Hudson Yards housing, entertainment, and business complex west of Midtown from 30th and 34th Streets to the Hudson River: Equinox Hotels, part of an H-shaped design incorporating luxury residences, an epic fitness center, and stunning hotel. As the latter, the David Rockwell-designed Equinox Hotel New York is a winning concept to provide the ultimate urban resort for everyone. While the complex focuses on health, fitness, productivity, and performance, it welcomes all, even those whose goal is self-indulgence, and the Equinox serves as the beating heart of this community.
The hotel itself deftly treads the balance of being clinical, if not downright serious, while still being fun. So, yes, at first glance, it raises eyebrows and then reassures, a combination of engaged staff and efficient, although minimalist, design. Perhaps the designers had interiors efficiently feng shui’ed, it just feels welcoming.
Stretches of underlit onyx brighten the open check-in area after all the black one encounters at arrival. Both the reception and concierge teams (which include fitness and sleep concierges) are polished and smiling, as one would expect, and much more engaged than ever imagined. Set against spectacular views, it’s easy to see how excellent work environments translate to high guest satisfaction.
Sleep
Not merely a place to change clothes and shower, Equinox Hotels promotes a goal to its rooms which is, actually, sleep. So essential to maintaining overall wellness and both physical and mental recovery, Equinox Hotels takes the “sleep chamber” to another level. Guests enter darkened rooms, blackout shades fully lowered, sufficient soundproofing and temperature set automatically at a slumber-promoting 66°F (19°C).
The plush king mattress has no wire springs, only layers and layers of natural fibers hand-crafted in Greece to regulate body temperature and reduce moisture. The bed is clad in natural linens and graced with a pair of twin duvets to eliminate night-time tugging. The calming neutrals and whites rule the limited palette, with a few blacks and greys as accents. The ample-sized rooms progress to an impressive 2,000 ft² (186m²) for the Penthouse Suite expanded by the adjacent room. Interiors are exceptionally well-designed and un-fussy, with designated free space to stretch out, yoga mats in the closet, and a selection of fitness programs and meditations available on in-room entertainment. The minibar is not a “solo.” There are refrigerated drawers full of drinks, an (alcoholic) drink mini-bar above the Nespresso machine, a drawer of healthy snacks, and another filled with vitamin supplements, sleep- or vitality-enhancing patches, and moisturizing facial masks. Oh, and the baths: dark stone walls, adjustable lighting, plenty of mirrors, and ultra-roomy showers with 3 heads.
Reach
The exclusive landmark 60,000 ft²…Equinox Fitness Club, overlooks the Hudson River and the park at Hudson Yards, and boasts the highest quality equipment and weights. This area is high-performance central, but the pressure exerted is one’s own. Once the initial jaw-drop over the immensity of the space resolves, the venue makes it very easy to focus on intent and be as interactive or as private as one likes. There are trainers as well as individual classes to book, like Pilates or yoga. E by Equinox, the most personalized training experience offered, is not exclusive to Hudson Yards and, as in other locations, features enhanced experiences and amenities in more enclosed and private settings. Secure lockers and ample-sized changing facilities and personal showers with abundant products -- and towels -- make this space an easy win.
Fuel
Perusing the Electric Lemon dinner menu, I found it curious that no nutritional information (grams of carbs, fat, etc.) appeared. It was only after arriving and settling that it dawned: no need for unnecessary trivia. If it truly mattered, then the diner already intuited the count or could inquire; if it didn’t matter, then so much the better to enjoy the pleasures that life – and this hotel – offer. The limited menu is as focused as it is enticing and there is a global focus on flavors which, in some cases will have one googling obscure grains and spices on one’s mobile. There are plenty of vegetable dishes to enjoy, as well as leaner meats and those (i.e., duck) that push the lean boundary. Crudo are a menu staple: steak tartare and oysters are delicious…simply seasoned, artfully plated, undeniably delicious. A wine-by-the glass list matches the size of the impressive cocktail list. My dining partner instinctively reached out to servers to get their opinions and recommendations. The resultant appetizers, entrees, and desserts were always spot-on. The overall space is soothing and inviting, with very high ceilings, and more breath-taking views, including from an immense terrace space not yet open for the season.
When we returned for breakfast the next morning, the movers and shakers noticed earlier were back. Electric Lemon ticks a lot of boxes and it’s very popular with hotel guests, local residents, and area business executives.
Restore
Ah, the Spa by Equinox Hotels is simply a game-changer. Five circuits, including the typical Beauty option dominating most menus, help guests achieve both inner and outer body excellence with evidence-based therapies. Performance-enhancing modalities include lymphatic drainage treatments and progress to acupuncture. In addition to infrared saunas, the Temperature modalities include cryotherapy cabinets for 3 minute treatments that energize with endorphin release and blood vessel dilation. Inner Body supports hydration and boosts nutrition with IV drips, and a Spa Wave table reduces jet lag and simulates 3 hours of sleep with a 30-minute session.
The Equinox Hotel New York encourages further pursuit and self-discovery of its many amenities and features. Like an exquisite artisanal chocolate, unwrapping and successive samplings reveal an array of delights. Invoking hand-crafted candy to describe a performance-focused concept isn’t irony. With hard work comes reward, and the possibilities for the future of Equinox Hotels are deliciously diverse and tempting.
Photos: Equinox Hotel Media, Jesse Dittmar, Matt Ritchie, Matias Ferrero | Words: Janine Devine, Matias Ferrero
