Originally Posted by
svirfnebli
A few questions for you experienced Essex House visitors. I'm probably going to book a 7 night stay at this hotel from March 29th to April 5. It's my families first time visiting new York and we want to have a great experience. Kids are 12 and 10. I'll likely have marriot gold status through Ritz Carlton visa which I believe gets me room upgrades and lounge access. So here are my questions
1) Lounge access is only for gold member and 1 guest (Obviously me / spouse), will they let me bring my kids in? If so how much extra would I have to pay to get them in?
2) Do I need to ask for a room upgrade or does status give it to you automatically? It will be a cash trip, no points.
3) What type of room should you request for a family of 4?
Thanks for your time guys!
I haven't stayed there with kids but generally there is no one watching when you enter the lounge. I wouldn't expect that there would be any issue with well-behaved kids. If they raise an issue, I'd deal with it then rather than at check-in.
In terms of a room upgrade, I'd ask for it at check in and try to get in early. You'll probably receive an email welcoming you and you might want to call in advance. But, I wouldn't expect much although they might offer you a choice between a smaller room with a Central Park view or a larger room in the back. Since you're staying there for seven nights, they need to have an upgrade available for seven nights that they will release without an expectation of a sell which is unlikely. I'm not sure I've ever been upgraded at any Marriott to anything other than a concierge floor for a seven day stay. It's much easier to get upgrades on a one or two day stay where they have a better handle on short term occupancy. Also, even on my last two day stay at the Essex House, I received a room with a wonderful alley view, notwithstanding that I am a Plat Premier, have stayed at the hotel a dozen times, and had my Elite Concierge call .... seems they had two weddings and a religious holiday celebration (not a great impression for a new girlfriend ... grumble!). This is my third time in a row with no upgrade from an ordinary room and its not high on my list for a fourth try since they basically blew off my status and concierge. Then again, most of the Marriott's in NYC aren't particularly strong on the upgrade side.
I expect they will be very busy in the March-April time frame.
It's a classy hotel right across from Central Park. I'd set expectations for the family based on a great location with a nice breakfast, and not so much on an exciting room. I'd also discuss with the spouse that you might have the option between a smaller room with a Central Park view vs a slightly larger room without a view.