orchestrated, moving seamless between each element. Together it created a nice full-body spa experience.
My favorite part of the spa--besides the actual treatment--was the relaxation room, where four private bed chambers were the perfect way to cocoon and melt away any remaining stress (these were some of the most comfortable beds I've experienced and I loved the option to elevate my feet).
For those looking for a complete spa retreat, the Peninsula Spa by ESPA is hard to beat. Read another review from our Spas guide.
Web:www.peninsula.com/newyorkspa
Phone: (212) 903 3910
Address:
700 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York
If I had to pick one spa with the best views, it would be hard to beat this one. Located on floors 35 and 36 of the hotel, the spa spans 14,500 feet high above Manhattan. The relaxation lounge, where I spent a good chunk of my time, offers amazing views of Central Park. The lounge was so enticing that I stayed both before and after my treatment.
The service at the spa is top-notch and began as soon as I walked through the doors.
They immediately took my shoes upon entering reception, exchanging them for slippers and gave me a bottle of water (they have both chilled and room temperature--since I hate cold water, I loved this touch). Guests are encouraged to arrive 40 minutes before their treatment to enjoy the heat experience including the amethyst crystal steam room and the vitality pool. The pool contains a selection of hydrotherapy body jets, a floor jet and reclining "air bed" lounge with jets to gently massage the entire body. I could have stayed in the pool for hours.
After enjoying the vitality pool and steam room, I headed to the lounge. With the floor-to-ceiling views, it didn't take a lot of convincing for me to curl up with a cozy blanket, a cup of herbal tea and discover my inner bliss. An attendant offered me a hot pad for my shoulders (a wonderful touch) as well as bottled water and fruit--bananas, oranges and apples.
My treatment--Nature's Radiant Facial--was very personalized and the esthetician gave me good feedback on my skin.
For a true head-to-toe pampering experiencing, while enjoying amazing views of Central Park, this spa is well worth a visit.
Web:www.mandarinoriental.com/newyork/spa
Phone: (212) 805 8990
Address:
80 Columbus Circle
New York, New York 10023
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York
The Four Seasons Hotel is known for their high-level, over-the-top service and this is certainly the case of the well-trained therapists in the spa. The highly-skilled estheticians and massage therapists showcase their work in the extensive menu of treatments available. I had the classic massage and was not disappointed. My therapist catered the treatment to my problem areas (back and shoulders) and used pressure points as well as deep-tissue strokes.
Located in midtown Manhattan on bustling 57th Street, this 5,000-square-foot spa has nine treatment rooms including four massage rooms, three facial rooms, one wet room and a manicure/pedicure suite. There is also a private lounge area in the women's changing room along with a whirlpool, sauna and steam room. Complimentary water, juice, tea, coffee, fresh fruit and newspapers are available.
Signature treatments include the "Big Apple Body Treatment" which includes a scrub, Vichy shower and massage; the "Botanical Balancer Facial" which utilizes organic products and the "Thai Ceremony Massage" which incorporates heated herbal packs and traditional Thai stretches.
Web:http://www.fourseasons.com/newyorkfs/spa
Phone: 212 350 6420
Address:
57 East 57th Street
New York, New York 10022
La Prairie at the Ritz-Carlton Spa
Little touches are the difference between a good spa and a great spa, and this is exemplified at La Prairie at the Ritz-Carlton Spa: the music menu I was given prior to my massage; the hot pad for my shoulders that the attendant would exchange for a hotter one after mine cooled; the glass of champagne given after my spa treatment to top off a wonderful experience. The Ritz-Carlton is classy and this can be seen in the details of the spa, like the cozy, plush bathrobe and slippers, and the nice selection of fresh fruits, nuts and herbal teas.
The lounge is beautifully designed in old-world charm and is inviting and tranquil.
This is the first state-side La Prairie spa and it's not surprising that it found its home in the glamorous Ritz-Carlton, Central Park address. La Prairie is the world-renowned Swiss beauty company whose skincare collection is highly regarded by celebrities and those in the know. The spa sells over 50 La Prairie skin care products. The treatment menu--including facials, massages and body treatments--is just as expansive with an entire offering devoted to men (which makes up a surprising number of the spa's clientele.)
The "Manhattan Minutes" collection is a great way to sample several treatments, including La Prairie's signature facial. The spa has six treatment rooms, men's and women's steam rooms, and the co-ed lounge.
Read an additional review from our guide to Spas.
Web:Ritz Carlton
Phone: (212) 521-6135
Address:
50 Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
Oasis Day Spa at the Affinia Dumont Hotel
There are two Oasis Day Spa locations in New York City. Their flagship spa is Oasis on Park, located on Park Avenue between 32nd & 33rd Street. This spacious in-demand spa is often very busy with their loyal, repeat clientele. The relaxation lounge is a soothing environment complete with teas, lemon and cucumber water, fruits and nuts, magazines, soft lighting and music. Oasis Day Spa at the Affinia Dumont Hotel is located nearby on 34th street between Lexington and Third Avenue and caters to many of the hotel's guests.
I visited both locations. The therapists often go back and forth between the two spas, so the service is equally good at both. The main difference is that the flagship location is much larger and thus has a more spacious lounge for relaxing. The benefit of the hotel location is that it's less busy, so I enjoyed a very quiet and tranquil time there.
The treatment menu is very extensive and includes a variety of massages and facials beyond the basics. For example, there's the organic seaweed facial, the phyto stem cell facial and microdermabrasion. There's also a wide variety of scrubs and wraps available.
Website:Oasis Day Spa
Phone: (212) 545-5254
Address:
150 East 34th Street
New York, NY 10016
Exhale Spa at the Hotel Gansevoort
Located in Manhattan's trendy Meatpacking District, this is Exhale's fourth New York City location. What makes this spot special is that it's a great way for guests to experience downtown chic combined with upscale luxury.
I had first heard about Exhale less as a spa and more for fitness. In fact the Exhale brand is unique in that it seeks to integrate fitness, healing and relaxation within the spa environment, moving away from the industry's focus on just beauty and pampering.
So instead of just offering standard spa fare--massages, facials, wraps--Exhale also offers yoga; Pilates-infused Core Fusion toning classes; nutrition, diet and detox programs; and well-being workshops. There's also acupuncture, cupping and their signature "6-Week Core Evolution" program.
Basically you can get your body/mind in shape as well as pampering your skin. I only had time for the spa therapy and I wasn't disappointed in my massage. The no-nonsense therapist was excellent when it came to tackling my aches and pains. While I felt slightly guilty for not working out--many of the women in the changing room were attending a class--I would definitely go back for another treatment.
For those who want to combine fitness with pampering, Exhale is the place.
Web:Exhale Spa
Phone: 212 660 6733
Address:
18 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10014
The Chatwal Spa by Kashwere
A big part of the spa experience is the pampering and that starts with the plushness of the robe. At this spa, I was given a choice of several different options--ranging from thick, warm and soft to a lighter, cooler version. I later learned that Kashwere's first spa product, a shawl-collared robe woven from its proprietary Chenilla yarn, made Oprah's list of "Favorite Things" and became the robe of choice for celebrities and resorts.
After relaxing in the robe, I could understand why Kashwere products draw such a following.
This small but intimate spa--it's 2,400 square feet--has three treatment rooms, each fitted with light therapy technology. There are also three private changing suites with steam shower and private bathroom. The relaxation area has a menu in which to order healthy spa cuisine. Additionally, there are two saltwater plunge pools (both hot and cold), a saltwater lap-pool able to simulate natural water currents, a manicure and pedicure room and a cardio/strength fitness studio.
Some of their signature treatments include the 'Chatwal Luxe' massage, the 'Barefoot on Broadway' pedicure and the 'In a New York Minute' facial.
I loved the spa butler, who was attentive without being intrusive, refilling my water and tea, bringing me more magazines and just making sure I was okay. I also really liked having my own private changing room which included a five-head shower and a wide variety of amenities. The lounge was modern, yet elegant and I certainly did not feel like I was in the middle of the theater district.
To complete my day of pampering, after my treatment I had lunch at the hotel's famous Lambs Club restaurant; the food was as fabulous as the atmosphere. Good food, good spa--it's no wonder this hotel is garnering so much buzz since its opening in 2010.
Web:The Chatwal Spa
Phone: (212) 764-6200
Address:
130 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036
Located on Manhattan's prestigious Upper East Side, the Spa at the Surrey resides on the second floor of the hotel and opened in 2009. The Spa is void of a communal changing room, so I never changed into the standard spa robe and slippers and instead relaxed in the lounge wearing my regular clothes. Then my therapist took me to my treatment room to change and explain what I was having. I was getting a Kodo massage, which taps into the ancient healing traditions of Australian Aboriginal culture.
The treatment utilizes natural resources such as Tasmanian soils, native flowers, berries, kelp, barks, desert salts and indigenous plants. The massage was as relaxing as it was unique.
The lounge area has individual seating areas partitioned by flowing white curtains to give privacy (something appreciated by the hotel's upscale clientele). Water, tea and other beverages are available. The spa is small, but nicely decorated. There are three treatment rooms, two oversized spa suites and a manicure/pedicure station. The treatment rooms and spa suites have a dressing armoire, vanity, and shower. The spa suites can accommodate couples massage and include a full private bath with an infinity soaking tub and dual temperature shower.
The spa's design is soft and welcoming, with white and beige hues, Art Deco light fixtures and ornate hand-painted armoires alongside contemporary artwork. I loved that it was so airy and light--the bright white design felt very positive and calming.
Web:The Spa at The Surrey
Phone: (646) 358-3600
Address:
20 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
Most things associated with the Trump brand are done on a grand scale, and the spa is no exception. The 11,000-square-foot spa occupies the 7th and 8th floors of the hotel, found in the trendy Soho district. I was excited to check out the hammams--the spa boasts two--which is a rarity in New York City. This Middle Eastern ritual that combines heat, steam, scrub and massage was something I loved in Turkey and was happy to find it duplicated--authentically--right here in downtown Manhattan.
The spa has nine private treatment rooms and a spacious relaxation lounge. For serious spa goers who want pampering 24/7 in the privacy of their own room, the hotel can accommodate that. It just launched three luxury spa suites. Located adjacent to the spa, guests in these suites can enjoy endless treatments, from multiple massages and facials to scrubs and stimulating hydrotherapy showers, without ever leaving their guest room. One suite is even equipped with a sauna for two.
Whether you want one treatment in the spa's main setting or a number of treatments in one of the hotel's spa suites, it's undeniable: Trump delivers a high-quality product.
Web:Trump SoHo
Phone: (212) 842-5505
Address:
246 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013
Want more? See More Top NYC Hotel Spas.