An all-encompassing luxury lifestyle experience, Equinox Hotel is a standout place to stay in New York City. It’s a part of Hudson Yards, the glittery mixed-use development that also debuted that year, spanning shopping, dining, condos and office towers, built atop a rail yard on the far west side of midtown Manhattan.
The hotel is set within a handsome 92-story glass and limestone tower by architecture firm SOM with interiors by Rockwell Group (who also designed Equinox fitness clubs). There are 212 rooms and suites which occupy floors 24 to 38, along with a 60,000 square-foot fitness club, spa and rooftop pool with sweeping views of the Hudson River. Here’s what we thought of it.
Why stay at Equinox Hotel New York?
This place is a true escape from the city. Set on a glittery plaza overlooking the Hudson River on the far west side of Manhattan, it’s both architecturally and geographically removed from the rest of the city’s hustle, bustle and grit—bascially as close as it gets to a resort experience in the middle of the city.
Of course, the hotel was born from a fitness club, so it’s a place to indulge in a 360-degree, fully-integrated wellness experience, from the gym, to morning yoga on the terrace, an afternoon at the luxurious spa and sunbathing at the rooftop pool. But there’s also a restaurant with a buzzy bar and fashionable outdoor terrace for meals that run the gamut from wholesome to indulgent.
What are the rooms like?
Designed by Rockwell Group, rooms are a study in greyscale monochromatic minimalism, not unlike Equinox fitness clubs. Upon arrival I asked myself, ‘do I want my luxury hotel to feel like a gym?’ but before long, the answer to that question was yes. And as an Equinox member myself, I can vouch for the fact that clubs feel more like luxury hotels anyway and here, an excellent has been done of translating hallmarks of the fitness club’s design into a soothing and luxurious hotel environment.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms are plush and spacious with views that range from city to river. I checked into a Deluxe King on the 38th floor overlooking the Hudson featuring a sitting area with a low-slung built-in sofa and table. The mini bar is outfitted with your typical high-end snacks and spirit offerings, but there’s also an entire cabinet of health supplements and gym clothes in case you forgot to pack your own.
Rooms are designed for optimal sleep with a blackout shade, temperature settings and extremely comfortable beds with soft linens (all delightful), but my favourite detail? Beds are made up with two duvets folded in half in an arrangement with pillows that reminded me of sculpted abs.
Bathrooms are spacious in sand-toned, veined marble with a big rainfall shower and separate water closet, and bath products are by Grown Alchemist, just like in the fitness clubs (although I found these to be a higher quality formula with a body wash for morning and night; one designed to invigorate, the other to relax).
What are the bars and restaurants like at Equinox Hotel New York?
The hotel is anchored by Electric Lemon, a restaurant by Stephen Starr in a high-ceilinged dining room on the 24th floor that includes a bar and outdoor terrace. The scene is buzzy, filled with beautiful people happy to flaunt their bodies, enhanced by Equinox and other means.
The menu here is upscale, seasonal American ‘health’ options alongside more indulgent dishes. We enjoyed branzino with perfectly crispy skin, fluke crudo, steak tartare and a stone fruit salad, followed by a nightcap lounging on the breezy terrace outside, which practically transported me to Miami. Everything was well-executed, although dinner for two with drinks came to $200 each with tax and tip (not counting our nightcap).
Hotel restaurants can be notorious for inflated prices, there are far more interesting dining experiences to be had in New York City at that price and less. For a nearby recommendation, I’d point you to Ci Siamo for a decadent, upscale Italian feast, where we dined the following night at a fraction of the price.
What is the service like at Equinox Hotel New York?
I was impressed with the hospitality at Equinox Hotel New York. The front desk staff was friendly, personable, knowledgeable and helpful. The pool, spa and gym staff were equally gracious and capable. There’s also a concierge team on hand, ready to make your wildest New York dreams a reality.
How are the amenities at Equinox Hotel New York?
The amenities are what you’re here for, starting with the impressive 60,000-square-foot fitness club, the largest in Equinox’s portfolio, with panoramic views of the Hudson River. Beyond the gym floor, there’s a 25-yard indoor saltwater lap pool, a group fitness studio, yoga studio, Pilates studio and outrageously luxurious locker rooms with steam room and sauna. There’s also an onsite SoulCycle.
The Spa by Equinox Hotels is a luxurious oasis with its own locker room and sauna, as well as a relaxation lounge with private window seating nooks overlooking the Hudson. The menu is impressive and expansive, including everything from cryotherapy to acupuncture, microneedling and leading-edge technologies, like the MLX I3DOME far infrared detox experience. I enjoyed an incredible customized Biologique Recherche facial with a lymphatic drainage massage, Oxylight LED microcurrent and collagen mask. I’d definitely go again.
The pièce de résistance? That’d be the rooftop pool deck with views spanning the Hudson River and Hudson Yards’ architectural marvels. It’s serviced by Broken Coconut with a menu that includes everything from salads to tacos, green juice, cocktails and wine. It’s open year-round and heated in the wintertime. The hotel also recently introduced a house sailboat and they often collaborate with Blade helicopters to whisk guests near and far. So glamorous.
What’s the area like around Equinox Hotel New York?
Equinox Hotel New York is situated firmly in Hudson Yards, the glittering new mixed-use development on the far west side of midtown Manhattan built atop a rail yard, from about W. 30th to 34th Street. It’s home to a luxury shopping mall, The Shed arts space, condos, office towers and the Vessel, a shimmering, interactive architectural marvel gleaming in mirrored bronze.
It’s an enclave somewhat removed from the rest of Manhattan, for better or worse, depending on your perspective. A Spanish food hall by celebrity chef José Andrés is well worth a visit, the programming at The Shed is excellent and the outdoor plaza overlooking the river anchored by the Vessel often features seasonal popups and community events, from outdoor movies to sports screenings.
Why you should book a stay at Equinox Hotel New York
For the ultimate 360 luxury lifestyle wellness experience—gym, spa, pool, eat, drink, sleep, yoga, repeat. It’s a true oasis in the heart of Manhattan.
Address: 33 Hudson Yards, NY, NY 10001
Price per night: From about $1,257
Closest transport: For subway head to Hudson Yards for the 7 train.
Book now: via Booking.com
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