Best Hyatt New York
#32
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
Well I am glad to hear that in your opinion Hyatt is good in NYC. I am not in a position to disagree with you since my experience is more geared towards a handful of Hilton properties and I have no experience with Hyatt in NYC.
Regarding your specific comments:
Centric Times Square: Stayed twice in past year or so. Corner Suite upgrades both times. No TSU required. 30 plus stories up. Crazy views of midtown and World Trade Center. Good unlimited breakfast. What else do you want?
Hyatt Herald Square: No suite upgrades (hotel has ONE suite)
PHNY: Two recent stays. All good experiences. Suite upgrades each time. No use of TSU. Best physical facility bar none. Service is average.
Just out of curiosity, have you (or someone else) stayed at Conrad downtown and is in position to compare with Hyatt? What I like at Conrad is that the entry level room is very spacious so even when I do not get upgraded I am very comfortable. Hardware is very nice too. One issue is that they are a bit stingy on the Diamond breakfast benefit, but hey, no hotel is perfect.
#33
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
As a diamglob I have never been upgraded to a suite (maybe once). Nonetheless it's still a great choice, the new resto setup in the evening for breakfast is depressing...it's like eating breakfast in the bat cave.
Someone just posted in the Gild Hall thread today a successful Globalist suite upgrade without TSU.
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
The issue for PH is that it's in the price range of St.Regis and at that level StR performs better based on what I read. Expectations are very high when you pay close to $1k, hence the "complaints", possibly. Personally I can overlook problems and instead praise a $100 hotel that drops the ball on several small issues, yet I might "complain" about the $1k hotel which makes only one significant mistake. I could consider PH with points rather than cash however, but I am more hesitant to pay 30k pts per night if a hotel is not close to perfect given that it's the same points requirement as PH Tokio or PH Sydney.
Also, while the room rate is often in the $1000 range (or even above), it is sometimes in the $650 range, and also, they have an abundance of standard rooms, so booking with 30k pts (or a cat 1-7 cert) is easy.
So, while I agree with you that $1000 is too much to pay for this hotel, realistically there is rarely a reason to actually pay cash. I think it makes more sense to have a discussion about whether it's worth 30k pts.
Even if other hotels in other cities give better value for the 30k points, that doesn't mean that this hotel is not worth that price. The fact that you can get a better hotel in Tokyo or Sydney for the same price is irrelevant if you have a trip to NYC. It only makes sense to compare the value to other NYC hotels.
#35
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
So, while I agree with you that $1000 is too much to pay for this hotel, realistically there is rarely a reason to actually pay cash. I think it makes more sense to have a discussion about whether it's worth 30k pts.
Even if other hotels in other cities give better value for the 30k points, that doesn't mean that this hotel is not worth that price. The fact that you can get a better hotel in Tokyo or Sydney for the same price is irrelevant if you have a trip to NYC. It only makes sense to compare the value to other NYC hotels.
Even if other hotels in other cities give better value for the 30k points, that doesn't mean that this hotel is not worth that price. The fact that you can get a better hotel in Tokyo or Sydney for the same price is irrelevant if you have a trip to NYC. It only makes sense to compare the value to other NYC hotels.
- Mr ABC travels exclusively to NYC, each and every year. Nowhere else.
- Mr XYZ travels non-stop year-round in all countries of the world where Hyatt has a hotel
For ABC indeed the only relevance of 30k pts for PH would be whether it's worth 5k pts more over Andaz 5th for example. However for XYZ, even if PH might be the best deal for points in NYC, perhaps XYZ is better off keeping his points for travel somewhere else later in the year where he's going to get top value for his points.
The reality is that everybody is in between those two extremes, and you also need to consider the fact that you never want to let your point balance grow too high simply because you are waiting for the ideal redemption opportunity. So at first glance based on my (uninformed) judgment it seems PH is a decent deal for 30k pts for people with a high point balance, however there are a good number of folks that might be better off booking somewhere else and save points for other Hyatt hotels outside NYC and get even better value somewhere else and not end up paying 30k pts end be partially dissatisfied due to service issues which some have reported. Others could be fine using points at PH NYC as it seems to be a decent way to burn points in the short term and get a stay which is incrementally better than at Andaz 5th for only 20% more points.
It probably also matters what time of year you go to NYC, because if you are not using points for PH then it might mean you will be paying cash somewhere else. If all hotels' cash rates are above their yearly average, then by not picking PH NYC on points you end up more out of pocket when you choose the lesser option with cash, regardless where that might be (for example, Conrad). Based on what I have read so far I think PH on points is better than any other Hyatt choice because for a modest 5-10k additional pts you get a product which is significantly superior. My dilemma is whether to save those points for other destinations than NYC and be content with the lesser Conrad which is not at the same level as PH, but decent value for the money nonetheless. Or cash at Hyatt Centric which is generous with upgrades and decent breakfast.
#36
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
Good point. Conrad markets itself as an all-suites property; the cheapest room is 40 square meters. PH's entry level room (not a suite) is 45-58 sq m according to hyatt.com ^
#37
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,161
As for the breakfast Globalist benefit, the PH offers a $100 credit for two people which is pre-tax and pre-tip. You can have a very high end breakfast for that amount, and whenever I've gone over (actually I've always gone over) they've always wiped the entire bill, no questions asked. I know that doesn't happen for everyone so I can only report on my experience - for example, I never try to order multiple entrees as others have.
Agree... it's not worth $1,000/night (I really don't think any hotel is worth that) but it's worth $500 in my book, particularly in NYC (which is really $600 including tax, fees, etc) and that makes it a good redemption for 30,000 points...
#38
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
I've never stayed at the Conrad but I can't imagine it has better "hardware" than the PHNY.... everything from the super high pressure showers to the Japanese toilets (in the suites) at the PH is top notch. From a quick perusal of the website, I also don't see anything at the Conrad which compares to the PH's gorgeous pool and spa facility which is a true gem and highlight of the property for many (including me). Also, for most people, Midtown is strongly preferred to Downtown.
I think if I was to compare Conrad to a Hyatt property, it would be to a lesser option such as Andaz or Centric, but not PH. Or perhaps the new comers from 2 Roads too.
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I know what you mean and I agree with you to a point. Different people have different travel patterns. To make an extreme example just to illustrate what I have in mind:
- Mr ABC travels exclusively to NYC, each and every year. Nowhere else.
- Mr XYZ travels non-stop year-round in all countries of the world where Hyatt has a hotel
For ABC indeed the only relevance of 30k pts for PH would be whether it's worth 5k pts more over Andaz 5th for example. However for XYZ, even if PH might be the best deal for points in NYC, perhaps XYZ is better off keeping his points for travel somewhere else later in the year where he's going to get top value for his points.
The reality is that everybody is in between those two extremes, and you also need to consider the fact that you never want to let your point balance grow too high simply because you are waiting for the ideal redemption opportunity. So at first glance based on my (uninformed) judgment it seems PH is a decent deal for 30k pts for people with a high point balance, however there are a good number of folks that might be better off booking somewhere else and save points for other Hyatt hotels outside NYC and get even better value somewhere else and not end up paying 30k pts end be partially dissatisfied due to service issues which some have reported. Others could be fine using points at PH NYC as it seems to be a decent way to burn points in the short term and get a stay which is incrementally better than at Andaz 5th for only 20% more points.
It probably also matters what time of year you go to NYC, because if you are not using points for PH then it might mean you will be paying cash somewhere else. If all hotels' cash rates are above their yearly average, then by not picking PH NYC on points you end up more out of pocket when you choose the lesser option with cash, regardless where that might be (for example, Conrad). Based on what I have read so far I think PH on points is better than any other Hyatt choice because for a modest 5-10k additional pts you get a product which is significantly superior. My dilemma is whether to save those points for other destinations than NYC and be content with the lesser Conrad which is not at the same level as PH, but decent value for the money nonetheless. Or cash at Hyatt Centric which is generous with upgrades and decent breakfast.
- Mr ABC travels exclusively to NYC, each and every year. Nowhere else.
- Mr XYZ travels non-stop year-round in all countries of the world where Hyatt has a hotel
For ABC indeed the only relevance of 30k pts for PH would be whether it's worth 5k pts more over Andaz 5th for example. However for XYZ, even if PH might be the best deal for points in NYC, perhaps XYZ is better off keeping his points for travel somewhere else later in the year where he's going to get top value for his points.
The reality is that everybody is in between those two extremes, and you also need to consider the fact that you never want to let your point balance grow too high simply because you are waiting for the ideal redemption opportunity. So at first glance based on my (uninformed) judgment it seems PH is a decent deal for 30k pts for people with a high point balance, however there are a good number of folks that might be better off booking somewhere else and save points for other Hyatt hotels outside NYC and get even better value somewhere else and not end up paying 30k pts end be partially dissatisfied due to service issues which some have reported. Others could be fine using points at PH NYC as it seems to be a decent way to burn points in the short term and get a stay which is incrementally better than at Andaz 5th for only 20% more points.
It probably also matters what time of year you go to NYC, because if you are not using points for PH then it might mean you will be paying cash somewhere else. If all hotels' cash rates are above their yearly average, then by not picking PH NYC on points you end up more out of pocket when you choose the lesser option with cash, regardless where that might be (for example, Conrad). Based on what I have read so far I think PH on points is better than any other Hyatt choice because for a modest 5-10k additional pts you get a product which is significantly superior. My dilemma is whether to save those points for other destinations than NYC and be content with the lesser Conrad which is not at the same level as PH, but decent value for the money nonetheless. Or cash at Hyatt Centric which is generous with upgrades and decent breakfast.
#40
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
LOL, we never have too many!
I am sitting on a pile of Chase ultimate reward points which I convert into Hyatt points on an "as needed" basis, but only when doing so is more valuable than converting to KrisFlyer miles for SQ first class redemptions
So I am comparing the value of PH NYC not only to other PHs of the world, but also to the value of miles as well. Yes I know, I am an annoying FT-style scrooge LOL
I am sitting on a pile of Chase ultimate reward points which I convert into Hyatt points on an "as needed" basis, but only when doing so is more valuable than converting to KrisFlyer miles for SQ first class redemptions
So I am comparing the value of PH NYC not only to other PHs of the world, but also to the value of miles as well. Yes I know, I am an annoying FT-style scrooge LOL
#41
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Posts: 4,046
Speaking of new properties, I tried the Parker New York. See my (bad) review, if you're interested:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser..._New_York.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser..._New_York.html
#42
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
In the Andaz 5th thread you wrote:
Perhaps I misinterpreted your comments in the other thread, because you rank Andaz 5th first on your list now so clearly in the balance of things you are happy there which I would not have thought was the case, in fact the quote above did nothing to get me excited about this property. No upgrade and depressing breakfast, all that for a hotel priced above the level of several others. My takeaway in such circumstances is usually to look at other options, hence my interest in Beekman, Gild Hall, 50 Bowery, and Park South. But since Andaz 5th is your favorite, maybe I should not be so quick to dismiss it.
Someone just posted in the Gild Hall thread today a successful Globalist suite upgrade without TSU.
Perhaps I misinterpreted your comments in the other thread, because you rank Andaz 5th first on your list now so clearly in the balance of things you are happy there which I would not have thought was the case, in fact the quote above did nothing to get me excited about this property. No upgrade and depressing breakfast, all that for a hotel priced above the level of several others. My takeaway in such circumstances is usually to look at other options, hence my interest in Beekman, Gild Hall, 50 Bowery, and Park South. But since Andaz 5th is your favorite, maybe I should not be so quick to dismiss it.
Someone just posted in the Gild Hall thread today a successful Globalist suite upgrade without TSU.
#43
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 105
Bumping the thread. Planning a trip to NYC the first weekend of December to see all the Christmas/tourist stuff with my wife. I'll be using points and based on this thread I'm now debating between the Hyatt Centric Time Square, Andaz 5th Ave, or Park Hyatt.
I'm currently Explorist and this trip would be one of my last stays in order to reach Globalist, though I suppose I could do a quick mattress run beforehand (there's some 5k/night hotels around me I can use) to get Globalist before the trip if it would be worth the points to do that and get a (possible?) suite upgrade?
I'm currently Explorist and this trip would be one of my last stays in order to reach Globalist, though I suppose I could do a quick mattress run beforehand (there's some 5k/night hotels around me I can use) to get Globalist before the trip if it would be worth the points to do that and get a (possible?) suite upgrade?
#44
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Manhattan, Palm Beach Island, San Francisco, Boston, & Hong Kong
Programs: Lifetime United Global Services, Delta Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador, & Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,165
Bumping the thread. Planning a trip to NYC the first weekend of December to see all the Christmas/tourist stuff with my wife. I'll be using points and based on this thread I'm now debating between the Hyatt Centric Time Square, Andaz 5th Ave, or Park Hyatt.
I'm currently Explorist and this trip would be one of my last stays in order to reach Globalist, though I suppose I could do a quick mattress run beforehand (there's some 5k/night hotels around me I can use) to get Globalist before the trip if it would be worth the points to do that and get a (possible?) suite upgrade?
I'm currently Explorist and this trip would be one of my last stays in order to reach Globalist, though I suppose I could do a quick mattress run beforehand (there's some 5k/night hotels around me I can use) to get Globalist before the trip if it would be worth the points to do that and get a (possible?) suite upgrade?
Locations for both are fine. PH is very close to some of the city’s best fine dining options. Andaz is right by Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center which are all lovely during Christmas.
#45
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: LAS ORD
Programs: AA Pro (mostly B6) OZ♦ (flying BR/UA), BA Silver Hyatt LT, Wynn Black, Cosmo Plat, Mlife Noir
Posts: 5,992
I'm currently Explorist and this trip would be one of my last stays in order to reach Globalist, though I suppose I could do a quick mattress run beforehand (there's some 5k/night hotels around me I can use) to get Globalist before the trip if it would be worth the points to do that and get a (possible?) suite upgrade?
As mentioned in the PHNY thread, TSU usage is not recommended at PHNY since the standard suite ("1 King Bed Suite") is actually a junior "suite" and Globs are often given the similarly-sized "1 King Studio Suite" anyway.
Meh, that's highly debatable and the respective property review threads here on FT reflect that. IMO neither of these properties are great, but PHNY service and especially service recovery have been consistently atrocious IME, enough so that I won't consider staying there.
Last edited by gengar; Jun 18, 2021 at 1:50 pm