Experiencing Luxury Hospitality: St. John’s Students Visit Five-Star Hotel

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management program at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies recently experienced the world of luxury hospitality during an exclusive visit to The Peninsula New York, a five-star hotel located on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

“At St. John’s, we are committed to preparing students not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers. This visit to The Peninsula New York gave our students an inspiring glimpse into the world of luxury hospitality and service innovation. It was also a special opportunity for students to connect with our own St. John’s Hospitality alumni who are now thriving as managers in the industry.” said Dr. Seunghyun “Brian” Park, Associate Professor, Undergraduate Program Coordinator of Hospitality Management

Connecting with Successful St. John’s Alumni

Students got a behind-the-scenes look at one of New York City’s most prestigious hotels, renowned for its timeless elegance, impeccable service, and innovation in guest experiences. Welcomed by the hotel’s Catering and Events team, they connected with two proud St. John’s Hospitality Management graduates who now excel at The Peninsula: Isabel Choi ’07CPS, Catering Manager, who was in the first cohort of St. John’s Hospitality Management program graduates, and Lilly Nguyen ‘23GCCPS, who works in Event Coordination at the hotel. Their career paths inspired students to envision the possibilities that lie ahead in the hospitality industry. 

A Tour of World-Class Luxury and Service

Students explored the hotel’s luxurious guest rooms and suites, the rooftop bar with sweeping Manhattan views, the wellness center and spa, and elegant event venues, and met managers from the Rooms Division, Revenue Management, and Food & Beverage. The tour showcased how every department collaborates to deliver exceptional service and create memorable guest experiences at the highest level of hospitality.

Student Reflections: Valuable Lessons in Luxury Hospitality 

“During my tour of The Peninsula Hotel, I had the opportunity to explore three different suites, each showcasing an impressive blend of modern technology and historical authenticity,” shared student Alexa Gangi. “The most striking aspect was how seamlessly the hotel integrates cutting-edge tech with the timeless elegance of its design, creating a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere for guests.”

She continued, “What stood out even more was how well The Peninsula emphasizes staff and guest bonding, which elevates the entire experience. The focus on making guests feel at home, combined with exceptional service, makes the stay truly unique. This experience was invaluable for my career development in hospitality management. I had the rare opportunity to ask questions, observe operations, and gain insight into how a genuine hospitality business is run. I was able to see firsthand the challenges hotel staff face and how the team coordinates and maintains a high level of service. It was a great learning experience that helped me advance in my career.”

Student Andrew Bermeo shared how the visit shaped his perspective. “Our class’s visit to The Peninsula Hotel allowed me to observe a luxurious hotel unlike any I had seen before. I was very impressed by the hotel’s ability to combine modern technology with traditional elegance—from the stylish iPads in the rooms controlling temperature and lighting, to the high-tech home phone system. It was fascinating to see how innovation improves the guest experience.”

He added, “This visit also made it clearer to me that each hotel is built with a particular audience in mind, adjusting its amenities and atmosphere appropriately. I was able to experience a different level of luxury and service than what I’ve already encountered at my internship at Hilton Midtown. Observing The Peninsula’s commitment to providing outstanding customer service strengthened my desire to continue working in the industry. My professional goals became even more apparent after the visit, showing me the different levels of service and guest experiences that exist within hospitality.”