NEW YORK — The premier accommodations at the Equinox Hotel New York offer an innovative experience that redefines luxury in the modern hospitality landscape. Nestled in the vibrant Hudson Yards, this property, which debuted in 2019 as the first hotel from the renowned fitness brand Equinox, embodies a seamless blend of sophisticated design and advanced wellness amenities.
Upon entering a spacious Premier King Room, the elegant aesthetic immediately captivates, thanks to the sophisticated neutral palette and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. However, the true allure of this room lies beneath its luxurious facade. General Manager Jeff Rednour guides guests through a unique experience—the Sleep Lab, a collaboration with sleep neuroscientist Matthew Walker, founder of the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley.
With rates starting at $1,700 per night—a premium of approximately $350 over standard Premier Kings—this transformative sleep experience is designed for those serious about maximizing their rest. Currently, the Sleep Lab experience is not available through global distribution systems (GDS), but commissionable rates can be arranged by reaching out directly to the hotel.
A pair of bedside digital devices allow guests to adjust their mattress topper and room sleep settings before winding down for the night. Photo Credit: Christina Jelski
Launched last month, the Sleep Lab program enhances the hotel’s already sleep-friendly atmosphere, which emphasizes creating optimal “dark, quiet, and cool” environments across all guestrooms. Signature features include top-of-the-line window blinds with side zippers, enhanced sound insulation, and breathable Coco-Mat mattresses. Taking sleep health seriously, the hotel has received special clearance to deactivate LED indicators on smoke detectors in guest rooms while maintaining regular inspections.
A centerpiece of the Sleep Lab experience is the premium mattress topper from Eight Sleep, which personalizes each side of the bed into individualized climate zones. This innovative technology also tracks vital sleep metrics, culminating in a comprehensive sleep report each morning. Using advanced AI sensors, the topper monitors heart rate, breathing patterns, and more to create a tailored sleep experience.
Using an in-room digital device, guests can customize the mattress topper’s settings following recommendations from sleep expert Matthew Walker. The system is engineered to optimally cool at bedtime, lower further during deep sleep phases, and gently warm as the morning approaches. Before guests wake, the topper offers a gentle vibration to signal it’s time to rise.
The sophistication extends beyond the bedroom, reaching the bathroom, where guests can enjoy unique hydrotherapy features. The shower offers a 20-minute hot steam option infused with lavender and frankincense, alongside a quick, invigorating cold shower function accessible at the push of a button.
Preparing for Optimal Sleep
Guests are encouraged to adopt pre-bedtime routines to enhance their sleep quality. About an hour before bedtime, a steam shower provides relaxation, while the room’s expansive minibar features an array of wellness products, including self-care items and snacks.
Select minibar items are included as part of The Sleep Lab experience. Photo Credit: Christina Jelski
Complimentary minibar selections include tart cherry juice, known for its sleep-inducing properties, and “Power Down” herbal tea featuring calming ingredients like chamomile and valerian root. Guests can savor these sleep-friendly options while being mindful of their hydration needs to avoid sleep disruptions.
As the room temperature dips, soft ambient lighting fills the space. The carefully designed features—such as automatic dimming and closing blinds—work in harmony to prepare any guest for a restful night. Even those predisposed to be night owls may find themselves drifting off to sleep more readily.
As morning approaches, the mattress topper’s gentle vibrations and slowly brightening lights wake guests, complemented by soothing background music. The automatic rising of the blinds leads into a refreshing cold shower, delivering a brisk awakening that leaves guests revitalized.
Following an evaluation of sleep quality, guests may find their scores exceeding expectations, proving the effectiveness of the Sleep Lab experience. With a rate of $1,700 per night, investing in quality rest at the Equinox Hotel New York is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone seeking a restorative retreat in the heart of the city.
