Despite emailing the hotel in advance to confirm that we'd have access to the Club (I had booked a suite for our anniversary); and Guest Relations Manager responding affirmatively - we were not allowed into the club due to a private whiskey tasting. Went to the main bar, fuming, and asked again there. They confirmed - the club was not open to us. Contacted Guest Relations, they called back within 1 hour and said that now we could enter - but we were angry and would not have been comfortable doing so.
As compensation, our room rate was reduced at checkout by $120 but this really didn't offset our frustration.
We were allowed into the club on our second night but as we were seeing a show, had little time to enjoy it.
Additional issues: fruit plate was small and odd (grapefruit?).
No in-room gift.
No newspaper delivered during our stay.
Offputting attitude at check-in.
Let me say - I stayed at this property many times pre-renovation and always considered it to be sufficient.
No longer. The Barclay needs a customer service overhaul.
Have another stay booked there in January. If I don't cancel it, will cross my fingers and hope for the best.