Andriyko

Agree, Some people just have unreasonable expactations of hotels. This one is one of the best Hilton properties. Never had any problems with furniture.

RDU-Man

Spent two nights here last week, arriving Monday the 27th on the heels of the big blizzard. Used a free-night cert for one night and 50k points ("Low Season Reward") for the other. I am a Diamond and was given the following:

The reward stay was booked as the "Queen Bed Deluxe" category, and they put me in a King Bed corner room on the 6th floor with a separate "dressing room" that was between the bedroom and the large bathroom. This was handy as we got a rollaway bed for my daughter and were able to put it in there and have a separate "bedroom".

The other benefits were certificates for coffee and pastry at Starbucks for both days, two certificates for a free drink up to $20 at any hotel bar or restaurant (useful for the $18 glasses of wine!), and two bottles of water.

Overall, we had a good experience - staff was very efficient and helpful.

Forgot to add - they also quickly honored my request for a late checkout of 1:00 PM

FlyingHi4Now

Is there a separate phone number for the diamond check in desk at the WA in New York?

Any person in particular to ask for?

Thanks

Echarais

When I was there, the door was shut the entire time. I am not even sure there is a Diamond check in functioning. The front desk manager's name is Daniel.

hautecouTours

I am treating my parents to a weekend at the WA using FFNs and all that I could get them for Valentine's Day weekend was a Queen Deluxe. I'm thinking of paying the $39 upgrade fee to an Exec Level room and hope for a better upgrade. It will include daily continental breakfast for two and concierge service, health club, etc. However, I found out that the lounge closes at 4pm so there is nowhere to have a drink in the evening.

Do FTers think this upgrade is worth the $39/night price tag?

Andriyko

Not really. that is, as far as the lounge is concerned. Not sure how much value to place on the concierge service or teh health club as I've used neither.
The lounge itself is tiny with people having to queue to have a seat. Breakfast offerings are decent but not worth 39 dollars per day.

jzafar

Stay duration : 2 nights
Booking type: Hilton.com - non refundable rate
Room type booked : 1 King bed mini suite
Number of people staying : 2 adults and 1 kid
Status: Diamond
Upgrade: 1 Bedroom Corner Luxury Suite
Room: 13H

Finally, after reading all the reviews, I stayed at the hotel. I was very apprehensive on receiving a dumpy old room with no escape since i booked a non-refundable rate.

We arrived at the hotel with a doorman opening the cab door. Walked inside and the lobby was kickin' as it was Friday night around 7:30 PM. I was lucky not have to wait in line for longer than a couple minutes to check in. Nice lady greeted me and welcomed me back (last stay Oct. 2001). I had called the day before asking if they could upgrade me to a 1 bedroom suite from my king mini suite and they told me they were fully booked but would try their best. I asked if they couldn't upgrade me, please put me in 2722 or 2622 or 2522 (thanks to this thread). The lady told me they had me in 2722. I was happy to hear that but pressed for a larger room and she told me nothing was available that would top my room and that they sometimes put Towers guests on the 27th floor. She gave me 2 coupons for full American breakfast for two at Oscar's and 2 coupons for Starbucks drink and pastry for 2.

Had to use room key to access rooms after 6 PM. Arrived in room and yes, indeed, it was very nice with two rooms and two bathrooms, but it felt small. The room was very clean and lights were lit up making the room feel very welcoming, however, I could not get over how it felt small. I picked up the phone and called guest services and asked if there was anything else. After about 5 minutes of nothing else, all of a sudden, the lady asked if she could put me on hold while she talked to housekeeping. She came back on the line and said there was a large 1 bedroom luxury suite with boudoir, large sitting room and large bedroom. She said to meet her at 13R. We immediately went down there and she came down the hall with 2 new room keys and a smile. We walked in and I was stunned at the size. Large marble foyer, very large sitting room with a fireplace!!, spacious bedroom, large boudior with endless storage space, large bathroom with two separate sinks and lots of counter space, separate tub and shower and commode room and kitchen (dated from the 80s but had fridge, stove, sink, dishwasher, cutting board and lots of counter space). Room was so big that my young kid would not go walking around unless I was with or would follow me around if I went to a different area.

I could not believe this. I promptly called guest relations and thanked them.

We ordered room service the first night. Food came within 30 minutes. To be honest, it was too expensive for what you got. Portions were a very good size but food was tasteless. Service was excellent.

All the staff I encountered during the trip gave top notch service. We received a voicemail on each day of our stay wishing us a great stay and to call if we needed anything.

We were in town for a wedding and needed suggestions to kill time during the day for our kid. Concierge gave great recommendations.

Now, critiquing the room - furniture style was upper east side NYC. Sofa and matching chair in the room were very old. You could really see the age on those 2 pieces. Other chairs throughout looked more recent. Bed was comfortable. Lots of pillows. Flat screen tvs in bedroom and sitting room. While scrolling channels, I ran into 4 or 5 Arabic channels which I assume they had programmed in when the King of Saudi Arabia and his entourage were at the hotel in November.

Breakfast at Oscar's was top notch. Had everything you could imagine.

We ran into the housekeeper after breakfast and were able to hang out in the sitting room without feeling like we were in her way while she worked in the bathroom. She even vacuumed and I had not noticed anything highly visible so that was a big plus. The room, overall, felt very clean.

Overall, my expectations were exceeded. I didn't have much cash on me but did leave the lady who upgraded us a $50 tip. I found her at the check-in desk when I was leaving and was lucky enough to hand it to her personally. She seemed very appreciative.

So basically, I think the lesson to learn here is if you feel your room does not meet your needs, call guest relations and they will do their best to accommodate you if they can and they do so with a smile.

jzafar

I lost my glasses in their case on this trip. I was certain I lost it in the airport but called the hotel's lost and found on Monday (i checked out sunday) and the guy said nothing has been turned in. Today is Sunday and I just received a call from the hotel. They found the glasses and are sending it to me fedex on their tab! Wonderful customer service!!!!!!

beachfamily

I have a reward reservation at WA for Memorial Day Weekend. I will be traveling with my husband and our 12 year old son. Since the room was booked as an award stay there wasn't much choice on types of rooms. When I first made the reservation numerous Nor 1 options appeared and because we would really like extra space I checked the options for suite and mini-suite. I just checked the reservation online and all Nor 1 options are gone (not sure I am sad about that in general). I called diamond desk and they said hotel does upgrades if available at check in but they try hard for diamonds, which we are. Our stay is 5/26-5/30. Does anyone know about this change in policy? Also, any recent experiences on upgrades for diamonds on award stays? Thanks

BF

jzafar

If you read my review from Jan. 24th, you will see that they will accommodate you if you do not like your room. I received a king mini suite becuase that was all they had available in Nonsmoking but I felt it was too small. I called guest relations after walking in the door of the room and was graciously given a luxury 1 bedroom suite.

I am a diamond.

Silk Cut

I have just returned from a 3x 50000 stay at the WA NY, based on a low season reward stay. I have to admit that I was slightly apprehensive given the mixed reviews on staff and room condition. Fortunately, I had no issues with the stay and found the staff to be polite and efficient. To summarise:

1. Check-in: quick check-in, polite reception staff. I received Starbucks vouchers for my wife and I for 3 morning visits. Drinks vouchers also obtained $20 each, in addition to 2 free bottles of water in the room.
2. Room - upgraded to Superior Room on 12th Floor. It was a corner room so felt slightly more spacious than what I was expecting. Very clean and generally in good condition - just one or two areas that needed touched-up. On our arrival to the room, we found a bottle of WA sparkling wine on ice which was a nice touch. The bed was very comfortabe.
3. Room Service - efficient, but the food was expensive and average at best.
4. Bar Staff - excellent.
5. Lobby - beautiful, however it is depressing to see that some people who have their Starbucks breakfast in the lobby cannot find a bin for their rubbish.
6. Concierge: no problems here; our bags were kept until we had to leave mid-afternoon - downstairs staff very friendly.

My wife and I had a fantastic break and would stay again at the WA. Perhaps we got lucky?

Andriyko

There is a new benefit for Diamond members - they are selling breakfast vouchers (good for both Peacock Alley and Oscar's) for 20 dollars, tax and gartuity included. While many will complain that it's still not free, the value is very good.

more4less

Hi Andriyko,

This is for continental or full b/fast?

I would go for it if it is full b/fast but not for continental.

Thanks,

Andriyko

Hi Saviox,

It is for full breakfast. We ordered off the menu at Peacock Alley, and they brought out a pastries basket and two fruit plates in addition to what we ordered. With their prices it is really a good deal.

nccarguy

Stayed in mid April. Booked at $299 weekend rate (it was the cheapest rate for Hilton in New York, go figure). Thanked for being gold. Upgraded to jr suite in the Towers, 2 free drinks at Peacock Alley and 2 breakfast coupons. Desk clerk escorted us to our suite. Very impressed with Waldorf Astoria. Stay there 3 to 4 times a year.