i had a pretty mediocre experience at this property this past weekend. i was not upgraded at check-in despite better rooms being displayed on spg.com. i called the platinum concierge and the PC called the hotel. the PC put me on hold and when he came back told me a manager was going to get back to me when they were "out of a meeting" to discuss the room situation but never did.

i was not offered a platinum amenity at check-in. i was not put in a spg room (i.e., no free bottled water). the room was small but the bed and shower head were great. there were a chintzy (spelling?) number of towels in the room and there was no turn down service. high speed internet was available for a fee. the location was very good.

i also stayed one night at the 4 points chelsea. i was given a nice corner room where bottled water was complimentary in the room. internet was free. it also had a nice shower and bed. similar to the essex house, i was not proactively offered a platinum amenity at check-in.