gengar

I think this hotel is a great deal for 25k+TSU. This is one of the few properties where the standard suite was actually improved over time (now the Andaz Suite, was the Loft at opening). I certainly wouldn't pay $500+ for a base room here.

Earlier this year on a paid standard room + TSU (IIRC my rate was ~$400), I was upgraded to a 2BR suite without prompting. This was an amazing room with the floor-to-ceiling windows of the upper floors with great views of the library and down 5th Ave all the way to One WTC, and I appreciated the breakfast (room service only at the time) that was promptly delivered without any need to sign any bill. I'm disappointed to hear that they are often denying standard suite upgrades to Globs; it's not like they don't have a ton of Andaz Suites.

If you're willing to pay close to $500, then FHR or other TA programs likely deliver better value at other properties.

MSPeconomist

I'm especially sensitive to this as several months ago I had an experience (not at this property) where a HR supposedly gave me an upgrade (to a small narrow cell-like room with a supposedly better view) when standard (junior) suites were available. I called the desk when I saw my room and tried a dummy booking. They refused to move me unless I paid an additional $100 (this was a HR where my room rate was about $100) to upgrade to the junior suite. I called my WOH concierge, who wasn't on duty at the time, and insisted that the "team member" straighten this out immediately as the situation seemed clearly to violate the published T&C regarding Glob upgrades. My impression was that a "team" supervisor called the hotel and read them the riot act as the assistant manager on duty became quite apologetic....and of course I was moved from the awful room.

Aventine

The strawberry brioche French toast too!
It would have to be in the sub 300s for me to consider a paid stay. I can't fathom paying $500 USD to stay here.

Kacee

For quite a while, the Splash Suite was the TSU suite. Those are much nicer than the Andaz Suites, which all have interior views.

On an award stay with TSU, I'm willing to overlook the weird bathroom layout, bare floors, industrial furniture, and complete lack of decoration. But this property could be so much more appealing.

josephstern

I've only one gotten the splash suite - at my first ever stay there, long, long ago.

But the regular suites are fine for me. I wouldn't pay $500 for a standard room there, though. Last time I was in a standard room, the small couch was threadbare, there was almost no natural light, walls were scuffed.

gengar

Sure, but it's still better than what it was at opening. I don't think I ever stayed at this property when the TSU suite was the Splash Suite, although I was further upgraded on a TSU to one ~2019.

One of the Andaz Suite layouts I've been given faced 41st (not that there was much of a view). I'd actually prefer the interior view type I've had before, for both layout and noise reasons.

josephstern

Huh. I've only ever had the type on 41st.

Were these other ones on that other elevator shaft?

Kacee

The Andaz Suite we were assigned in July was at the end of the hallway parallel to 41st (turn left out of elevators) with interior view. It was quiet and got a reasonable amount of light. It wasn't a bad room, but it lacked any character at all.

gengar

There might be at least three layouts, since I've been given an Andaz Suite on 41st (right across the elevator bank) and the other type around the corner facing the interior, and neither match the pictures used for the Andaz Suite on the website. Both rooms I've been assigned were accessible from the main elevator bank. I didn't even now there was another elevator bank.

beachfan

I’ve seen 4; 2 on the fifth Avenue side; t we o on the other. The Splash suite and the balcony suite are on opposite sides I think.

WasKnown

Definitely not competitive at $500 / night cash. Honestly, depending on your value for Hyatt points, I don't even think it's worth 25K WoH/UR for many people. Just a normal full-service hotel.

josephstern

I've only dealt with the other elevator bank once. I had my kids with me, so needed a room for them with two beds. I think you have to go to the second floor where the cooking school area is/was and walk east and then north a bit and the other elevator was over there. Not an amazing room, but basically fine.

Kacee

We've had balcony and splash suites on 41st street side - splash at the west corner with LR facing 41st, BR overlooking 5th, balcony to the left coming out of the main elevators. I'm under the impression (but could be wrong) that all the splash suites are in same location on SW corner, with the long bathroom space connecting LR to BR.

gengar

I had a balcony suite on the SE corner of the building, so still along 41st. Still technically opposite sides, just east/west.

hieunha

I’m about to transfer UR points to Hyatt to book 2 nights here at 25k on standard room. We don’t have Hyatt status and will be traveling with 2 kids. How likely it is to get an upgrade for a bigger room? Or if anyone has been offered a good price to upgrade closer to traveling date? Thanks!