🗽 Equinox Hotel NYC Review: Modern Wellness Meets Hudson Yards Luxury—But Is It Worth It?

Located in the sleek, high-end Hudson Yards neighborhood, the Equinox Hotel in New York City promises wellness, sophistication, and exclusivity. With direct access to the High Line, the Hudson Yards shopping center, and panoramic views of the Hudson River, it’s designed for those seeking a chic, fitness-focused escape in the city. But at this price point, does it deliver on all fronts?

Having stayed twice—once in spring and again in fall—here’s my honest take on what this hotel gets right, what it misses, and who it's truly for.

📍 Prime Location: Hudson Yards, NYC

Equinox Hotel is located in Hudson Yards, one of Manhattan’s most modern and prestigious developments:

• Steps from the High Line

• Direct access to Hudson Yards Mall (luxury shopping & dining)

• Views of the Hudson River from many rooms

📌 Note: The area is visually industrial—think steel, glass, and high-rises—not your classic New York charm.

🛏 Rooms: Sleek, Soundproof, and Wellness-Infused

We booked a double room with a king bed and river view, and from a design standpoint, it was impressive.

🌿 Wellness Features:

• Blackout blinds and soundproof windows for restful sleep

• Access to sleep aids, supplements, and nutraceuticals (available for purchase)

• Yoga mat and foam roller provided in-room

• Touch-controlled lighting, ambient settings, and minimalist modern decor

But let’s talk comfort.

⚠️ Mattress Alert:

Despite their branding around "the best sleep of your life" (they even sell their mattresses online), the bed was extremely firm—borderline uncomfortable. For a hotel that prioritizes sleep, we were disappointed.

🧃 Minibar & In-Room Extras: Health Bar or Upsell Central?

Equinox’s minibar setup is more like a high-end health store:

• Over 80+ products available (snacks, supplements, drinks, sleep aids)

• All at additional cost, including:

  • Vitamins

  • Nootropics

  • High-end snack bars

  • Protein beverages

Great if you're into wellness—but be prepared for sticker shock.

🐾 Pet Policy: Something to Consider

The hotel is pet-friendly, with a non-refundable $250 cleaning fee.

While this is a perk for pet owners, those with severe pet allergies may want to think twice—especially considering the in-room plush furniture and fabric sofas that could retain pet hair from previous stays.

💦 Pool & Fitness Club Access: Exclusive, But Not Always Guest-Friendly

Rooftop Pool:

• Stunning but very small

• Shared with Equinox gym members

• Limited loungers and seating

• Even with a time limit, loungers were hard to get (especially in early fall)

• Vibe is definitely young, adult, and very social

🛑 We wouldn’t bring children here. The pool scene is adult-oriented with a barely-there dress code among gym-goers.

Fitness Club:

• Full access to the Equinox Gym and Spa

• Spa treatment was excellent (massage exceeded expectations)

• Clean, modern, and consistent with the hotel’s aesthetic View the spa menu here →

🍽 Dining: Not Worth the Hype (or the Price)

The hotel restaurant was one of the biggest disappointments.

• Limited menu

• Overpriced for what it offers

• Lacks ambiance and variety

• Too many incredible restaurants in NYC to waste a meal here

Food Tip:

Skip the hotel dining and explore nearby restaurants in Chelsea, the West Village, or even the Hudson Yards Mall.

✔ Pros & Cons Summary

Pros	Cons
Prime location near High Line & Hudson Yards Mall	Mattress was extremely firm and uncomfortable
Sleek, modern rooms with blackout shades & soundproofing	Overpriced restaurant with limited menu
Wellness amenities (yoga mat, supplements, sleep aids)	Rooftop pool overcrowded with limited seating
In-room minibar stocked with health-focused products	Many items come at an extra cost (even sleep aids)
Access to top-tier Equinox gym & spa	Shared pool/spa area with gym members, not exclusive
Spa services met expectations	Pet-friendly policy may affect guests with allergies
Beautiful Hudson River views	Industrial vibe may not appeal to all travelers
Great for solo travelers or couples focused on wellness	Not truly child-friendly despite marketing claims

⭐ Final Verdict: 4 Stars for Aesthetic, 3 for Experience

Equinox Hotel NYC is ideal for wellness enthusiasts, solo travelers, or couples who want modern amenities in a trendy location. If you're focused on sleep support, access to a premier gym, and crave design-forward spaces, this hotel is for you.

However, the firm mattress, overcrowded shared spaces, and overpriced dining prevent this from being a 5-star stay.

📌 For the same cost, we’d personally opt for a more classic luxury option like The Ritz-Carlton with Central Park views and a more balanced overall experience.

📩 Curious About Staying at Equinox Hotel NYC?

As a physical therapist and wellness traveler, I love dissecting these experiences through a health-focused lens. If you have questions about Equinox or other luxury stays in NYC, I’m happy to help! Check out my Video on this hotel HERE. Be sure to subscribe and like!

📧 Email me at BeyondHerLensArt@gmail.com📷 Explore more city hotel reviews and travel photography at BeyondHerLens.com