Element Times Square West, New York City [Master Thread]
Dec 18, 2010, 7:48 am
#76
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: All over
Programs: AA-LTP, HH-DIA, Marriott-LT+AMB, Hyatt-Globalist, Hertz-PC, UA-GS
Posts: 6,828
Checked out this morning after 2 nights. Property def needs some improvement, but not that bad, esp for location. Elevators need the biggest improvement. Breakfast is a disaster. Cold stuff out front, warm near business center, sorta behind the elevators. Concierge doesn t have a clue. Rooms missing smalls things, like notepads, pens, iron boards, etc. Toilet had this huge brown stain on the inside of it. After first day of housekeeping, it was almost gone, but not really. I think maybe I was the first to stay in the room? Room otherwise was clean and had a good view. Area outside isnt that bad, one block over and your fine.
Dec 19, 2010, 9:02 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2007
Location: YOW
Posts: 2,351
Disappointed but not for the same reasons as most
I just finished a one night stay at this property and I was very disappointed by a few things.
1) There were no bums hovering over the food (this is probably my fault because I came down at 9:45 and there were only scraps left).
2) I never had to wait longer than 2 minutes for the elevator and sometimes it was even there waiting for me on my floor for no apparent reason (I did hear people complaining about having to wait 20 minutes while on the elevator. I must admit everything was coming up Milhouse for me this weekend though.)
3) My room had a notepad and pen.
4) There were no huge brown stains in my toilet either.
5) I wasn't mugged by the seedy inhabitants of the area.
The only thing wrong with my stay was my own fault because I didn't check when breakfast was served. By the time I got down to it almost everything had been cleaned out, luckily I had some leftover pizza from the night before. I can only imagine how busy it gets for breakfast because there is not that much room for it.
The room was cozy and if you are travelling with someone then you might want to look elsewhere especially as a plat. I wasn't given a corner room like some people (nor did I ask though). For a longer stay it would be convenient having the stocked kitchen. There seemed to be more kitchen stuff here than at the Element Summerlin.
The bathroom was fine for me but there is very little counter space which is important to some. The Element showerheads are quite nice.
The main reason that I stayed here this time is because I needed the double stay to requalify as a plat lite. In the future I would probably only stay here if the prize was significantly less than the other options in the area (except for the Sheratons of course).
1) There were no bums hovering over the food (this is probably my fault because I came down at 9:45 and there were only scraps left).
2) I never had to wait longer than 2 minutes for the elevator and sometimes it was even there waiting for me on my floor for no apparent reason (I did hear people complaining about having to wait 20 minutes while on the elevator. I must admit everything was coming up Milhouse for me this weekend though.)
3) My room had a notepad and pen.
4) There were no huge brown stains in my toilet either.
5) I wasn't mugged by the seedy inhabitants of the area.
The only thing wrong with my stay was my own fault because I didn't check when breakfast was served. By the time I got down to it almost everything had been cleaned out, luckily I had some leftover pizza from the night before. I can only imagine how busy it gets for breakfast because there is not that much room for it.
The room was cozy and if you are travelling with someone then you might want to look elsewhere especially as a plat. I wasn't given a corner room like some people (nor did I ask though). For a longer stay it would be convenient having the stocked kitchen. There seemed to be more kitchen stuff here than at the Element Summerlin.
The bathroom was fine for me but there is very little counter space which is important to some. The Element showerheads are quite nice.
The main reason that I stayed here this time is because I needed the double stay to requalify as a plat lite. In the future I would probably only stay here if the prize was significantly less than the other options in the area (except for the Sheratons of course).
Dec 20, 2010, 10:41 pm
#78
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 24
We stayed last night on a FN award, and I don't have enough room here to record all the good things. Service was excellent and so refreshing. The room was great, and perfectly suited to our needs. I almost cried when I saw all of the environmentally friendly choices (like shampoo/shower dispensers filled with stuff that I would actually put on my body), 7th generation dish soap, a recycle bin, a water filter on the sink, etc.
The elevator is a bit of an ... pain, especially if you stay on the high floors. The rooms also look like they skipped the post construction cleaning phase - there was extra grout globs stuck to the counter, paint droplets on the floor tiles, etc. I hope they go back and fix that, because makes a great room look a little beat.
I would definitely recommend this property.
The elevator is a bit of an ... pain, especially if you stay on the high floors. The rooms also look like they skipped the post construction cleaning phase - there was extra grout globs stuck to the counter, paint droplets on the floor tiles, etc. I hope they go back and fix that, because makes a great room look a little beat.
I would definitely recommend this property.
Dec 22, 2010, 6:03 pm
#79
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 280
I just noticed that management from this property has now posted responses on tripadvisor for many of the concerns raised since opening.
They say that they have closed the hotel in the last few days to address these issues. I guess I will see for myself later this week!
They say that they have closed the hotel in the last few days to address these issues. I guess I will see for myself later this week!
Dec 23, 2010, 9:31 am
#80
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,938
I just noticed that management from this property has now posted responses on tripadvisor for many of the concerns raised since opening.
They say that they have closed the hotel in the last few days to address these issues. I guess I will see for myself later this week!
They say that they have closed the hotel in the last few days to address these issues. I guess I will see for myself later this week!
I wonder how they "close the hotel" as they stated over there. Walking the guests elsewhere? They are taking reservations for tonight starting at $350!
Dec 23, 2010, 11:29 pm
#81
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 29
Stayed for 3 nights in Early December. Got a promo rate of $159 based on which the amenities and facilities were very decent. Free wifi, 'breakfast' and evening drinks - not bad at all.
I wouldn't pay $350 for this hotel - Previous stays in NYC were at the Westin Times Square and W Times square for around that rate. If its going to cost the same, my preference will be either of the latter two.
Funny enough, this place used to be my parking lot up until a few years ago when i moved from NYC. Seen everything from prostitutes to dealers working the corner of 8th. It has improved significantly but still some derelicts around.
I wouldn't pay $350 for this hotel - Previous stays in NYC were at the Westin Times Square and W Times square for around that rate. If its going to cost the same, my preference will be either of the latter two.
Funny enough, this place used to be my parking lot up until a few years ago when i moved from NYC. Seen everything from prostitutes to dealers working the corner of 8th. It has improved significantly but still some derelicts around.
Last edited by DelSen; Dec 23, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Dec 24, 2010, 12:03 am
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,682
Dec 24, 2010, 10:58 pm
#83
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: DL, CO, Hilton, SPG
Posts: 597
I just noticed that management from this property has now posted responses on tripadvisor for many of the concerns raised since opening.
They say that they have closed the hotel in the last few days to address these issues. I guess I will see for myself later this week!
They say that they have closed the hotel in the last few days to address these issues. I guess I will see for myself later this week!
Dec 25, 2010, 9:28 am
#84
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, IHG Plat, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 5,015
Dec 26, 2010, 2:49 pm
#85
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,849
Nice stay so far
The hotel has been good so far. Was "upgraded" to a studio on the 37th floor. The kitchen is really great especially given the blizzard outside. Was able to run to Whole Foods to stock up on things to keep me fed until I can get back to California on Tuesday. The iMacs in the lobby are nice as are the common areas on the ground floor. The laundry area is now open in the basement and the gym looks quite good as well. The rooms are reasonably sized for New York and all of the opening few weeks problems seem to be worked out. The elevators have also been working well with no problems.
For $60/4,000 points it is a great deal--especially now as I have to spend two nights instead of 1.
Definitely looking forward to my stays at the W Westwood and SLS later in the week but for a couple nights in New York, the element has been pleasantly nice.
For $60/4,000 points it is a great deal--especially now as I have to spend two nights instead of 1.
Definitely looking forward to my stays at the W Westwood and SLS later in the week but for a couple nights in New York, the element has been pleasantly nice.
Dec 27, 2010, 9:04 am
#86
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Formerly Box 350, Boston Mass, Oh two one three four. Now near Beverly Hills 90210
Programs: Loyal Order of Water Buffalos
Posts: 3,938
We were at the Westin for Friday/Saturday night and could easily see the Element from our windows. Each floor appeared to have lights on/off and shades opened/closed.
They easily could have closed off some floors and just had different shade/light patterns, of course.
They easily could have closed off some floors and just had different shade/light patterns, of course.
Dec 30, 2010, 2:56 am
#87
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 54
I just came back from a 2 night stay, Dec 27-29.
1st night was C+P, 2nd night was $330...
On the 1st night, I was given room 2807.
Everything was fine with my room, and they were still renovating the other rooms on the 28th floor.
As I was heading to the elevator to check-out, there was another family who was checking in to 2 rooms on the 28th floor.
1 room already had bags in it, and the other still had a ladder in it…
The guests were sent back to the lobby to get new rooms.
Right after I checked out, I received an update from the airline that my flight has been delayed till next morning at 7:15.
So I asked if there is a room available for check-in, and was quoted $330.
I needed a place to stay, and other SPG properties were going for about the same rate (due to all the cancelled and delayed flight), so I took it despite the high price.
I was given room 2804 this time, and this is where the nightmare begins.
I slept for few hours, and woke up around 2am.
To my surprise, my upper thighs were itching and noticed skin rashes that developed.
I reported the incident when I check-out around 3am. I received an apology from I believe to be hotel management staff, and was informed I will be receiving spg points as a result of the inconvenience.
After I got home, and to the time when I post this message, the rashes have developed to be more severe. My partner has also developed minor rashes on her upper thigh area.
I have since contact SPG customer care to formally document this incident, and was advised that hotel management will look into the issue and get back to me within 5 days.
I have also took pictures of the rashes in case I have to submit them in the future.
Would anyone like to comment and see if there are any additional steps I should take while I wait for the reply from management?
1st night was C+P, 2nd night was $330...
On the 1st night, I was given room 2807.
Everything was fine with my room, and they were still renovating the other rooms on the 28th floor.
As I was heading to the elevator to check-out, there was another family who was checking in to 2 rooms on the 28th floor.
1 room already had bags in it, and the other still had a ladder in it…
The guests were sent back to the lobby to get new rooms.
Right after I checked out, I received an update from the airline that my flight has been delayed till next morning at 7:15.
So I asked if there is a room available for check-in, and was quoted $330.
I needed a place to stay, and other SPG properties were going for about the same rate (due to all the cancelled and delayed flight), so I took it despite the high price.
I was given room 2804 this time, and this is where the nightmare begins.
I slept for few hours, and woke up around 2am.
To my surprise, my upper thighs were itching and noticed skin rashes that developed.
I reported the incident when I check-out around 3am. I received an apology from I believe to be hotel management staff, and was informed I will be receiving spg points as a result of the inconvenience.
After I got home, and to the time when I post this message, the rashes have developed to be more severe. My partner has also developed minor rashes on her upper thigh area.
I have since contact SPG customer care to formally document this incident, and was advised that hotel management will look into the issue and get back to me within 5 days.
I have also took pictures of the rashes in case I have to submit them in the future.
Would anyone like to comment and see if there are any additional steps I should take while I wait for the reply from management?
Dec 30, 2010, 3:51 am
#88
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: KSA
Programs: Marriott AMB, Skywards Gold
Posts: 3,737
Jan 6, 2011, 12:39 pm
#90
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: AA EXP 2.2M, SPG Platinum
Posts: 61
I just completed a two night stay at the property. I was up on the 37th floor and unfortunately, they haven't figured out how to get hot water up there yet. Two mornings straight of no hot water. I declined a substitute room for a shower the first morning as I was in a rush to get to a meeting, but accepted the offer the second morning. I was escorted down to floor 7 in order to use the shower.
I will say that SPG customer service has been nothing short of amazing in handling the situation. I got a response from them within 15 minutes of sending out a tweet about the problem. After I commented again the second morning, they sent me a note so they could call me directly. They went above and beyond in being proactive about making sure I was satisfied with the resolution and while I may wait to stay for awhile to stay there again, it further validated why I remain loyal to SPG.
I will say that SPG customer service has been nothing short of amazing in handling the situation. I got a response from them within 15 minutes of sending out a tweet about the problem. After I commented again the second morning, they sent me a note so they could call me directly. They went above and beyond in being proactive about making sure I was satisfied with the resolution and while I may wait to stay for awhile to stay there again, it further validated why I remain loyal to SPG.