Hilton HHonors - Hilton New York Trip Reports and Reviews

Just came back from a weekend stay at the Hilton NY - one of those great President's Day deals - $169. I was upgraded to an Executive floor. This hotel was recently renovated, but the room was pretty standard. Having stayed recently at the Times Square and Millenium in NYC, I would prefer either over the Hilton New York for those of you planning a theatre weekend any time soon. While the Millenium is at the World Trade Center (not too close to Midtown, but an easy subway trip), one can often get some great weeken deals there.

Just checked into the New York Hilton. Heads up - their contract for high speed internet access expired yesterday - there is none available. Wish they had told me upon check-in.

Also is there a diamond desk or HHonors check-in desk? - I didn't see one upon check-in.

The Diamond Desk is in the Executive Lounge on the 44th floor. It is also accessable for Golds.



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He who dies with the most miles ... is dead.

There is also a separate HH check-in line at the far left of the main counter in the lobby. A very nice fellow there volunteered that my gold status entitled me to use the exec lounge and the exercise facilities.

(messed up the editing -- oh well.)

Too bad about the internet access; I agree that they should have warned you.

[This message has been edited by Westcoaster (edited 05-24-2001).]

Originally posted by Westcoaster:


There is also a separate HH check-in line at the far left of the main counter in the lobby. A very nice fellow there volunteered that my gold status entitled me to use the exec lounge and the exercise facilities.

Interesting thing about the exec lounge on the 44th floor: I used it twice, once the evening I checked in and then again the next morning for breakfast. No one was checking to see if people who entered belonged there. Anyone could have walked in and helped themself to the nice breakfast buffet. And I bet they do. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif



Entry to the exec lounge is spot checked, though relatively rarely. There often seems to be someone on duty on Saturday mornings in particular, but during a mid week stay there a couple of weeks ago, someone stood by the door at random times during the evening.

Regarding the check-in process itself, as a gold you should have no problem presenting yourself in the exec lounge and checking in there. The attending concierge was happy to check me in there during my last stay.

Thanks...I'll be prepared next time

I stay at the NY Hilton atleast once a month and probably more like twice a month. Even as a Diamond member, you get no reconition. The executive lounge on the 44th floor looks more like a Macy's sale than a VIP room. Thye'll let anyone in.... This is a giant convetion hotel and I really think they could care less about the business traveler. But hey, the Sheratons nearby are just as bad.

Why the heck would they let the contract for high speed internet access expire? I guess people weren't using it? Still, that seems like a bad move on this Hilton's part ...

This has to be the worst Hilton experience I have had in a long time.
I am staying there for the first time on an award (130,000 points).

This is a MASSIVE and HIGHLY IMPERSONAL property. The lobby has all the warmth of a Siberian poultry yard. Hundreds of people milling around. I stood in line for a good 30 minutes in the HHonors line before I was able to check in.

No upgrades were available. No little bottle of water in the room. No special recognition for Diamonds (not even a little card). No high-speed internet.

I attempted a trip to the Executive Lounge on the 44th floor tonight and I had to retreat in front of the mayhem. There is no control on who gets in. The room was filthy, packed with a hundred people stacking egg rolls a foot tall on their plates, tables were not cleaned, it was a total disaster. I wonder what is executive about that lounge. They should rename it EXECUTION LOUNGE.

Climate control in the room is either 90°F or 10°F depending on whether you like your thermostat on ON or on OFF.

No newspaper delivered.

There is basically no service, not a single attention to the details that one may expect when spending 130,000 points or $400/night.

I am very unhappy with my stay here. Stay away.

I stayed there one month ago (Saturday) and being Diamond and asking very politely at the front desk for a nice room I did get a very nice and cosy one (translation: small) on a higher floor. Lucky at check-in as no one was there so was fast for me.

The Executive Lounge though nice is Everyone's Lounge. No checking even if it's a guest for breakfast. So please draw your own conclusions.

Asked for late check-out and was told it was not possible. No big deal, though I assumed I was entitled to the perk...

Location is the nicest thing for me about this hotel.

Although I have stayed there several times over the past year or so and may do so again (but only if its cheap enough), I really must agree with you. As I have written previously, the rooms are quite unexceptional and the overall ambiance is indeed cold and impersonal. It is sometimes possible to secure an upgrade to a suite but only if you are staying just one night. Regarding their treatment of diamonds, I was once nonchalantly told by the staff that the NY Hilton treats diamonds and golds precisely the same, which is usually indifferent.

Just in case you have not stayed there before, the Times Square Hilton is a much nicer property, staffed by warm and friendly folks who seem quite willing to upgrade both golds and diamonds. Its only flaw is the lack of an executive lounge, although from your description of the current condition of the NY Hilton's lounge, that may not really matter very much. Especially after the loss of the Millennium Hilton downtown, NYC actually boasts very few HiltonHhonors properties whereas Starwood now has quite a few hotels and the list is growing.

I have not stayed at the NY Hilton but did send some friends of mine there on October 3rd and they reported that they enjoyed their visit. However, neither one of them travel nearly as much as we all do and consequently I take their trip report with a grain of salt.

I suspect that the NY Hilton on the Avenue of Americas is a franchised property - and thus is not as eager to uphold the standards that we are all passionate about.

Whenever I stay in NY, I am at the Waldorf=Astoria OR the Millenium Hilton - both of which have always pleased me. Now that the Millenium Hilton is closed- I am going to be sure to stay at only the Waldorf=Astoria.

Does anyone know if a list exists which lists the corporate vs. franchised properties? I suspect that this list would be VERY helpful in determining what properties we SHOULD and SHOULD NOT be patronizing.

Incidentally - I work for the largest hospitality & real estate franchisor in the world (as a director of business development - I actually SELL franchises) and have nothing against the franchise concept; unfortunately more often than not - many affiliates have trouble adhering to identity standards.

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"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been,and there you will forever long to return." Leonardo da Vinci

Droneklax, I agree with your assessment. I stopped staying there because of the problems you describe. Since you are there already, a few things to know:

- You can get a newspaper sent to your room if you raise enough of a fit.
- Free newspapers are available in the Executive Lounge.
- You can check-in & check-out at the Executive Lounge. The people there have more ability to upgrade rooms and set up other amenities -- although they are relunctant to do that on an award stay.

The climate control system sucks there. When I stayed there I requested 5 blankets when I checked in because there was no clue if the room would be a sauna or not.


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On the road,
In the air,
I enjoy travel
From here to there.

We stayed in this hotel for 4 nights from 15th to 19 Dec 2001. I had booked a one bedroom suite for $417 a night. When we arrived, only a king suite was available and as there were three of us we could not use this room. We were given two rooms each with a double bed and these rooms were SMALL. Next day we transfered to the one bed suite that we had ordered. It was very nice with a hall,lounge, double bedroom, walk in closet and small kitchen on the 42nd floor. I must agree that the lounge was busy and there was no check on who was using the facility. Overall I was impressed with the one bedroom suite and the location of the hotel. Perhaps it was not as busy as usual due to 11th Sep but I must admit I was pleasantly suprised.

Droneklax- Agree about the NY hilton- next time try the Times Square Hilton- true there is no exec lounge, but the top floor suites, given as upgrades are lovely 2 room suites- newly frunished with views, abiet altered since 9/11. Although no lounge, comp full breakfast in the lobby restaurant was very good.

While I certainly agree that this hotel pales in comparison to the Times Square or the Millenium, and is indeed a cold and impersonal hotel, its a large convestion hotel in a big city. But, let's be fair. I've stayed in dumps; this is not "a dump."

[This message has been edited by ILuvParis (edited 12-30-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by hotlancer:
I suspect that the NY Hilton on the Avenue of Americas is a franchised property - and thus is not as eager to uphold the standards that we are all passionate about.
</font>

I am not 100% sure, but I have always been under the impression that the NY Hilton was corporate owned and, in fact, was considered by some to be a "flagship" property! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by naxos:

&lt;snip&gt;

Although no lounge, comp full breakfast in the lobby restaurant was very good.</font>

Has this recently changed? I haven't been there for a while but during all of my previous stays, the breakfast voucher covered only the continental breakfast, which was comprised of a basket of overly sweet pastries. I always thought it was worthwhile to toss in an extra $2 and upgrade to the smoked salmon platter.

IluvParis-
Please allow me to clarify. For a hotel in this category, I disagree. It is a dump.
Compared to the Aku-Aku Motor Lodge, it's not a dump. But they don't charge $400 a night to stay there either.
If the NYC Hilton charged $75/night, it would not be a dump.

Used up some Marriott points and stayed at the JW Riga across the street in October. Night and day difference between the two hotels. The Hilton is your typical older big city convention/ tourist hotel. Based on its size, I can't imagine that individual service would be a priority.

Inbteresting reports. To chime in, I stayed recently at the NY Hilton on business and was (as a Gold) moved with no problem to the Executive Floor -- even though I didn't have my card yet.

No paper; didn't get to the lounge because the elevators were too crowded. I agree that I would not spend my own money or a huge wad of points here, but other than the above no real complaints.

I find that this hotel competes for the award of best dump in NYC only with its sister property from the competition, the Sheraton New York. BOTH ARE DUMPS (and I know it cause I stay at both of them).... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

To add insult to injury:
I just checked my bill on the TV. I placed a 30 seconds phone call from the 212 to the 310 area code.

$11.21 for 30 seconds!!!!

Billed twice, to top it off.

ATT quoted me a rate of 5.88. Can they really double that?

The night manager was less than understanding. "These are the rates in Manhattan". And "we have 2000 rooms here, 5,000 people, 25% of them are Gold or Diamond."
[SO?]

"It's a zoo around here during the holidays. We're used to it."

Lesson learned: stay away from this property.


[This message has been edited by Droneklax (edited 12-30-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Droneklax:
To add insult to injury:
I just checked my bill on the TV. I placed a 30 seconds phone call from the 212 to the 310 area code.

$11.21 for 30 seconds!!!!

Billed twice, to top it off.

ATT quoted me a rate of 5.88. Can they really double that?
</font>

Regarding the phone situation, I make all of my calls from one of the two phones located in the exec lounge. I can use my calling card via its toll free access number and I also have a toll free access to my ISP. Of course, none of this is necessary at the Times Square Hilton, where toll free calls are free.

The New York Hilton is a class A dump. Rude staff, elevators that just stop working, poor service. I'm a Hilton Diamon level guest and I might just as well be a first time traveler for the way I have been treated.

After many years at the hotel (almost always with a problem) I have moved to the Weston on Centeral Park South. What a difference - nice staff, good food and get this upgrades.

Hilton lost a major customer in me and they don't seem to care. I have written letters and made phone calls to the NY Hilton GM and they go unanswered. If he dosen't care, I guess I don't either.



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UA1K,Plt. AA, M/M DL,
Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plt, Starwood Plt.

Something else I forgot to report.
After telling me that my status meant nothing at his property (see above) he informed me that I "Should see the hotel every Thanksgiving, when we get 5,000 cheerleaders here".

Guess what, I don't think I should SEE that and I don't think I will. What a way of promoting one's hotel.

Re. the phone bill, I protested the charge, flatly calling it gouging. At least they could post the rates. When I told them that ATT had quoted me the 5.88/minute rate for an operator-assisted call, the young lady at the desk called. The operator told her that the rates were 2.85/min.

As I was talking to the manager, the came back and the "official rate", "per our contract with ATT" had mysteriously crept back up to 10.88/min.

Outrageous, I hope they go under or that they end up having to deal with cheerleaders for the rest of their lives, I certainly ain't going back.

DroneLAX... next time you come to NYC let me know. I would have steered you to the Hilton Times Sq. Problem is this hotel is getting so popular (probably because of angry Hilton NY Towers guests) that often awards sell out and the place sells out.

They told me when I stayed there Thanksgiving night they are trying to get an executive lounge. No guarantee, but I think they were overhwlemed by the positive response of guests.

As for the lamented Millenium, they were to open in December. I hope they do. Now THAT was a great hotel too.

Hilton NY hotel and towers is one of their "flagship" properties. The Millenium was bought for a song years ago but word of mouth made it the hotel to beat downtown. (except for the other late Marriott WTC, one of the finest hotels IMHO in the world.)

The Hilton Times Sq was supposed to be a Doubletree. It because a Hilton right before opening. FYI it was also the official hotel of the Catman DO Trois, and a fine hotel then too.


Sorry about your experiences Drone.

I've stayed at the Hilton NYC only once, over a weekend, just 3-1/2 weeks after September 11....so NO huge crowds milling around in the lobby, NO wait to check in. Rate was reasonable (AAA rate of $179 + tax).

Indeed the check-in clerk was very cold and impersonal, but as a Gold I WAS offered a room upgrade, which I declined; all I cared about was breakfast -- a continental-plus buffet in the lobby floor restaurant was given, which was just fine; good, friendly service in the restaurant too. (At that time the Exec Lounge was closed because of low occupancy, hence breakfast in the restaurant instead.) Room was fine; recently refurbished, well-appointed, reasonably spacious.

I have no real complaints about my stay at this hotel, BUT I realize my experience is not entirely typical owing to the timing.

Kathy

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Catman:

They told me when I stayed there Thanksgiving night they are trying to get an executive lounge. No guarantee, but I think they were overhwlemed by the positive response of guests.

</font>

They have been telling me the same thing since I first materialized at their doorstep over a year ago. I guess they can't figure out where to put a lounge. They evidently opted not to follow my suggestion of replacing the restaurant (which I didn't much care for) with an exec lounge. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

It looks like I'll be flying to NYC on 1/16 and have rooms booked for all dates except Monday, 1/21. My preferred hotel, the Sheraton Russell, is way too expensive on that date. The NY Hilton has a $155.10 AAA rate, the Times Square Hilton is about $100 more and the Waldorf=Astoria shows up on www.travelweb.com (http://www.travelweb.com) at $229 for a concierge level room. So which would you choose?

LarryU Re breakfast at the Times Square Hilton. Mr and I and our 2 daughters stayed for 3 nights in August and Mr and I are Hiton Gold- we ere upgraded to a suite and given 4 breakfast vouchers for use in the lobby retaurant for breakfast including smoked salmon or any of the other choices.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">The lobby has all the warmth of a Siberian poultry yard.

I attempted a trip to the Executive Lounge on the 44th floor tonight and I had to retreat in front of the mayhem. There is no control on who gets in. The room was filthy, packed with a hundred people stacking egg rolls a foot tall on their plates</font>

I'm sorry you had a bad stay, but please write more trip reports -- too funny! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Catman and naxos, thanks for the info.
This was my first (and last unless I try the Times Square location) stay at a NY Hilton.

I've taken to staying a block away, at the Chambers.
They have a great restaurant, TOWN.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by LarryU:
They evidently opted not to follow my suggestion of replacing the restaurant (which I didn't much care for) with an exec lounge. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

While not at the top of my list of favorite NYC restaurants, Above is considered pretty good...it has become one of the new haunts of the Conde Nast editors and has great views!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jja34-1:
While not at the top of my list of favorite NYC restaurants, Above is considered pretty good...it has become one of the new haunts of the Conde Nast editors and has great views!

</font>

To be honest, the last time I had the pleasure of dining there was about a year ago and they were fairly new. Although I didn't find the food for dinner particularly impressive, what really struck me at the time was that the restaurant staff seemed rather lethargic, disinterested and expressionless. Juxtaposed against the friendly and cordial staff nearby in the Hilton lobby, I guess I must have been influenced by this disparity . I know a lot can change in a year but there are so many fine restaurants in which to dine in NYC.

Droneklax

I stayed at the NYC on a 3 night award stay at the same time as you. I had tried to get the Times Square Hilton but was told they were only accepting a minimum of 4 nights stays. I arrived on the 30th at around 11:00 a.m. There were queues at both check-in lines. What annoyed me was a Japanese tour party were using the Honors line to queue up in! The staff did not seem interested in policing this at all. Thankfully the line moved quickly and we didn't have to wait long. I presented my Diamond card to the pleasant check-in clerk. I asked if she was upgrading me and was told she had given me an upgraded room on 25th floor and Executive Lounge access.

The room was a reasonable size although I'm basing my opinion on London hotel rooms. We had one bathrobe and two small bottles of water. I called and requested a second robe that was delivered while we were out.

We didn't use the Executive lounge that evening but we went up the following morning for breakfast at around 8:30 a.m. An attendant was at the door requesting room numbers and key cards. The lounge was busy but we managed to get a table immediately. The breakfast selection was quite good with a great choice of fresh fruit and bagels. Some after sitting down we noticed a queue building at the door. By the time we left there were about 40 people outside waiting for a table. It seemed that most people had children with them.

Again we did not use the lounge that evening but went down to the bar in the lobby. I was amazed to be asked for $10 each "cover charge". I said "I'm a resident". "Doesn't matter, everyone pays, residents included" I was told. "Not this resident, I said" so we walked out. I can understand a hotel that has a nightclub charging people for admission, but to charge residents for admission to the hotel bar is outrageous. I went to reception to give them my thoughts on the matter but the queues were too big so we left!

We returned to the hotel at around 12:50 a.m and went to get a drink at the lobby lounge but the bar was packed so we went to our room. We called room service at around 12:59 (they were due to close at 1:00) and they were happy to serve us. Less than 20 minutes later our order arrived.

As we were still struggling with the time difference from the UK we were up early for breakfast. Again our room number was checked and we were seated immediately. It seemed as though most people were still in bed as by the time we left there were plenty of spare tables.

That evening we went to the lounge for drinks. There was no-one checking room numbers. Unlike other Hiltons we stay in with lounges - Glasgow, London Metropole, London Gatwick, Sandton (Joburg) - The bar is pay, not free. The prices are the same as the main lobby so apart from the snacks there is not much benefit. There were quite a few children in the lounge without parents although on the whole they were quite well behaved.

The following morning we left the hotel early to visit "Ground Zero". They have built a viewing platform at Fulton Street beside St.Paul's Chapel. We had tried twice before to visit but the line was 6 blocks long and we didn't want to wait so we decided to get there early. The official opening times are 9:00 - 8:00 but they opened at 8:00 as the lines were already building. According to reports on TV they are planning on building another 2 or 3 platforms. It was very moving. Like millions of others I had watched events unfold on TV and struggled to imagine the horror and devastation. Seeing it first hand seems to make it much more real.

The platform is built beside the Millennium. Apart from broken windows on the lower part it looks as though it has survived strut really. There were lights on inside and signs of construction taking place. I’m not sure if it will reopen until after work is completed at “Ground Zero” as the noise from the work taking place could make it uncomfortable. It may also be upsetting for some people.

We returned to the hotel just after 9:00 and went for breakfast. Again we were lucky as there was no wait. I went to the desk and asked for a 3:00 p.m. check-out as our flights was not departing until 6:00 p.m. They had no problem fulfilling my request.

I agree with you that the hotel is large and impersonal. The elevators are quirky. To get from the 25th floor to the Exec Club meant going down to the 5th, cross over and get the other elevators to the 44th. It should have been possible to go from 25 to 34 and then 34 to 44 but they were working on 34 and had prevented elevators stopping there! They need to manage access to the lounge better. I would disagree with you that it is a dump. It is clean and the décor is still fresh from the re-fit. We all have opinions on what constitutes a dump so we will agree to disagree on this point http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

In general I was happy with my stay. We had only made the reservation less than 10 days before arrival so we were happy to be able to get a room on points. Next time I would like to try Times Square to see if it is that much better.

I have only seen the Executive Lounge check room numbers once; that was during US Open weekend when there were a lot of non-elites staying there.

As for paying for booze; you will find that pretty much standard at US Hiltons, the only one in recent memory that has been free has been the Northbrook IL Hilton

Also meant to say that the climate control in our room was a joke. Even when turned fully to "Colder" the room was like a sauna. We resorted to switching it off completely and opening the window. Even though it was 21F outside during the night the room was still warm.

I have stayed at the NY Hilton several times over the past 3 years, not at my choice. As mentioned by others, it is a large and impersonal hotel with small rooms. On one late fall trip there was an warm spell, with the rooms well over 85 and the windows only being able to be opened about 2". I was told that the entire building is either on heat or cool and once the heat is put on they can't change it - so everyone suffers. I would avoid this property at all costs.

A better choice at NYC was the Millinium Hilton (formely the Millenium Hotel -Downtown NYC) which was redone after the 1993 bombing of the WTC. Today, it's standing but no longer in service.

I was in NYC last week (I have some very, very fond memories of my stay at the Millininum Hilton) and the Krispy Kreme across the street at WTC2 (which I so not there !!!). There's nothing but rubble left.

It was on 55 Church St. I'll miss that place. I hope Hilton Brings it back.

I stayed at the NYC Hilton in early December. The staff was very pleasant, but I agree with comments posted herein, the hotel is not in the best condition. No upgrade was possible (gold). The room was a sauna--fortunately, someone had ordered a fan and left it outside their room--so at least I had some air circulation.

The Lodgenet system was not working. The lounge did not check anyone for room numbers or keys.

I will not stay there again for the price that I paid.

I've just come back after a weekend break in NY - staying at the New York Hilton.

I have to say that I was a little apprehensive about staying there given the negative comments about the hotel on this forum - however for the benefit of others who are thinking about staying there I am delighted to report that I had a good stay!

I admit from the outset that I rarely use Hilton (or any other major chain) hotels, and this booking was made with Priceline (I paid USD100 per night).

There were long queues at check-in (about a 5 minute wait), and you do have to line-up if you need to speak to anybody at reception (even to get change etc), but the rooms themselves were clean and they had good views.

My original room was by the elevators which was a bit noisy (I was told that there are automatically given to Priceline customers because they are a queen room) - but I was shifted the next day with no problems.

The other great thing was that I arrived at 10.00am - and was given a room straight away.

All in all - for the price and great locations it was a good stay.

Any questions, please let me know.

Regards

WG

Is this the one that's about a dozen or so blocks up from Times Square, sort of near Radio City Music Hall?

If so, I stayed there recently as well on a Priceline stay, for about $80/night. I'm Hilton Gold, and got upgraded easily to an executive room. It was your standard NY hotel room, small but not closet-sized like some other places. I had access to the executive floor but never did try going. Mostly I ate from street vendors that stay, and once from room service.

When I checked in, I gave them my Hilton Honor card and asked to have the number associated with my folio, as I planned on making some phone calls and ordering room service during the stay. The front desk help seemed confused at first, but they were courteous and keyed it in with no fuss. Later, I discovered that I got stay credit as well. Apparently this fluke happens sometime. I'm not complaining.

I too stayed there recently on a Priceline stay. I showed my HH Gold card and was given an upgraded room and access to the lounge, which had a very nice breakfast. The room itself was not that small by NYC standards and was recently renovated.

I stayed at the NYC Hilton the evening of 9/10/01. Checked out on 9/11. Stored bags and proceeded to Two World Financial Center for 9:00 meeting. After the attack across the street at WTC, I walked back uptown to the hotel (it took 4 hours). I was a mess, although not completely covered in white dust like some people. Went to front desk explained that I had stayed the previous evening and asked if I could get a room for that evening. No problem whatsoever. The front desk clerk even asked I they could dry clean my suit for me. WOW. I declined since I had additional clothes in my luggage. Was able to leave NYC a few hours later when the G.W. Bridge opened. Went to the front desk to tell them I was leaving and offered to pay for the room (which now needed maid service). Their response was thank you, they'll be no charge, and drive safely (back to CLE).

Obviously, I would recommend staying there.

Either the place has approved a great deal since I last stayed there last year, or LHR/MEL/Europe FF, ebell, and ac/elite stayed in some weird alternate dimension NY Hilton.

Were all the elevators working? If so, then it would validate my alternate dimension theory.

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On the road, In the air,
I enjoy travel, From here to there.

Elevators all working! I think they've completely overhauled the place.

Is the hotel close to subway (underground train)?

I will visit NYC for 3 days when I connect to HKG.
BTW, other cheaper Hilton hotels in NYC?
(budget concerned)
Thanks!

Maybe indeed there was a time-space warp... but I went in with an open mind and didn't expect too much given the other comments on this board!

By the way - just to throw another element into the time/dimesion warp - the heating and cooling systems in BOTH rooms worked well!

The hotel is close to a subway station - and is also well suited to other major attractions such as Radio City and the Rockerfeller Centre etc.

Cheers

WG

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by HK-UMICH:
Is the hotel close to subway (underground train)?

I will visit NYC for 3 days when I connect to HKG.
BTW, other cheaper Hilton hotels in NYC?
(budget concerned)
Thanks!</font>

The hotel is very conveniently located (I know the area well since it's 1 block from my office). Personally I've never been a fan of the hotel because of the crowds and convention/tour group feel of the place. However, if you're getting a $80-$100 priceline room it's a tremendous bargain.

Hi there

After having wonderful Hilton experiences at the LA Universal City Hilton, the SFO Burlingame and the HWV, Hilton NY really made me mad today.

I had called the local res. office to ask them which rate to book as a gold in order to get the best upgrade etc. The had explicitely recommended the exec. floor rate since it was only 20 or 30 dollars more, but would allow me to use the gold upgrade for a suite. So I got it.

Got to the hotel, went up to the exec floor, only to be rudely asked what I was doing up there, and who sent me up. (I am only 23 and look younger). When I told him I was #1 Gold and #2 had booked the exec floor he quieted down. When I asked about upgrades he said there where no suites available, so nothing they could do. OK - tough luck. That can happen, of course. So I asked them to change the rate back to the lower rate for a regular room, since the Gold would have given me the upgrade to what I have now anyway. He said no to that. So I asked about a free full breakfast downstairs. He said no to that too. I then called the hotel customer service line. Got a snotty supervisor telling me no dice you got what you paid for. The rates now are even higher blabla no refund.

What should I do? This is my first ever bad experience with Hilton, and after 25 stays this year I am shocked by the snottiness of this hotel. I don't think my requests where that unreasonable.

I dont know if they were snotty, but they are right, you got what you paid for.
It wouild be quaint if every Gold or Diamond first book a exec. floor room to hope for an upgrade to a suite and then downgrade to a to standard room and wants to be upgraded to exec. floor.

You could always cancel the room (but no refund after 6PM) Book new room. no problem!

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. The New York Hilton is just too big.
You might try a letter to the manager, if you got a welcome letter when you checked into your room. Good luck.

Sure, I got what I paid for, and upgrades are only based on availiblity. It's just that I am used to very good service from Hilton. And this was disappointing.

I guess my point is that it wouldn't have taken a lot to make me feel like it was still worth paying the extra, even though I didn't get the suite upgrade they had put into perspective.

I got no welcome letter, or fruit basket. There is no Minibar pricelist. Internet is terribly slow too.

I guess it's just the general attitude of this place.

Since when do we get suite upgrades as a matter of course ( asks this long time diamond) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

You took a gamble and lost. I don't think yo'ure entitled to anything. Get over it and move on. Maybe next time it'll work out better for you.

New York is full of anglers so you're not going to find results as good as you'd find elsewhere no matter what company you're dealing with.

QL

Welcome to the NY Hilton!

- You are fortunate that the clerk found you a room.
- You are fortunate to have a room with decent ventilation.
- You are fortunate to have a room with sheets that fit the entire matress.

You are staying at the hotel at the staff's pleasure. They are not there to serve you. If you get a smile from an employee, then he/she is new there.

Really, I can't say much nice about the place except perhaps the location if you like Broadway or the MOMA and the continental breakfast at the Executive Lounge. (HHonors doesn't give full restaurant breakfasts when you can get it in the lounge.)

Next time, consider the Waldorf for a small room, no chance for a Gold upgrade, but nice service or Hilton Times Square for a new room with a possibly decent view, remote chance of a suite upgrade, and terrifice Times Square location.

------------------
On the road, In the air,
I enjoy travel, From here to there.

There are only so many suites at the Hilton NY. As Gold, I think the chances of getting upgraded to a suite is very minimal.

You might have better luck with the Millenium NY.

It's too bad that they didn't show you respect at check-in. Being 23 and look younger does not mean you can't stay at the executive floor and can be Gold.

Stayed at the NY Hilton just two weeks ago. Due to a "brain fart" (Had previous problem) I thought that this property may have gracefully aged over time and was told of a $30+ million renovation.

WRONG!!

I was informed at check-in that I was "upgraded" to a room with a view on a renovated floor. Result, the 8th floor! The view, an alley and in regards to renovations - just what the h--l did they renovate??? My best guess is that the replaced the 1950's dresser with a 1960's model. I loved the upgrade to the 19" television - was it black & white before the renovation??

Not only will I trust my gut and never return. I have removed this property from our convention accommodations list. I would be embarrassed to have any of our guests stay at this property.

I would not even bother with a letter to the manager. The best he could offer would be a free night stay - wild horses could not drag me back - free or not!

Changes to HH rules, now in effect, state that Gold's are not eligible for upgrades to suites (don't know about Diamond). That being said, I also had unpleasant experience at the hotel. At lease they gave me access to lounge - but my room was in the other tower. So had to go down, change elevators, and then go back up. Room wasn't all that nice, either. Was that renovation for their new Club Rooms only?

Thanks guys for all your pitching in. Don't worry, I'm over it. This one just went into the "learning experience" category. I won't send a letter either. As one of you said, I took a gamble and lost. Not a big deal in retroperspect. But their attidude (IMOP worse than typical NY - it's not all that bad everywhere) did tick me off.

Happy again now at the HGI Franklin Square in DC. They offered me a smoking suite straight-ahead which I declined for a king non-smoking, maybe changing rooms tomorrow. Very friendly folks, extra water coupons and such. Nice hotel. Good staff.

I guess there's a HGI opening up soon in Uptown. Might go with that, or the Millenium or Times Square. Thanks for the recommendations.

BTW (even though off-topic), I used an entertainement coupon for the Broadway Joe's restaurant just because it was close to the show.

NEVER EVER think about going there. Horrible service, only so-so food and terrible "house wine". Don't worry, I got over that too. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

If you want to make sure you get a suite in New York, stay at the Embassy Suites in Lower Manhattan or at the Doubletree Suites in Time Square. The DBT Suites is very nicely designed where the bathroom is along the hallway wall. So, the bedroom does not get any noise from the hallway.

The New York Hilton tends to have an attitude problem. I think the hotel is just too big to be able to provide good personal service.

I forgot to mention that I agree with you that the HGI DC is very nice. Accomodating staff. There is a laundry room there. The only problem is that the garbage trucks make a lot of noise at 4:00 a.m. when picking up the garbage from the office buildings in back of the hotel.

My recommendation is always the Milenium Hilton.. but it is downtown.. that hotel has incredible service... But I did enjoy other hotels too... mostly non-Hilton. The Hilton NY Towers.. well that was an interesting experience (as stated above). I stayed there for months (weekly) and got some really small rooms and some other strange ones... not my preference if I return to NYC

After staying at this Hilton for years and almost everytime being treated in a rude manner, I finally moved all my business. I wrote a very nice letter to the GM and asked that he call to review the matter and no one every called. So, if they didn't care about 50 room nights then why should I.

The staff is among the rudest I have seen in any major hotel. They simply just don't care.

------------------
UA-GS/1K (M-M)-AA/DL/UA
Hilton Diamond, Starwood Plt.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kevino:

If you want to make sure you get a suite in New York, stay at the Embassy Suites in Lower Manhattan or at the Doubletree Suites in Time Square. The DBT Suites is very nicely designed where the bathroom is along the hallway wall. So, the bedroom does not get any noise from the hallway.
</font>

Also enjoy the Doubletree Suites. However, for privacy in the bathroom, you need to close TWO doors.

Well, there's also the Waldorf just a few blocks East on 50th St. & Park Ave.

A veteran staff that actually enjoys their job. Lots of differing room types large and small, and good upgrade opportunities. If you look hard enough, the rates are not so far off the other NYC Hiltons.

I travel frequently to NYC and used to stay at the NY Hilton. Because of similar experiences (including a jackhammer on the floor above me at 6:30 am -- Club Room Renovations), I now stay at the Waldorf. In fact I'm staying here right now. I haven't been to a hotel with a nicer staff anywhere in the city.

I second on the Millenium Hilton. Great upgrade to a suite on 19th floor for we lowly Golds on an award with wonderful views, and a decent breakfast buffet. Also such a great heated pool and sauna area that we opted to blow off the show and stay in the pool for the evening. That 42" Plasma tv was a hit and since it just re-opened in April, everything was brand spankin new... Plus fewer points for an award to boot.

You good folks just saved this Hilton newbie from, apparently, hhell. I got an hhonors card in the mail a couple of days ago, with an Amex tie-in, and since I have a ton of MR points and Hilton is often mentioned as a convenient laundry service I accepted the thing, and was about to book a couple of nights at the NYH. I travel on my own dime, and appreciate good service, so that would have been something of a disaster.

I can't say anything nice about that New York Hilton either.

http://www.flyertalk.com/pasttalk/ftpasttalk_forum/Forum57/HTML/003215.html

The staff don't care, the hotel is massive and impersonal, might as well stay at Grand Central Station.

Actually.I stayed at Grand Central (Grand Hyatt NY) The Service Was Excellent :-D
-AG

Haven't travled for business in NY for a while, but I used to stay in some of the small Helmsley's located around the city (one off of 6th Ave particularly). Realitively good pricing and excelent service. I would avoid the palace, but the rest tend to be very good.

Because of rude treatment at this hotel - time after time and even after speaking to the GM, I took my 36 nights a year in NY to the Essex House. I have always been upgraded to a suite, the staff are so kind and it is a totally different feeling. Wow, hotel staff who actually appreciate your business. Infact, I just booked 130 of our senior most mangers from around the world into the Essex House for a staff meeting.

I always feel that the NY Hilton staff could care less.

------------------
UA-GS/1K (M-M)-AA/DL/UA
Hilton Diamond, Starwood Plt.

I emailed the Millenium Hilton, and was confirmed a suite for the 5 nights i'm there with sweeping views on manhattan both ways which are "spectacular" as she says! I can't wait.

Does anyone have an email address for the guest services manager for the Hilton NY? Or do they not reply to emails?

Preface: Client meetings.

Rate: Very good rate for NY.

Transportation: From JFK we took a cab. $45 flat rate plus toll and tip. We considered taking the Airtrain then A or E line into Manhattan. Did not have enough time to confirm exactly how to do. Maybe someone can provide along with fare(s).

Check-in: First time at this Hotel. Signs in Lobby direct Diamonds to check-in on 44th floor Executive Lounge. Took the lift and entered the Lounge. The agent was less than friendly and failed to even greet us. As a D given a room on "Diamond" floor. Apparently there are three Diamond floors. I was told by the agent the rooms have every amenity located on Executive floors.

Perks: As noted above. Given access to Executive Lounge which is a decent size on 44. The Lounge has two main presentations. One being a continental breakfast and hot items in the evenings. They are not a full meal but suffice. I definitely would not make the evening items a meal. Two large tvs, full service bar and reception area.

Room: Our room on the Diamond floor was as might be expected in NY. It was the smallest room I have ever been checked into in NY. After calling down given a mini suite on the Executive floors. The mini suite is two rooms brought together with a small closet at the entry, sofa bed, work desk, bar sink, king bed, tv in the center of room, standard size bathroom, armoir and large closet. The room seems to be a work in progress. We've noted numerous fixit items but have not complained. We are just happy with the upgrade.

Communications: Cell phone reception in the room very very bad. HSIA is $9.95 for 24 hour period. Confirmed. Lots of people using computers in Lounge so maybe WiFi.

Location: Excellent. We've been using the subways with our Metro card. I've been at many hotels in NY. I've found this location to be ideal. The Lounge is a very good plus. My wife loves that stuff. One of the other big pluses is that the rooms face onto fairly quiet streets. We have had no loud direct street noise.

Closing: As stated above this may be our new little spot in town. When you check-in your card key will have a offer to visit the Hitlon Club booth on the Lobby level. Visit the booth and get a automatic 500 HHonors points. I have both of our numbers memorized. We each received credit.

The pitch is to get one to hear the Club presentation. We bit of course for the points. The original offer is for 20,000 points but we got that to 25,000. Will advise on how it is.

In closing. We found a excellent Japanese restaurant. My wife says it is the most enjoyable Japanese food she has had in the US. She is from Japan. The restaurant is Tomoe Sushi located on Thompson between Bleeker and W Houston. Excellent. They have excellent reviews online. The place is very small so arrive early or expect a wait. We went for lunch and the place was full in 19 minutes. They have odd lunch hours of 1 to 3 and then reopen for dinner. The days closed for lunch and dinner do not match so call in advance for times. Exceptional. Regards

Thanks for the great report. As for Airtrain, I have heard the JFK version is a bit convoluted but have used the EWR Airtrain and loved it. $11 certainly beats the $75 cab fare from midtown to EWR that I paid on Sunday (didnt want to wake up any earlier than I needed to & the NYC cabbies get reimbursed for the return trip since they can not pick up in NJ.).

Hilton Club presentation is minimum 90 minutes. Ours took 2 1/2 hours. Would not do it again.

Your stay was almost exactly like mine. I stayed there four nights during this past New Years, it was a madhouse there. Went to Exec Lounge to check in, waited 17 minutes as only one person was working the counter, walked up, did not greet me or even give eye contact. Got my room, no TV remote, called to get remote and was delivered in 15 minutes. Small room, no upgrades available as it was sold out, etc. Only 3 elevators served the top floors, good 20-30 minute wait each time. Detailed all of this in a feedback email to Hilton along with the name of Exec Lounge clerk.

Because hotel was sold out, breakfast at the Exec Lounge was long, had to wait 20 minutes to get in. Continental breakfast with fruit, coffee, tea and pastries only. The evening stuff was hors d'oeuvres, fruit and fried stuff, but it was free.

Staying somewhere else next time.

Only two of three elevators were working during our stay. It was the joke of guestss as we waited. Interesting. Was told during our presentation the penthouse floor 45 and 46 were the home of a Rockefeller. I can see why he moved since many of the views of Central Park from rooms are obscured by the Time-Life building.

Transportation: From JFK we took a cab. $45 flat rate plus toll and tip. We considered taking the Airtrain then A or E line into Manhattan. Did not have enough time to confirm exactly how to do. Maybe someone can provide along with fare(s).


From any terminal at JFK, catch an Airtrain headed to Jamaica (Station D) on the outer loop. There are two trains that serve the outer loop, one to Jamaica, the other to Howard Beach (Station A). They alternate with one to Jamaica followed by one to Howard Beach. Trains typically run once very 4 minutes or so, except late at night when it's closer to 10 minutes. The inner loop only serves the terminals.

Obviously ride to Jamaica, a ride that should take about 15 minutes or less depending on which terminal you boarded at. Upon arrival at Jamaica you can only exit in one direction, the same direction your train was traveling when it arrived into the station.

You will need a pay-per-ride Metrocard to exit here. If you don't have one or you don't have the required $5 fare on your card, TVM machines are available to replenish or sell you a new card.

After passing through the turnstyles, do not go down the escalators directly in front of you. Walk to the left of those escalators and onto a skybridge over the Long Island RR station.

At this point you have two options, the first is to catch the next LIRR train to Penn Station. You can buy your ticket right on the skybridge from LIRR TVM's, fares range from $4.75 off peak to $6.75 peak (6 AM to 10 AM on weekdays). Simply watch the displays and/or listen for announcements to find the next NY bound train. Typically they leave from tracks 1 or 2, unless they are doing track work. The ride to Penn takes about 20 minutes.

Your second option is to walk all the way across the skybridge to the 3 glass elevators at the far end. Ride the elevator to the lower stop at the subway level. There are 3 levels, skybridge, station, subway. Upon exiting the elevator, you'll see the subway turnstyles ahead of you. Enter using a Metrocard, fare is $2, unless you have a day pass or other unlimited ride card. Note, those unlimited ride cards don't work for the Aitrain fare.

Head down the escalator/elevator one level to the E train. Don't go down to the lowest level, which is the J train. Ride the E train to Manhattan, where depending on which hotel you are staying at, could take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

That was fabulous! Gives me the confidence to try. Thanks

Here's another data point. Two night Priceline stay Saturday, 5 Feb-Monday, 7 Feb 2005 for $120/night inclusive of taxes and fees. Bid of $100/night accepted first time, so I may have overbid. I wasn't charged the $2/night extra room tax that some people get hit with.

Checked in downstairs, though I'm an expiring Diamond. Gave the front desk my HH number and got stay credit, though no points. Front desk staff helpful and friendly with no Priceline attitude, which has sometimes been reported for this property. Funny moment when the front desk staff couldn't change a US$20 bill since the cashier had misplaced her keys. (I asked her to check with my wife. Big laughs.)

Nice non-smoking room on a renovated floor with in room safe, apparently one of the indicators that a room has been renovated. Pretty quiet as the room was almost at the end of the corridor, though not one of the larger corner rooms. Fair amount of room service debris slowly petrifying in the coordinors.

Room larger, I believe, than Hilton Times Square, but smaller than Doubletree Suites (with the DT's weirdo bathroom and entry from street procedures).

Good mobile phone reception using both Sprint (Treo 650) and Verizon generic LG on voice and data.

Ate breakfast at deli across street once for $5 or so. Essentially an American heart attack breakfast with junk I usually never touch, but anything in the name of science. Also easy to get a roll/bagel and coffee from a stand across the street from the hotel for a somewhat more healthy alternative. Followed later that night with a nice and greasy, healthy diet offsetting gyros/pita from adjoining stand, getting my street food fix. Starbucks is just across 6th (Ave of Americas).

Didn't bother with any of the time share points stuff and really didn't feel pressed to do so, as some have reported elsewhere.

Took the Airtrain + subway E both arriving and departing. 60-70 minutes inbound because the E was running local for a while and 45 minutes on the return since it ran express. Enter/exit hotel through garage on 53rd for shortest subway access to JFK.

$12 + $2 tip taxi to Balthazar in SoHo. Food somewhat uneven. Service friendly and great. Customers pretty unremarkable and I certainly didn't add to the glamour quotient. Maybe they should offer haircuts in an alcove somewhere to help. And I guess women don't wear Jimmy Choo as reported on HBO shows, at least, not there. Ok, ok, I didn't check out every possible subject.

Going back this next weekend on a return leg from LHR, but got the Sheraton across the street for $110. Will rereview Balthazar or maybe try Pastis and will take along a copy of "Today's Trends in Haircuts."
Rich

Getting to be OT, but adding on to AlanB's post:

You can get instructions and maps on Airtrain here, though the information is same as what AlanB stated:
http://www.panynj.gov/

Here is map of NY subway routes:
http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/maps/submap.htm

It's really fun to explore the city once you've tried the NY subways.

the main New York Hilton, Ave of America's, had a linnen chute fire yesterday, Saturday, afternoon.

Started about 3/4pm local and was apparently contained by the sprinkler system. The fire was in the sub-basement but the smoke spread up through the building via the linen and/or rubbish chute/s. We got re-admitted about 8pm local.

Staff seemed to be doing all they could to accomdate people who ere due to check-put and had missed flights etc, it appeared they were paying for flights without too much question which was good.

As of today, there is still a lingering smell of smoke in places, but the cleaners are busy cleaning just about every last inch.

the general feeling I'm getting is that the management have pulled the stops out and re doing pretty much everything they can to get things back to normal asap.

However, due to a water and/or smoke damage the phones and wired internet are in bad shape. Loud buzzing noise on the line when you do get a connection (so forget modems) and no wired internet, at least from my room. I gave up trying the wireless internet and came over the street to Satrbucks, I guess everyone is on it and it's creeking under the demand.

If you're planning to stay here in the next few weeks and in-room net service is important I'd either re-book or give the hotel a call.

Only in town for a few days but will will update if there's any improvement vefore I leave.

I was staying at the New York and arrived back at the hotel with in an hour or so of the fire. We walked into the side door of the hotel which had not be secured and did know what was going on. The NYFD people were extremely nice, however, I did not find the hotel people helpful at all. I would NOT stay in the hotel in the coming weeks unless you want to smell like a smokehouse.

Preface: Client meetings.

Rate: Very good rate for NY.

Transportation: From JFK we took a cab. $45 flat rate plus toll and tip. We considered taking the Airtrain then A or E line into Manhattan. Did not have enough time to confirm exactly how to do. Maybe someone can provide along with fare(s).

Check-in: First time at this Hotel. Signs in Lobby direct Diamonds to check-in on 44th floor Executive Lounge. Took the lift and entered the Lounge. The agent was less than friendly and failed to even greet us. As a D given a room on "Diamond" floor. Apparently there are three Diamond floors. I was told by the agent the rooms have every amenity located on Executive floors.

Perks: As noted above. Given access to Executive Lounge which is a decent size on 44. The Lounge has two main presentations. One being a continental breakfast and hot items in the evenings. They are not a full meal but suffice. I definitely would not make the evening items a meal. Two large tvs, full service bar and reception area.

Room: Our room on the Diamond floor was as might be expected in NY. It was the smallest room I have ever been checked into in NY. After calling down given a mini suite on the Executive floors. The mini suite is two rooms brought together with a small closet at the entry, sofa bed, work desk, bar sink, king bed, tv in the center of room, standard size bathroom, armoir and large closet. The room seems to be a work in progress. We've noted numerous fixit items but have not complained. We are just happy with the upgrade.

Communications: Cell phone reception in the room very very bad. HSIA is $9.95 for 24 hour period. Confirmed. Lots of people using computers in Lounge so maybe WiFi.

Location: Excellent. We've been using the subways with our Metro card. I've been at many hotels in NY. I've found this location to be ideal. The Lounge is a very good plus. My wife loves that stuff. One of the other big pluses is that the rooms face onto fairly quiet streets. We have had no loud direct street noise.

Closing: As stated above this may be our new little spot in town. When you check-in your card key will have a offer to visit the Hitlon Club booth on the Lobby level. Visit the booth and get a automatic 500 HHonors points. I have both of our numbers memorized. We each received credit.

The pitch is to get one to hear the Club presentation. We bit of course for the points. The original offer is for 20,000 points but we got that to 25,000. Will advise on how it is.

In closing. We found a excellent Japanese restaurant. My wife says it is the most enjoyable Japanese food she has had in the US. She is from Japan. The restaurant is Tomoe Sushi located on Thompson between Bleeker and W Houston. Excellent. They have excellent reviews online. The place is very small so arrive early or expect a wait. We went for lunch and the place was full in 19 minutes. They have odd lunch hours of 1 to 3 and then reopen for dinner. The days closed for lunch and dinner do not match so call in advance for times. Exceptional. Regards


upon arrival on at HH desk-diamond- told last month hotel decided that no HH member would have access to "Club Floor" unless had room on floor- i.e paying the rate that would qualify for the "benefits". As for Diamond card holders they would probably be given a voucher which would be good for breakfast at the restaurant on the first floor. The staff person- on the HH desk went on to share that HH members complained about use of the facilities by non Diamond, so hotel apparently decided to "bar" all HH members use of the facilities unless paying as indicated above. Please tell me that this is not the case- N.B. still would get amenity and/or points.

I was here arriving 11/9 - departing 11/10, but due to short stay & other events didn't try to get exec lounge access (which I would expect to get).

I would be VERY unhappy if Gold did not allow Exec Lounge Access. Quite frankly it's one of the reasons I stay at this hotel (even if it is paid booze) & chain (more important). But again cuz I was tied up w/ biz I didn't check it out.

I will say the staff upon check-in was good (checked in at ground level at 7am). I was given the 'continental bkfst coupon' upon arrival, but then again my clients who were not Gold were also given those, so who knows on that one.

BUT - if they are going to be tough about lounge access, then i will certainly switch my stays to marriott, and quite frankly i'm willing to write them (hilton) to say that.

There was a similar situation w/ Toronto Hilton. Gold/diamond got exec lounge access until they renovated the lounge & then even if you were high rate you weren't allowed; you had to be on exec level. That went over like lead balloon. i think the gm decided after enough said (and did) walk to sheraton & marriott (w/i 5 min) that gold to exec lounge was better than losing hi-rev, so now suddenly access again.

Can only hope NY Hilton does the same.

Just remembered someone asked about transportation...In years past I was always a cab/limo girl to/from town (at very high prices).

But decided to try the airtrain/subway combo (small clients focused on expense reports). Can't speak for others but goodness from JFK to Hilton is a breeze (& $7). Airtrain to Jamaica Station - then E train to 7th Ave (and 53rd - 7th is the station to get off at), then - I am not kidding it's a block or less walk to Hilton. You'll come up close to Sheraton, then keep walking & the Hilton is on the left about 1/2 block (a block if you go to Ave of Amer).

Cheers.

Just checked in to that hotel. Got no room upgraded to Exec. Floor (HHonors rules says - Gold will be upgraded to Tower/Exec. Floor). I was told, Exec. Floor was sold out, allegedly, hilton.com shows up available rooms.

I got coupons for continental breakfast, ok, but I´m pissed off that they declined things they´ve written to there own rules. :mad:

Regards,
Tazmania

Just checked in to that hotel. Got no room upgraded to Exec. Floor (HHonors rules says - Gold will be upgraded to Tower/Exec. Floor). I was told, Exec. Floor was sold out, allegedly, hilton.com shows up available rooms.

I got coupons for continental breakfast, ok, but I´m pissed off that they declined things they´ve written to there own rules. :mad:

Regards,
Tazmania

That is not unusual, Gold upgrades don't work at all properties. Often you will get a better room and always breakfast, but exec. floor depends on availability and hotel.

I don't know if it's the case now or not, but in years past going in for breakfast at the lounge -- even if not entitled -- was not too difficult.

but exec. floor depends on availability and hotel.
If hilton.com has rooms on exec. floor available, I ask you, how could they tell me there are sold out? The HHonor program becomes useless step by step from my point of view.

If hilton.com has rooms on exec. floor available, I ask you, how could they tell me there are sold out? The HHonor program becomes useless step by step from my point of view.

Did it show exec floor, with your smoking and bed preferences, available ALL NIGHTS of your stay?

Just about all programs show that upgrades are subject to availability.
Would not be uncommon for availability in New York to be limited from time to time. Web sites are not always accurate as to availability.
Why not just enjoy your stay, and the breakfasts.

The Hilton NY has changed their policy -- Diamond's don't get exec floor either. I believe there is a previous thread on this.

Sweet suite upgrades at the Hilton NY are probably a thing of the past.

I was there years ago as a Diamond and never went back
Old dirty room with spiderwebs not on the club floor.That was after the big renovation :eek:
I also was there with a true known VIP holding a corporate event in house and they were ignored recognition wise too.
Once I saw that individual not being recognized I knew that everyone is treated equally there :rolleyes: :D

It's business as usual actually.A busy hotel with way too many customers on their hands including bus tour groups from Branson and elsewhere
Come with patience and low expectations and you will be fine!

You may very well find that the Continental Breakfast in the hotel restaurant to be a more enjoyable experience than the chaotic zoo that is the Executive Lounge at this property.

Why not hop over to the Parker Meridien to Norma's for a great breakfast??

There are plenty of eateries in the area, so why eat hotel food?

What, do we have a bunch of people here who work for Hilton Corporate?

How about the hotel simply providing what they are contractually obligated to provide under the HHonors program? If I am entitled to an upgrade or breakfast, I should get it. I shouldn't have to fight for it, and I shouldn't be denied it.

If the hotel can change the rules in mid-stream, why can't I? How about I agree to only pay 75% of my bill?

Loyalty is a two-way street. If I don't receive what I should, I can and do take my business elsewhere. HHonors already gives the hotels far too much leeway on what to provide to elite HHonors members.

I stayed at the Hilton New York last weekend and was told that I was not entitled to anything with my Gold card because I had booked through priceline. :( . I always book with priceline and have stayed at other hiltons and never had a problem getting at least a complimentary breakfast and gym use.

I stayed at the Hilton New York last weekend and was told that I was not entitled to anything with my Gold card because I had booked through priceline. :( . I always book with priceline and have stayed at other hiltons and never had a problem getting at least a complimentary breakfast and gym use.
From HHilton:
*Eligible Rate stays are stays at all rates except wholesale/tour operator packages, contracted airline crew rates, complimentary or barter rooms, stays on NET Group, Series Group or IT Group rates, contracted Entertainment or Encore rates and stays using airline percent-off award certificates. Stays that are booked via third party websites other than the websites of Hilton HHonors airline partners are not Eligible Stays irrespective of rate paid, for the purpose of earning points, miles or stay credit toward VIP tier status. Stays booked via "opaque" channels where the brand is unknown at the time of purchase are not Eligible Stays for the purpose of earning points, miles or stay credit toward VIP tier status, or the receipt of VIP tier benefits such as upgraded accommodations / amenities or access to health clubs. ... Nothing to do with this particular hotel. Standard Hilton policy.

There are plenty of eateries in the area, so why eat hotel food?
Because you get points.... ;)

The last time I was there was in September - so their policy changed right after that. There's another thread on here about it .. basically, a FT'er got an email in advance of a stay that said "no more upgrades for anyone, and no more lounge access, but you do get cont bkfast coupons!"

Stayed at this prop two weeks ago. As a diamond was told that no access to exec lounge but my key got me into the Tuscan (?) restaurant every morning for breakfast. No coupons were given nor required.

Stayed at this prop two weeks ago. As a diamond was told that no access to exec lounge but my key got me into the Tuscan (?) restaurant every morning for breakfast. No coupons were given nor required.
Well, I think that HH will have to address this whole issue of what is appropriate treatment for Diamond. The issue is standardization between properties. Some, like this Hilton, go straight to the minimum that is granted under the T&C. If, as a Diamond, all I will get is a garanteed breakfast at every Hilton property I know where I would stay next. This variability in what is been offered is a problem.

HH needs to take the slack out of the T&C so that we know what will be offered accross the board, not what is considered basic from property to property. We need uniformity!

They treated me well - I have no complaints - -I guess I must be a junior Diamond :D

The breakfast is a real joke, Cereals, Muffins, Bagles and Fruit, for all other you have to pay - nice elite perk :rolleyes:

And a last point, baggage storage $3.50/piece :mad:

Week before I stayed at the Millenium Hilton. Very good experience. Friendly staff, a nice room, full American Breakfast Buffet.

However, I sent a complain to the Guest Assistance department, lets see what they will answer.

My partner and I stayed at the New York Hilton for 3 nights at the beginning of November. I am a Diamond with Hilton and Platinum with SPG so I spend lots of nights in hotels. 2 nights of our stay were using free certificates and 1 night was a paid night. Based on what I have read around here, I wasn't expecting much, despite the fact that the paid night was $350+, typical for November in NYC.

Check in was a breeze, we got a great room that was was obviously recently refurbished. (when was the last time you stayed in a hotel that had motion detector nightlights in the bed stands?). The bathroom had a brand new glass enclosed shower. The room was big enough for the king bed as well as a fairly small sofa that could be opened into a bed if desired. Even the lighting was interesting and extensive.

OK, we didn't get put on the exec level, but did get access to the Tuscan restaurant for the continental breakfast. Quite honestly, it was nicer than the full buffet breakfast in the main restaurant. The Tuscan had a good assortment of fruits and berries, cereal, and bakery goods that were fair at best. The main restaurant (we got free coupons with our paid day rate) has the same stuff with tons of hot greasy food. There was not even a toaster in the main restaurant: you had to ask the waiter to take your begel to be toasted (to the Tuscan that DID have a toaster? I wonder).

All in all, the stay was great and as I said earlier, exceeded our expectations that were low from the onset.

It was nice having a few days off. NY is always fabulous and the NY Hilton did not disappoint.

My 2c: The NY Hilton is similar to a YMCY our Youth hostel. Whenever I can avoid staying there, I avoid it. The rates int he W~A are similar and being a Hilton Diamond, they treat you adaequatly.

Tom

I'll put in my 2 cents as well. Stayed there 3 weeks ago & had booked 2 rooms. One room was upgraded to the top executive floor with the lounge & the other room was upgraded to a suite, one floor down. They apologized that there wasn't anything else available on the executive floor. I thought it was wonderful. My suite was huge and I had full lounge access. I would return in a heart beat.

Ummmm...and what did being a Diamond, who spends at least sixty nights a year in Hilton properties, get you that Golds don't get?????

Sounds like the big zilch.

My partner and I stayed at the New York Hilton for 3 nights at the beginning of November. I am a Diamond with Hilton and Platinum with SPG so I spend lots of nights in hotels. 2 nights of our stay were using free certificates and 1 night was a paid night. Based on what I have read around here, I wasn't expecting much, despite the fact that the paid night was $350+, typical for November in NYC.

Check in was a breeze, we got a great room that was was obviously recently refurbished. (when was the last time you stayed in a hotel that had motion detector nightlights in the bed stands?). The bathroom had a brand new glass enclosed shower. The room was big enough for the king bed as well as a fairly small sofa that could be opened into a bed if desired. Even the lighting was interesting and extensive.

OK, we didn't get put on the exec level, but did get access to the Tuscan restaurant for the continental breakfast. Quite honestly, it was nicer than the full buffet breakfast in the main restaurant. The Tuscan had a good assortment of fruits and berries, cereal, and bakery goods that were fair at best. The main restaurant (we got free coupons with our paid day rate) has the same stuff with tons of hot greasy food. There was not even a toaster in the main restaurant: you had to ask the waiter to take your begel to be toasted (to the Tuscan that DID have a toaster? I wonder).

All in all, the stay was great and as I said earlier, exceeded our expectations that were low from the onset.

It was nice having a few days off. NY is always fabulous and the NY Hilton did not disappoint.

For me: I got a suite as well as a 2nd room on the executive floor. I think it was because of my diamond status. ^

Ummmm...and what did being a Diamond, who spends at least sixty nights a year in Hilton properties, get you that Golds don't get?????

Sounds like the big zilch.

I stayed there 3 weeks ago. It was a very quick stay (ie, in at 7am - glad they checked me in & left by 7am the next day), so didn't try to get access to the exec lounge although I just assumed I'd be allowed access. Got the breakfest certs; so did my clients who as far as I know aren't elite on Hilton, so not sure what's happening there.

As Gold status to date I've always gotten access to the exec lounge at NY Hilton (one of the reasons I stayed there). But if they keep up w/ this new policy, other Hiltons will get my business instead.

BTW - the Toronto Hilton tried the same policy but recently reversed course. Maybe if enough people write & complain & then prove they went elsewhere, the NY Hilton will do the same. After all, odds are the tour groups aren't Golds & Diamonds.

Cheers.

PhxFlyGuy said that the "NY Hilton did not disappoint."

I was pointing out that, as to PhxFlyGuy, and apparently as to a lot of other posters on this thread, the hotel did nothing in regards to his status with HHonors. That's great what they did for you, but that is sounding like far from the norm these days.

For me: I got a suite as well as a 2nd room on the executive floor. I think it was because of my diamond status. ^

The last time I was there was in September - so their policy changed right after that. There's another thread on here about it .. basically, a FT'er got an email in advance of a stay that said "no more upgrades for anyone, and no more lounge access, but you do get cont bkfast coupons!"
This is redicoulous. I did have the same experience before.

Got again a reply from the Guest Assistence. Looks like that they are not very happy with the things going on at the NY Hilton. I read between the lines that this wasnt the first complain they had with treatment of guest there. However, they will send me a refund for one night, nice gesture :)

Any further updates.We will be staying there just before easter.
What I did note was the 2 person rate was $30 dearer than the 1 person rate for room only per night.So I have booked for 1 and reminded them in the comments section of honors spouse stays free.Have got a printout in case they try and change this.Has any one done this recently at this property?
To compare I looked at the waldorf rates and they are the same for 1 or 2 people.

Stayed there for New Years on a rewards stay, as you can guess check in was a little crazy, my room was not ready till 4pm and they said there was no upgrades because the hotel was sold out, I did receive the free breakfast in the Etrusca, but we never got up in time to use it, they offered me 1000 points for the first night and 500 points each additional night or $20 bar credit for the fist night and $10 ever night after that because the Honors Lounge was not available. Only people on the Honors floor had access to the lounge, but we had no problem access the lounge along with the other ½ of the hotel. The only problem i had with the Hotel was the rooms where to hot and requested a fan to pull in the cold air from outside.

Week before I stayed at the Millenium Hilton. Very good experience. Friendly staff, a nice room, full American Breakfast Buffet.



Which is an example of a hotel that treats Diamonds well. The full breakfast buffet is a nice touch...and if you dont like a buffet they will usually give me something from the menu instead.

$3.50 per bag? Please tell me this is a joke!

Rooms are much larger than the NY Hilton and the free breakfast for Gold/Diamond is better than the Executive Lounge at the NY Hilton.

Rooms are much larger than the NY Hilton and the free breakfast for Gold/Diamond is better than the Executive Lounge at the NY Hilton.
Someone posted that the TS Hilton isn't giving 2 breakfast coupons to Golds/Diamonds who have 2 people in the room. Did you run into this?

stayed last night at the hotel - BIG thumbs up to arnold at the front desk - even tho i stayed on priceline rate - he upgraded me to the gold floor and gave me 2 breakfast coupons

worth it for me!!!

^ ^ ^

stayed last night at the hotel - BIG thumbs up to arnold at the front desk - even tho i stayed on priceline rate - he upgraded me to the gold floor and gave me 2 breakfast coupons

worth it for me!!!

^ ^ ^
Congrats
Sure put the Diamonds on the second and third floor next to the elevator or ice machine in a tired room and upgrade the Priceline customer.lol and all along I thought it was Diamond status that was the answer :D
The hotel certainly has their priorities straight. :eek:

Congrats ^
Just kidding in the above though their may be some truth there.
IMO all customers should be treated well regardless of the source of their booking

I stayed at the NY Hilton in August and was informed no rooms were available on the executive floors. However, I showed them a printout to prove they were selling rooms on that same floor right then. I was then told only smoking was available (which was true) and my reservation was for a nonsmoking room. I was checked into a smoking room at my request on the top executive floor (45). What dismayed me was that anyone who wanted to enter the executive lounge was admitted. No one was checking keys or room numbers at the door! Also, the rooms on floor 45 were smaller and not as nice as many of the nonexecutive floors.

Any recent experience from this hotel? Does gold get any upgrade? I plan a weekend trip in September, does weekend get more chance for upgrade? Thanks.

Someone posted that the TS Hilton isn't giving 2 breakfast coupons to Golds/Diamonds who have 2 people in the room. Did you run into this?


I am staying at the TS Hilton with my boyfriend in a few weeks, and as a Diamond I assumed they'd give us 2 coupons. I hope someone here who has stayed recently can tell us....

I was at the NY Hilton on award stay this past Monday. I am Gold and was upgraded to Executive floor and Executive lounge (which I politely requested when I made my reservation by telephone). My request for a suite was not granted (we had gotten a junior suite during a Jan. '06 visit), but the room was comfortable and nicely furnished. The hotel was fully booked. I found everyone I encountered to be pleasant and courteous-in fact, with one exception detailed below, every staff member that I passed smiled and said hello.
They are passing out a letter at the Gold-Diamond check-in desk which says that Diamonds will be offered breakfast in one of the restaurants-not sure what that was all about. Lounge was not policed from 5-7 PM or AT 7;30 am, but at 9;30 AM the lounge was full and they checked your room card.

i saw a poor silver attempt to check in at the Gold-Diamond desk. He was snarled at and sent away.

Stayed there for 4 nights, weekend before last.

No upgrade to executive level--we checked in at 11PM and were told it was full, but that we could check back next day for availability (we didn't bother, though). Since upgrade to executive lounge was not available, we were offered choice of 2500 bonus points (1000 first night, 500/night for rest of stay) or $50 credit towards incidentals ($20 first night, 10/night rest of stay). Took the points, but haven't seem them posted yet.

We were told that Diamond's were offered a Diamond's only continental breakfast in Etrusca restaurant. Pretty good breakfast w/ regular continental stuff and cold cuts in a nice setting which was not very crowded.

Room was on a newly renovated floor--overall quite a nice room.

I stayed in the "Hilton Club" portion of this resort in May. Despite paying more than $2k for a five-night stay, I was told that you get no Hhonors points for the stay there because it is a timeshare. Very frustrating after spending all that extra money and staying at a Hilton primarily so that I could get the points.

The hotel was not particularly nice, when compared to other, less expensive places I've stayed in Manhattan. I plan on never going back.

I stayed there this weekend and have to say, what a yuck experience. Checking out, you're charged $3.50 to check a bag? Huh? In any event, it's a 'factory hotel' without charm or class. The management could take a lesson from the Venetian or Bellagio on how to handle thousands of guests. The rooms are tired and look/feel dirty, the carpets old and worn and the general overall experience: NYC rip off.

As a native New Yorker [born in Greenwich Village] I hate the fact that I sometimes have to pay/stay at a hotel when I come back; but this experience left a bad taste in my mouth. Oh, and the front desk automatrons? Yeah, these folks need a little sensitivity guest training. Every line they deliver is with the same monontone predictability you'd expect from a machine. Why not call it even, eliminate the desk clerks and install banks of automatic check in machines?

But what really got me was the room. The handle from the drawer of the armoire was broken and left on top [to be re-installed?] and there was a pile of change on top too. The shower curtain liner had that moldy yellow strip across the bottom - which is the universal sign to 'throw away and replace with another $1 shower curtain liner' and the chambermaids jabbering in Spanish outside my room at 7:30am Sunday morning.

I'd thought my experience at the LAX Hilton, which I detailed here, was bad - but this was right up there with it.

Let me just say, I was never a big fan of Marriott - but I stayed at three in a row recently and was very pleasantly surprised. Zurich, Berlin and Vancouver - all with thoughtful, pleasant, genuine service in rooms that were stylish and pleasant.

I haven't used the NY Hilton in a long time, mainly for the reasons you listed. I much prefer the DoubleTree Suites at Times Square or the Hilton TS. Better location, better service, better all around.

pdx - it seems the ny hilton has become my nyc place due to conferences - last week was ad:tech - do you know that since 1999 they have not changed the $3.50 fee once? did you know to check a coat is also $3.50? i left my coat at my hotel because i would rather freeze than pay that crap

btw if you travel alone, you might try the hiex on 5th and 45th - small rooms but really nice, free internet and breakfast, and EVERY tv channel you could ever imagine - including on demand!

I haven't used the NY Hilton in a long time, mainly for the reasons you listed. I much prefer the DoubleTree Suites at Times Square or the Hilton TS. Better location, better service, better all around.
I agree I prefer the Waldorf or Hilton TS.

Last choice when I have to stay in the city.

If you do the Waldrof, believe they are part of the Red Cross gift certificates in the other thread, save $40 a night.

It's not close to the Times Square action, but the Millenium Hilton is pretty tough to beat. Check it out online and you'll see how nice it really is. It's close to a subway stop, and my favorite Hilton property in NY.

You know, I've never had a bad experience at the NY Hilton, and I stay there several times a year. The past year I've stayed there a half-dozen times and was always treated well. Most of those times I was staying on award stay and was still upgraded. Love the breakfast also. This is why I decided to buy a timeshare at The Hilton Club!

I have stayed @ this property many times since the 90s and I tend to agree - there is a LOT to be desired about this mini-city. I usually stay for a technology show that completely packs the place and rarely leave with a smile. They just dont seem to be able to successfully handle a full house and, despite recent renovations, the rooms are simply worn. The lounge and staff are nice, though given the size of the property I would think it could be bigger.

I try to stay at other properties when in NYC if at all possible. IMHO, the NY Hilton is too big for its own good.

I can't speak regarding the regular rooms but I am a member of The Hilton Club and those rooms are lovely.

I booked two rooms (online) with two beds in December of 2005 for December of 2006 I said there would be two adults with two children in one room and four adults in the other. Two days before we were to arrive, I received an e-mail welcoming us and to call with any questions. I called and requested connecting rooms, if possible. I also mentioned that on all my previous stays as a gold, I was upgraded to the executive level. They said they's do what they could. When I arrived, we had connecting rooms on the executive level, only one of the rooms had a king bed. :eek: A trip downstairs to the diamond/gold desk fixed the problem. They put my two (adult) daughters, sister and son on the same floor but a few doors down with two double beds (and a roll away-NO CHARGE!) I found everything at the Hilton New York to be perfect in every way. They had Christmas Carolers in the lobby on Saturday morning. It was a very pleasant stay.

From reading past (negative) stay reports, I thought I'd post my experience with two very positive, enjoyable award stays (Dec. 15-17th) there.

Thanks for posting. I have always had good stays at the New York HIlton.

Thanks as well, I have a stay there tomorrow night with the family and have not been there before.

I can't speak regarding the regular rooms but I am a member of The Hilton Club and those rooms are lovely.

I am also a member of the Hilton Club and, except for the windows, the club rooms aren't even remotely similar to the New York Hilton hotel rooms. The rooms in the hotel very greatly in both size and furnishings. Some are brand new and beautiful and others are worn and dreadful. If you don't like the first room you get, ask for another. The Hilton Club rooms, on the other hand, are identical within their category (studio, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom) and have a separate Hilton Club lounge which offers complimentary alcohol -- unlike the Executive Lounge for those in steerage class. What is especially nice about the Hilton Club rooms are the wall-mounted 42 inch plasma TVs with Bose sound system and DVD players. The glassed-in shower stalls with multi-head showers are also very enjoyable. Plus you can rent a studio for $150 weekdays and $175 weekends plus tax if you don't want to use your Citypoints. And did I mention you automatically get Hilton Gold VIP status guaranteed for 27 years? :)

You know, I've never had a bad experience at the NY Hilton, and I stay there several times a year.

I've never had a good one there. Rooms are fine, and although the health club closes too early, it's nice, as well. Exec. Lounge is adequate.

But my problems have always been with the attitude of the staff and management. IMO, this is the worst managed Hilton in the chain. This last experience there (my third) clinched it for me. I plan on never staying there again. I will probably try the Millenium Hilton (despite less advantageous subway access) or the Times Square Hilton.

NEW YORK / HILTON New York
stayed from 07/12/26 to 07/12/28
Room 4102

I arrived in front of the Hilton at 10:30pm only to see a terrifically long line at the ceckin desk. There were at least 50 people in front of me. On the right side was a second line for HHonors member with only 15 people waiting for their checkin. The dedicated counter for Gold and Diamond member was closed since 10pm – not a very wise decision. So I found myself in the HHoners line and waited there for more than 20 minutes before finally making it up to the desk.

The checkin agent couldn´t care less about her job. No similing, no “good evening”, no “welcome”, just a “passport.... please” and she silently prepared the keycards and handed it over the counter. Of course no “have a nice stay” or “do you need help with your luggage” or something else. I then politely asked if the room was on the executive floor wich she answered with a rude “of course not”. We than had a short discussion about the promised benefits for Diamond Members and I was insisting that I deserve at least the breakfast voucher, if the upgrade to the executive floor shouldn´t really be possible. After a few minutes she agreed to upgrade me and handed over new keycards.

The room itself was a joke to say the best. I had been warned before the trip not to expect too much from a hotel room in Manhattan, but had unfortunately a little bit more than a closet with a bed (wich was really good) in mind.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y260/mijugo/FT2-1.jpg

But hey – even if not really satisfied, I was to tired to fight out another argument with a staff member who was really not in the mood to do her job. I settled in and went to bed immidiately.

Okay – the room was bad, but the bed was really comfortable and the room was at least quite. I got a very good rest and awoke at 7am the next morning. Not bad after coping with 6 hours of jetlag. The executive lounge was serving a continental breakfast wich I was looking forward to next. I made my way up to the lounge, only to be shocked again. This was not the calm and relaxing atomosphere of a typical lounge I´m used to. This was feeding the beasts and of course the beasts took over control of the situation. If I wouldn´t be that shocked I would have laughed about the picture in front of me and I suddenly regreted to not have taken my camera with me. Nobody will believe me. But I´m telling you anyway. First of all there were way too less seats to accomodate at least half of the people trying to enter to small lounge. People inside behaved as if they were expecting a natural disaster the next day and were full of fear to find this the last opportunity to eat something for the next week. I saw people with at least 20 muffins in their arms, the floor was full of dirt, people were fighting for seats and the poor members of the understuffed crew were not able to do anything to stop the crowd. I turned away in disgust and made my way down to the lobby to enjoy my breakfast in the restaurant instead. Much better, calmer and of good quality.

The situation was more or less the same in the evening. The lounge was totally crowded, 30 and more people waited in line for the small buffet and many were trying to secure a more or less complete dinner on their small plates. I swear – if anybody is telling me, we Germans have a bad behaviour at buffets I will bring up my experiances in the New York Hilton so called executive lounge. I was so glad that I have not booked (and payed) a room on the executive floor. What a waste of money.

At least New York itself was nice. The light rain in the morning was gone by noon and on my second day I was surprised by a clear blue sky. So I spent the two days with shopping and sightseeing.

The Hilton experience didn´t become better the second day. The lounge was simply unusable the whole day, at checkout again no “thank you”, no smiling, just bored faces of people who simply don´t deserve to work in a service-job. I will definitely never stay again in this hotel. The only plus was the view on my HHonors account as this stay has given me more than 30.000 points (thanks to the “double points & miles promo” and the “double points in New York area promo”), which will result in a nice free stay in a real hotel somewhere in Europe.

My recent experience (end of Nov. 07) at this hotel has convinced me not to stay there again. As a Diamond member, upon arrival I requested an upgrade--even willing to pay for it, but was told nothing was available. My co-worker who arrived a couple of hours later, asked and was upgraded to a suite on the executive floor (no charge) and he is not an elite member at all. I did have my two waters!!!

Also, we went up to the lounge for breakfast--as I was not on the executive floor, they did not want to allow me to enter with my coworker--but finally did. And paying over $625/ night, the attitude of the staff at this hotel is abismal.

Sheraton will likely get my next trips to NY.

Had a recent stay over Easter weekend. I recommend checking in at the Executive Lounge on the 44th floor to avoid the crowds in the lobby. Be aware the health club is $18 per day(no pool either) but the fee was waived for Gold members. Lounge is big but with so many rooms at this property, it gets packed quickly. Breakfast had a line people waiting to be seated and the wait was over 20 minutes. Free high speed internet access is available in the lounge. For that weekend, they opened up the penthouse on the 45 floor for free wine and cheese. They were pushing timeshare tours for the new property on 57th St.

I stayed at the Hilton NYC on 6th Ave on 7/11, for one night.

The stay was fine, except for one very disturbing conversation I overheard, while waiting for an elevator to go downstairs the next morning, on the 36th floor.

Another gentleman and I overhead one housekeeping staff tell another, "Just wait and let it dry. There is no need to change it, just because they peed in it"

I assume they were talking about the mattress.

That is sick. :mad:

Are there any official Hilton lurkers on this forum that would take action on something like this.

Ugh, I'll make a note not to accept a room on the 36th floor when I'm there at the end of next month.:( That's foul.:eek:

I would have reported that conversation to management.

Well, I just reported this to the Diamond Desk via email.

So, let's see what happens.

I stayed at the Hilton NYC on 6th Ave on 7/11, for one night.

The stay was fine, except for one very disturbing conversation I overheard, while waiting for an elevator to go downstairs the next morning, on the 36th floor.

Another gentleman and I overhead one housekeeping staff tell another, "Just wait and let it dry. There is no need to change it, just because they peed in it"

I assume they were talking about the mattress.

That is sick. :mad:

Are there any official Hilton lurkers on this forum that would take action on something like this.

Granted, you only "overheard" something and did not witness anything, did you do anything WHILE ON SITE? :confused: Calling right then and there would have alert the staff to find out exactly what happened.

I would have reported that conversation to management.
Exactly! Why post here AFTER THE FACT if you don't take the time to speak up while on site?

Yes, it's a warning but how do you know exactly what happened? The "accused" can claim anything now. oh well...

This thread is strange as I never heard a NYC, LA, LV etc housekeeping person speaking to another housekeeping person in any language but Spanish for years.

MisterNice

Granted, you only "overheard" something and did not witness anything, did you do anything WHILE ON SITE? :confused: Calling right then and there would have alert the staff to find out exactly what happened.


Exactly! Why post here AFTER THE FACT if you don't take the time to speak up while on site?

Yes, it's a warning but how do you know exactly what happened? The "accused" can claim anything now. oh well...


What exactly was I supposed to witness? Should I have gone into the room in question and verified the urine ?

Obviously I overheard it, but from the source, and not from a third party. And unless I recorded it, which I couldn't have, the staff in question could (and probably would) have denied it later. A person with no sense of hygiene probably wouldn't have too much of a problem lying either. And I was not alone in hearing it.

Had I reported it right away, the staff easily could have said they of course knew of the problem and were making arrangements to change the mattress.

As to why I did not report it right away, it was 11 AM, and I was going out to eat and shop before taking a cab to JFK at 1:00 PM for a flight to FRA. I wasn't about to waste my last 2 hours bickering with someone.

I assume they were talking about the mattress.


Why do you assume it is the mattress? Perhaps it was the chair and they didn't have a replacement. :rolleyes:

This likely happens more than we would all like to admit. Furthermore with no names and no room number I doubt anything will ever be done.

Why do you assume it is the mattress? Perhaps it was the chair and they didn't have a replacement. :rolleyes:



Why stop there ? Maybe they just had bad aim and hit the toilet seat ? No harm at all then, right ?

Why do you assume it is the mattress?

Yeah, if it was a room that someone like a mate of mine stayed in then they very well could have been talking about the coffeemaker.

He's a sick b@stard.

What exactly was I supposed to witness? Should I have gone into the room in question and verified the urine ?

Obviously I overheard it, but from the source, and not from a third party. And unless I recorded it, which I couldn't have, the staff in question could (and probably would) have denied it later. A person with no sense of hygiene probably wouldn't have too much of a problem lying either. And I was not alone in hearing it.

Had I reported it right away, the staff easily could have said they of course knew of the problem and were making arrangements to change the mattress.

As to why I did not report it right away, it was 11 AM, and I was going out to eat and shop before taking a cab to JFK at 1:00 PM for a flight to FRA. I wasn't about to waste my last 2 hours bickering with someone.

I'm not saying you should have looked in the room. [I would have.:D] However, you make an assumption without knowing what was "Peed in" or who made the comments. It could have been a chair, the trash can (which is often next to the toilet), a towel or item in the tub, etc...

How do you not know that a supervisor was telling the maid to do such? How do you know that, that particular room was not taken out of service to fix something if there was a sanitary problem? You never mentioned it to anyone AT THE HOTEL AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.

Reporting it to management right away would have solved any alleged issues right there. Telling the front desk on the way out would have taken no more than a couple of minutes.

Basically you've made a huge assumption when there are many logical reasons at to what was going on in the room. It's likely that you overheard a small portion of a larger conversation. Lastly, there is the person/persons in the room side of the story. We're only hearing yours.:)

Why do you assume it is the mattress? Perhaps it was the chair and they didn't have a replacement. :rolleyes:

This likely happens more than we would all like to admit. Furthermore with no names and no room number I doubt anything will ever be done.

Thank you. I'm not saying what the OP posted did not happen, but there obviously has to be more to the story and getting more information instead of posting todays "hot button topic".

Why are you arguing with the poster???? Perhaps you like staying in rooms like that, you're choice of course, the World needs all types. Us Brits prefer not to sleep in others' urine. Point is, it's disgusting and at least he reported it when he later had the chance.

You lot scare me. I'm in the Hilton NYC next weekend I will not be staying on the 36th floor!!!! :eek:

:rolleyes:

What if it was nothing more than a chit-chat between two co-workers talking about the CAT back home that would have peed in it's litter?

Althought disturbing, without knowing more, it's difficult to say if it was worth calling management to complain about it...

What if it was nothing more than a chit-chat between two co-workers talking about the CAT back home that would have peed in it's litter?



...or maybe they just thought they'd have a little fun with a couple of the guests @:-)

***warning bad pun alert***

To "take the piss", so to speak.

...or maybe they just thought they'd have a little fun with a couple of the guests @:-)

***warning bad pun alert***

To "take the piss", so to speak.


And it is better to be pissed off than pissed on...

I know how you feel. Had a stay at the Arizona Biltmore a few months back. Two beds in the room. One of the beds had many hairs in it along with many stains. We both bunked in one bed as no suitable alternatives were available, only a downgrade.

Left a letter at front desk for manager upon checkout, no reply. Waited one month, and still no reply. Contacted Hilton Guest Relations in TN. They contacted property which elicited a response from GM. A very cocky apologetic letter was received some days later.

I contacted Hilton Guest Relations again and expressed my displeasure at the GM of a so-called luxury hotel not being able to comprehend the nature and gravity of my complaint. They agreed and issued me a Waldorf Be My Guest certificate.

Just used it recently at the Arizona Biltmore along with a 50 F&B credit for $0. :)

Please complain about you stay... it's worth it and other's need to know what's going on.

Us Brits prefer not to sleep in others' urine. Point is, it's disgusting and at least he reported it when he later had the chance. You lot scare me. I'm in the Hilton NYC next weekend I will not be staying on the 36th floor

You are assuming the room had been vacated by the previous guest. He or she may have been staying in that room for a few more days. The linens are ALWAYS changed BEFORE a new guest checks in - if the health codes are followed - and I believe they are nearly 100% of the time. And why do you think this couldn't happen at any other hotel or on another floor of the Hilton? The people who apply for jobs as housekeepers are drawn from the same pool of applicants in each city. :rolleyes:

You are assuming the room had been vacated by the previous guest. He or she may have been staying in that room for a few more days. The linens are ALWAYS changed BEFORE a new guest checks in - if the health codes are followed - and I believe they are nearly 100% of the time. And why do you think this couldn't happen at any other hotel or on another floor of the Hilton? The people who apply for jobs as housekeepers are drawn from the same pool of applicants in each city. :rolleyes:

So, then what do you think Popester should have said, that he would definitely prefer to stay on the 36th floor ???

Sorry OP, but I'm calling BS on a couple points. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong.

1) As mentioned earlier, when is the last time you've heard housekeeping in a major city speaking in english?

2) You had 2 hours to catch a flight to Germany and you were going to spend some of it shopping and eating?

You can't be sure what exactly they were talking about. If you were, and it bothered you so much, a few minutes talking to the manager would not have been a big deal.

Not to say disgusting things don't go on all the time at all hotels, but this story is weak.

Sorry OP, but I'm calling BS on a couple points. If I'm wrong, I'm wrong.

1) As mentioned earlier, when is the last time you've heard housekeeping in a major city speaking in english?

2) You had 2 hours to catch a flight to Germany and you were going to spend some of it shopping and eating?

You can't be sure what exactly they were talking about. If you were, and it bothered you so much, a few minutes talking to the manager would not have been a big deal.

Not to say disgusting things don't go on all the time at all hotels, but this story is weak.

Glad to hear it.

But before claiming BS, you may want to read a little more carefully. I said I had to catch a cab in 2 hours, for a flight to FRA, not that my flight left in 2 hours.

Oh, and I find that housekeeping at the Hilton/NYC do speak English. I stay there 2-3 times a year, so maybe I would know. Not every place is like California, where housekeeping tend to only speak Spanish.

Not that I have to prove it to you, but I was on LH 401, departing 3:30 PM, hence a 1 PM pick up by Carmel is pretty realistic, no ? So, if you do the math, at 11 AM, that would leave me 2 hours to catch a cab.

But hey, stick to your BS theory. Maybe it suits you.

Bottom line is you did nothing about it, but posted your story here and asked if anybody would have done something about it. What exactly is your point?

Bottom line is you did nothing about it, but posted your story here and asked if anybody would have done something about it. What exactly is your point?

thank you. Keep in mind, we're only hearing the OP side of the "story" and by "overhearing" there is no evidence that the OP heard the conversation in its entirety, nor do we know what was "pee'd on" as I explained earlier.

This thread is based entirely on an assumption.

And it is better to be pissed off than pissed on...

Let's not get into a pissing contest here...

Sorry about that.

Bottom line is you did nothing about it, but posted your story here and asked if anybody would have done something about it. What exactly is your point?

I guess reading comprehension is not one of your strong points.

First you say I said I had 2 hours before my flight to Germany, which I did not say. Now you say I asked what others would have done in my place. I never asked anyone here if they would have done something about it.

I asked if there was an official Hilton lurker on this forum, as there are in some other forums. If there was one, I would hope to PM them my details to take further action. Since I did not hear from anyone, I emailed the Diamond Desk immediately. I am sure I will hear back from them.

I am only posting my experience here in this forum, just like others do in their trip reports etc. That is my point.

Oh, and I thought it would be considerate to share my experiences with other people in this forum who prefer not to sleep in someone else's urine.

Maybe your preferences are different from mine.

Certainly, you are entitled to your own opinion, and there is nothing wrong in your saying that I should have reported this to someone at reception. Fine, I did not, whereas you say you would have. Maybe in hindsight I should have.

But as it was, I returned back to my room only at 1250 PM, giving me 5 minutes to pack my bags before going downstairs. Carmel was right on time at 1 PM, and it took me about 5 minutes to get downstairs, and another 10 minutes to check out, so I was already about 5 minutes late. So, I really did not have any time.

But, everyone isn't the same, are they ?

Just don't put words in my mouth.

The lady doth protest too much, methinks. :rolleyes:

The lady doth protest too much, methinks. :rolleyes:

Hmmm, and I thought I was being accused of not protesting enough.:rolleyes:

If you would explain things a bit better, then perhaps that would clear it up.

it was nice of OP to inform us about such an issue.

However, I wish I did not read this post since I might not be comfortable with my future beds.

I stayed at the Hilton NYC on 6th Ave on 7/11, for one night.

The stay was fine, except for one very disturbing conversation I overheard, while waiting for an elevator to go downstairs the next morning, on the 36th floor.

Another gentleman and I overhead one housekeeping staff tell another, "Just wait and let it dry. There is no need to change it, just because they peed in it"

I assume they were talking about the mattress.

That is sick. :mad:

Are there any official Hilton lurkers on this forum that would take action on something like this.

I guess reading comprehension is not one of your strong points.

First you say I said I had 2 hours before my flight to Germany, which I did not say. Now you say I asked what others would have done in my place. I never asked anyone here if they would have done something about it.

I asked if there was an official Hilton lurker on this forum, as there are in some other forums. If there was one, I would hope to PM them my details to take further action. Since I did not hear from anyone, I emailed the Diamond Desk immediately. I am sure I will hear back from them.

I am only posting my experience here in this forum, just like others do in their trip reports etc. That is my point.

Oh, and I thought it would be considerate to share my experiences with other people in this forum who prefer not to sleep in someone else's urine.

Maybe your preferences are different from mine.

Certainly, you are entitled to your own opinion, and there is nothing wrong in your saying that I should have reported this to someone at reception. Fine, I did not, whereas you say you would have. Maybe in hindsight I should have.

But as it was, I returned back to my room only at 1250 PM, giving me 5 minutes to pack my bags before going downstairs. Carmel was right on time at 1 PM, and it took me about 5 minutes to get downstairs, and another 10 minutes to check out, so I was already about 5 minutes late. So, I really did not have any time.

But, everyone isn't the same, are they ?

Just don't put words in my mouth.

it was nice of OP to inform us about such an issue.

However, I wish I did not read this post since I might not be comfortable with my future beds.

How do we know what the issue is????

Most, if not all, of the threads on FT are based on assumptions.

I think folks should give it a rest. The OP makes an observation about something he overheard and you're grilling him like a couple of cheap attorneys about his narrative abilities and civic responsibility. :td:

Move on folks.

This thread is based entirely on an assumption.

Most, if not all, of the threads on FT are based on assumptions.

I think folks should give it a rest. The OP makes an observation about something he overheard and you're grilling him like a couple of cheap attorneys about his narrative abilities and civic responsibility. :td:

Move on folks.

Cheap attorneys would be more logical in their arguments.

Thanks OP. Not sure why you're being hassled by folks about this.

Most, if not all, of the threads on FT are based on assumptions.

I think folks should give it a rest. The OP makes an observation about something he overheard and you're grilling him like a couple of cheap attorneys about his narrative abilities and civic responsibility. :td:

Move on folks.

Wrong. It is this kind of non-information that cheapens these threads. It has great car wreck rubber-neck appeal, but it is the kind of hysterical tabloid sensationalism that frequent travelers can do without. We all know nasty stuff happens on airplanes, in restaurants, and in hotels...we get that. Should we all switch to Marriott now? Boycott that particular property? Send an email to the GM? What?

As I said, move on. Do you believe this bickering is in any way advancing the discussion in any meaningful way?

What?

I recommend checking in at the Executive Lounge on the 44th floor to avoid the crowds in the lobby. May any Gold member check in on the 44th FLoor, or do you have to be booked in an Executive Level room to use the check-in in the lounge?

I have a 3 day booking there in a few weeks and it sounds like I am going to be disappointed. My scale it back to a one night exploratory stay only as I have not been there in at least 15 yrs and I do not want to ruin my vacation if this property is still as bad as everyone says it is.

Surely someone from Hilton is reading this and doing something about it.

Does Hilton have a lurker like William is for SPG???

Does Hilton have a lurker like William is for SPG???

No. If they did, the website would be better & the rolling tier (and now subsequent fix) wouldn't have been such a pain.

The NY Hilton is a large convention hotel, and it also gets a lot of overseas tourists. Go into it w/ that in mind. I've had good rooms; I've had bad rooms over the years. The exec lounge in the morning is a zoo. Evening not quite as bad. Location is decent, and usually when I'm in NYC it prices out better than some of the other Hilton properties.

Cheers.

I am checking in tomorrow and will be there for 10 days. I booked a King Executive Floor room and can check in now and get a room on the 44th floor which is the floor with the lounge. I don't drink much and exercise in the morning, so I probably won't use the lounge much unless there is free internet there (is there?)

I already have an "executive floor" room booked, and it is offering me rooms from floors 40 to 44. Is there anything special about 44 that makes it worthwhile, or should I skip online checkin to perhaps get an upgrade?

Normally I don't make a big deal about these things, but it is an extended stay for me and I am trying to decide on whether to chance it for an upgrade or change the my way to free internet instead.

Update: I checked in this evening and got a room on the 40th floor with no upgrade. From what I can tell on the fire exit map, I received the smallest room on the floor. Paying more for the executive floor is pretty much a waste since the executive floor spans from floor 40 to floor 44. The room isn't any different from the standard room that I booked a few weeks ago with the exception of an upgraded bath (real shower) and a couch in the corner (which makes it even more cramped).

The lounge is nice, but I will likely not use it. I did go up there today for the internet access which is free in the lounge.

I'd rather not spend a full 10 days here, so I'm going to look around to see if I can find something better and check out either tomorrow or the following day.

omegadeal ~ You should check your reservation details carefully! I have seen things on reservations like "if you don't stay for as long as you are booked for, there may be an early departure fee imposed". I know it sounds quite unfair, but I have seen this sort of thing on some of my past reservations!

omegadeal ~ You should check your reservation details carefully! I have seen things on reservations like "if you don't stay for as long as you are booked for, there may be an early departure fee imposed". I know it sounds quite unfair, but I have seen this sort of thing on some of my past reservations!

Thanks for the tip. I did check on this before I check out, and as long as you don't check out the same day (i.e. you tell them the night before) they don't charge an early departure fee, so I ended up checking out without any problems.

The Sheraton towers is one block away and a nicer property in my opinion. For NYC I think I'll stick to the Hilton Times Square and Millennium downtown. I do have a room booked at the 35th st. HGI in a few weeks, but I haven't tried that one yet.