Stayed here last month for a long weekend, here's what you need to know in bullet form to save wading through loads of reviews;
1. Standard $52.00 + tip in a Yellow cab from JFK airport.
2. Good location, walking distance to Central Park, Times Square etc.
3. Expensive, room only accomodation - we paid £175.00 a night and that was on a deal.
4. Checked in by Michael (First thing he says is 'No parcels, packages, letters, emails here for you.' Huh???) Specifically requested a room away from the construction noise. Took some doing, ended up with room 3303 ( check pictures for view) Assured it was quiet.
Taken to room by Matthew, first thing I heard upon entering was heavy duty construction noise from the new Subway entrance being built across the road from the entrance to the hotel. We were located well down the side of the hotel on the 33rd floor and it was loud.
Asked Matthew about it and he says 'Don't worry it finishes at 16.00' and then disappeared with my tip.
Well, Matthew, it doesn't. And Michael, room 3303 isn't quiet - the noise goes on all night, most nights and all weekend - BANG, BANG, BANG!!!
Get a room at the back, facing the Cathedral, it's the only quiet part.
5. Gilt restaurant (Should be 'Guilt' the prices they charge!) 2 star Michelin, $31.00 for a Baileys on the rocks and a beer - just don't expect to get a drink after Midnight. This IS New York, right?
6. Don't touch the minibar, all electronically controlled and a bottle of water will cost you $11.00, a few gummy bears $10.00. Oh, and forget the Spa treatments etc. - a massage is $490.00, plus tip, of course.
7. Beds are comfy, good quality fabrics but our duvet cover had a rip in it. Bathroom tap was faulty, too. Aircon not up to much and TV movies too expensive also.
8. Some good Deli's around the area, eat there instead, also TGIF's and the odd Irish bar for drinks.
9. Hard to get a Cab around the Midtown area at night, use the Doorman at the hotel - he expects a tip and also gets a kickback off the cab driver - but it's easier than trying to flag one down.
10. It may well be par for the course for New York, £175.00 a night (the 'walk in' rate is $995.00!!!) but we found it expensive, and the extras, should you choose them, are just extortionate. This, combined with the noise (were we the only ones hearing it?) means we won't be rushing back...
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