Andaz Wall Street

Great large bedroom and wonderful service from the host, Amy! I was even able to check in early for the day, since I arrived at around 10am. Lobby has cookies and guests can get free coffee to go when venturing out into the city in the morning. Upgraded into a large king room which has a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Though the sink and toilet are at opposite end, and I find the bathroom a bit dark. Room is perhaps suited for singles or couples since the window in the soaking tub opens out into the bedroom. Wardrobe that swivels was an interesting feature in the room, serving multiple functions to store my clothes and towels, as a mirror and as a shelving unit. Complimentary snacks and non alcoholic beverages in the Andaz was wonderful, and I had their energy bar, some packets of chips, orange juice and soft drinks.


Large king room at Andaz Wall Street


Soaking tub in the bathroom


TV console that doubles as a dressing table


Bathroom sink

Andaz 5th Avenue

No upgrades mentioned in the 5th Avenue, though I got assigned a room in the adjacent wing which necessitates a change of elevators on the mezzanine floor. There was a nice courtyard on that floor and an event was taking place along the function rooms located on the same floor which can make it less private when returning to the hotel in the evening. Service was of similar high standard as the one at Wall Street and the hosts seems to remember you just like the one in Wall Street. Room had double sinks and offered an additional amenity in the form of bath salts for the foot bath, but no tub. While the bathroom was brighter, the chair in the room was really uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time. The best part of this Andaz is its location which is of walking distance to the Rockefeller, Grand Central and even Times Square since it was just opposite the Public Library and Bryant Park. Selection of snacks is slightly different than the one at Wall Street, but still good, though I preferred the drinks offered at Wall Street. I was offered a checkout amenity and there was a choice of lip balm, hand sanitizer or lollipop.


Bedroom at Andaz 5th Ave


Bathroom at the Andaz 5th Ave


TV console and desk

W New York - Times Square

Having stayed at the W Hong Kong, I also tried out the W New York at Times Square on my return from Washington D.C. As I had a rental car with me, I went around to park at the Crowne Plaza which had slightly lower rates than the W which does not have its own parking. It was just a block away so there is no problem for me as it also includes in and out privileges. Check in was at the upper level of the hotel and I was given a room on the high floor at the 56th storey. Perhaps due to the crowd, the hotel seems less personal with the normal check-in style. Staff at the W was more indifferent and the Andaz definitely wins in service as it feels more like a boutique hotel. Room on the high floors were great for views of the surrounding area and I also had a partial view of Times Square. Location within Times Square was also convenient and I was able to have an early morning jog to Central Park and back, stopping for breakfast on the way back. Bedroom and bathroom design was modern and I liked the chaise lounge beside the window to view the scenery. A guest was complaining about the bathroom doors as he was staying with his children so I guess this hotel like the Andaz should be avoided for families. Room size was the smallest amongst the 3 hotels I stayed in New York but it was still a good fit for one person, and I have definitely seen smaller rooms. The hotel is located in a more noisy area and it shows by the more vibrant crowd with more interesting features like the water feature in the first floor reception. Definitely not a place to go if one wants more peace and quiet in their hotel choice.


W New York Times Square bedroom


W New York Times Square bathroom


Water feature in the ground floor reception

For my stay in New York, I would most probably stick with the Andaz though all the 3 hotels I stayed were really good and faultless. And since I am not a big fan of Times Square and its glaring neon lights, I don't see the location of the W as an advantage. Amongst the 2 Andaz, I would alternate on both with a slight preference for the Wall Street for weekend stays since its quieter on weekends.