Not just for fitness fanatics
Dec 12, 2024 Robert J
As a former New Yorker, I thought the Equinox Hotel would be like many Equinox Gym members that I used to know: dark and masculine plus judgy and unapproachable. Fortunately, I was wrong on the last two.
Design-wise, it definitely gives dark, masculine vibes. Not sure how women would like it, but I found the brown/gray/cream color palette to be…
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As a former New Yorker, I thought the Equinox Hotel would be like many Equinox Gym members that I used to know: dark and masculine plus judgy and unapproachable. Fortunately, I was wrong on the last two.
Design-wise, it definitely gives dark, masculine vibes. Not sure how women would like it, but I found the brown/gray/cream color palette to be soothing and cocooning on a dreary December weekend. The entry-level room was design perfection, with sleek, low furniture that was not just beautiful to look at but also functional and comfortable -- the adjustable-height side table is especially nice for guests like me who need a place to work. An entire wall is all smart built-ins with sliding panels, so the space is visually clean and feels larger than its physical footprint.
The bathroom was surprisingly large and luxurious. Smoky topaz glass separates toilet, vanity, and shower areas within the bathroom, while the shower's outward-facing glass wall can be changed from clear to opaque, offering both privacy and views. Little luxuries made a difference here: soft, thick bath towels were bound with a fabric border so they never looked frayed, and showers featured an "energizing" morning soap plus a "relaxing" version for the evening. One small complaint was the strange sink design, with a low faucet too close to the edge and a flat bottom that didn't drain properly. ROOM GRADE: A
Outside the room, I found the public areas on the 24th and 25th floors to be warm and inviting. The bar space was bright and buzzing, with two-story windows overlooking Hudson Yards and the Vessel. Next door is the restaurant, Electric Lemon, where the well-edited menu steers you toward healthy choices without being preachy. Seating is comfortable, tables are well-spaced, and the overhead lights are sculptural enough to pass for an art installation. Food prices are reasonable in the NYC context, and my breakfast server must have refilled my coffee 6 or 7 times while I worked for 90 minutes or so. A compact check-in lobby overlooks the restaurant and bar, but the odd furniture selection – small, triangular high-tops and low, curvy sofas – doesn’t encourage lingering. PUBLIC SPACES: B+
Service was the most pleasant surprise for me. Lobby staff in white suits looked like would-be models, but they were unfailingly helpful and friendly. Restaurant servers were prompt and knowledgeable without being stuffy. Housekeeping stopped by to ask when I'd like the room serviced, and they executed flawlessly as soon as I stepped out. Turndown service was also quick and intuitive. When the housekeeper noticed that I'd drunk two bottles of water on my first day, for instance, she left three bottles beside my bed that evening. But the service is more high-touch than high-tech: When I used a QR code to send a text inquiring about checkout time, I never got a reply. SERVICE: A-
Overall, the Equinox Hotel fills a unique niche in NYC's luxury hotel scene. The wellness theme is subtle but thoughtful, and it left me feeling pampered rather than judged ... even if I did suck in my gut every time I left the room.
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