Hi Mystery - I'm Gold not Platinum, but just posted this review of my stay at the Carlton a few weeks ago. There's a thread devoted just to the Carlton (which should probably be combined in this thread on all NYC Marriott-family hotels...) you may want to read.
High Level - nice hotel, I wasn't wowed by the service. Good if you want to be in that neighborhood, which is a little less crazy than the Marriott East Side location.
QUOTE=Brucemcdou;23044568]Recently stayed at the Carlton for four nights for business. Rate was $460/night IIRC. Had meetings nearby. Some thoughts:
Treatment as Gold: forgot to ask for an upgrade at checkin, and got the room I booked (a larger King room). Was acknowledged as Gold upon checkin and was given a voucher for Continental Breakfast in the restaurant. Was very underwhelmed by the Continental - very basic spread, all self-serve (including pick up your own napkin and silverware), which was set up in a separate area with a sign indicating it was for their Gold and Platinum members. Heard several other folks grumbling about how measly the offerings were. Which would have been OK if there had been any warmth from any of the staff/servers working in that area - not a single person said Good Morning or really made any eye contact in the four mornings I used the breakfast. Seems like a lost opportunity to wow elite guests or at least build a personal relationship with a captive group of Elites. Finally, as listed on the website there's no Concierge Lounge at the property.
Room: stylish boutique look - rooms appear to have been renovated in past several years. Bathrooms were nice but were clearly renovated in the last go-round - late 80's? Burgundy granite counters and shiny brass/gold fixtures??? Housekeeping/maintenance seemed pretty good, but the rooms and hallways looked relatively recently updated which can hide flaws in maintenance. Finally, no coffee maker in the room, a pet peeve of mine. Automated coffee available 24 hours in the business center on the lobby level.
Internet: wifi is free for all guests, so no distinguishing factor for Elites. Very spotty in the room so ended up using my Verizon account access.
Gym: compact but pretty well equipped. 2 Treadmills, 2 elipticals, 2 bikes, dumbells up to 30 lbs, one bench, a cable machine, one Swiss ball and one yoga mat. Was busy each morning I was there but five-six people occupy all the equipment. You have been warned.
Food/bar: didn't eat or drink there in the evening (had business dinners) but bar seemed popular and had nice live music. Restaurant overlooks the lobby and also seemed busy. Good menu, not expensive for mid-town NYC.
Location: convenient for mid-town, several subway lines nearby, many restaurants and shops within a 2-3 block radius. Special note for parents with children - Madison Square Park is two blocks away with a nice children's playground and lots of grass, trees, and benches. The playground was busy with happy children every time I walked by during the day time. Overall one to keep in mind if you have reason to be in that neighborhood.
Service: disappointing. For the price and the level of other features would have expected a more personalized level of service. Housekeepers and building engineers did not make eye contact and say Hello, the Doorman always seemed to chatting with his buddies or otherwise busy. See my comments on the restaurant staff in the Elite buffet. Generally had the impression that management was not on the ball and nobody told staff to be nice to the guests so they come back. Front desk interactions are the one exception - had pleasant, professional dealings from checkin to checkout.
Overall: If I'm on business I'd stay there again for a much lower price. If I were on my own dime I'd stay there again on points, but probably not if I were paying.[/QUOTE]