Nov 5, 2018, 1:41 pm
Last edit by: bhrubin
Concierge email address: [email protected]
Expert Review (posted to Luxury Forum) from March 2018 including description of Table 55 at the King Cole Bar:
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...ular-stay-2408
Expert Review (posted to Luxury Forum) from March 2018 including description of Table 55 at the King Cole Bar:
https://www.flyertalk.com/hotel-revi...ular-stay-2408
St Regis New York City NYC [Master Thread]
Feb 19, 2019, 5:33 am
#316
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Hartford, CT
Programs: Marriott LTS
Posts: 195
This is a property that sparks widely differing opinions. After my weekend award stay, I am squarely in the "overrated" camp.
Arrival was disappointing. I pulled up in an Uber black. Doorman walked up, made eye contact, and . . . kept going. My driver pulled the bags out of the back, and I carried them up the stairs and all the way to check-in. Door staff here are simply awful. I was not greeted once the entire stay. St. Regis should send management to the Langham to see how a 5* front door is run.
Check-in area is very small and crowded. Desk is never staffed with more than two agents. This is insufficient. There is often a wait.
I won't repeat all my issues with room assignment. I did ultimately wind up in a St. Regis Suite. Details here and here. Suffice it to say that I was less than thrilled with how this was all handled.
The suite was spacious and quiet. Seventh floor, so no views, but there was natural light. As with several other of the older NYC properties, the suite layout is inefficient. Lots of hallways and connecting space, very little closet. Two full bathrooms - one had a shower, the other had a bathtub. Both had maintenance issues. The shower stall had a window that didn't seal properly, allowing blasts of cold winter air. The tub would not seal, and was essentially self-draining. If I'd paid $2k+ for the suite, I would not have been happy. Suite was otherwise in fine condition. The HVAC was particularly robust.
While I prefer staying downtown, the location worked well for me. Ran the park both mornings. Easy walk to Bloomingdales.
Butler service was a bright spot in a sea of service fails. My pages were consistently returned in less than a minute, and the butlers (all women, interestingly) could not have been nicer or more helpful.
Breakfast benefit is generous (American breakfast, or a $46 per person credit), but I found the food bland and unexceptional. I had a disappointing room service experience. Food was 20 minutes late, and my filet - ordered medium rare - arrived well done (literally gray in the middle). I sent it back. Second try was still overcooked, but better than the first.
Requested and was reluctantly given a 3 pm checkout. At 1 pm, one of the housekeeping managers did a "knock and walk." I told her I did not appreciate the absence of pause between knock and walk. She said, "you have a noon check-out, I expected the room to be empty." I suggested that if she were to check her list she would see I have a 3 pm check-out.
At check-out, the FDA was nice enough, but did not offer me a print of my bill, just an emailed copy. I asked to see a print. Glad I did, as they had charged me in full for both of my breakfasts (one at an astonishing $84 for bagel with salmon, juice, and coffee).
The multiple service fails I experienced in just two days would have been unsatisfactory at a much lesser property. I found them simply inexcusable at a purported five star. I felt more welcomed at the RI Downtown/World Trade Center where I spent Friday night.
At 60k points, there's no question I got very good value, and the butler service was a bright spot. But I will not return. Instead, I'll likely return to FHR'ing most of my NYC stays. Langham is a little cheaper than SR, and light years ahead in service.
Arrival was disappointing. I pulled up in an Uber black. Doorman walked up, made eye contact, and . . . kept going. My driver pulled the bags out of the back, and I carried them up the stairs and all the way to check-in. Door staff here are simply awful. I was not greeted once the entire stay. St. Regis should send management to the Langham to see how a 5* front door is run.
Check-in area is very small and crowded. Desk is never staffed with more than two agents. This is insufficient. There is often a wait.
I won't repeat all my issues with room assignment. I did ultimately wind up in a St. Regis Suite. Details here and here. Suffice it to say that I was less than thrilled with how this was all handled.
The suite was spacious and quiet. Seventh floor, so no views, but there was natural light. As with several other of the older NYC properties, the suite layout is inefficient. Lots of hallways and connecting space, very little closet. Two full bathrooms - one had a shower, the other had a bathtub. Both had maintenance issues. The shower stall had a window that didn't seal properly, allowing blasts of cold winter air. The tub would not seal, and was essentially self-draining. If I'd paid $2k+ for the suite, I would not have been happy. Suite was otherwise in fine condition. The HVAC was particularly robust.
While I prefer staying downtown, the location worked well for me. Ran the park both mornings. Easy walk to Bloomingdales.
Butler service was a bright spot in a sea of service fails. My pages were consistently returned in less than a minute, and the butlers (all women, interestingly) could not have been nicer or more helpful.
Breakfast benefit is generous (American breakfast, or a $46 per person credit), but I found the food bland and unexceptional. I had a disappointing room service experience. Food was 20 minutes late, and my filet - ordered medium rare - arrived well done (literally gray in the middle). I sent it back. Second try was still overcooked, but better than the first.
Requested and was reluctantly given a 3 pm checkout. At 1 pm, one of the housekeeping managers did a "knock and walk." I told her I did not appreciate the absence of pause between knock and walk. She said, "you have a noon check-out, I expected the room to be empty." I suggested that if she were to check her list she would see I have a 3 pm check-out.
At check-out, the FDA was nice enough, but did not offer me a print of my bill, just an emailed copy. I asked to see a print. Glad I did, as they had charged me in full for both of my breakfasts (one at an astonishing $84 for bagel with salmon, juice, and coffee).
The multiple service fails I experienced in just two days would have been unsatisfactory at a much lesser property. I found them simply inexcusable at a purported five star. I felt more welcomed at the RI Downtown/World Trade Center where I spent Friday night.
At 60k points, there's no question I got very good value, and the butler service was a bright spot. But I will not return. Instead, I'll likely return to FHR'ing most of my NYC stays. Langham is a little cheaper than SR, and light years ahead in service.
Feb 19, 2019, 7:59 am
#317
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470
Feb 23, 2019, 6:49 pm
#318
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 2
My wife and I had a phenomenal award stay here recently. As our room wasn’t ready when we got in that morning we dropped our bags and they let us grab our 2 tickets to moMA which are included in the destination fee. It was a Friday night and as a platinum, we were upgraded to a St Regis Suite which had a full living room and a 2nd bath, which was available to us before 3 per a phone call from the front desk.
The room was fantastic and the butler service was great. When we left for dinner, they left a full bottle of Veuve and chocolate covered strawberries as we were celebrating our anniversary there. The platinum breakfast was offered either in the restaurant or as room service (god for pretty much any 2 entrees including tip and fees). Having room service the next morning in such a great room was a real treat. Can’t wait to return!
The room was fantastic and the butler service was great. When we left for dinner, they left a full bottle of Veuve and chocolate covered strawberries as we were celebrating our anniversary there. The platinum breakfast was offered either in the restaurant or as room service (god for pretty much any 2 entrees including tip and fees). Having room service the next morning in such a great room was a real treat. Can’t wait to return!
Feb 23, 2019, 6:58 pm
#319
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
My wife and I had a phenomenal award stay here recently. As our room wasn’t ready when we got in that morning we dropped our bags and they let us grab our 2 tickets to moMA which are included in the destination fee. It was a Friday night and as a platinum, we were upgraded to a St Regis Suite which had a full living room and a 2nd bath, which was available to us before 3 per a phone call from the front desk.
The room was fantastic and the butler service was great. When we left for dinner, they left a full bottle of Veuve and chocolate covered strawberries as we were celebrating our anniversary there. The platinum breakfast was offered either in the restaurant or as room service (god for pretty much any 2 entrees including tip and fees). Having room service the next morning in such a great room was a real treat. Can’t wait to return!
The room was fantastic and the butler service was great. When we left for dinner, they left a full bottle of Veuve and chocolate covered strawberries as we were celebrating our anniversary there. The platinum breakfast was offered either in the restaurant or as room service (god for pretty much any 2 entrees including tip and fees). Having room service the next morning in such a great room was a real treat. Can’t wait to return!
Also, welcome to FT...
Feb 28, 2019, 9:18 am
#321
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3
Feb 28, 2019, 1:57 pm
#322
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: DL PM, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, AA, WP
Posts: 840
Welcome to FT, notenoughfuntravel!
And ryan727, you don't say a lot, but wait for when it counts!
And ryan727, you don't say a lot, but wait for when it counts!
Mar 1, 2019, 11:20 am
#323
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: Virtuoso Luxury Travel Agent; Bonvoy Titanium Elite; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 665
So.. perhaps a stupid question, but the "destination fee" that is paid, which includes a $50 F/B credit, does it need to be used on the actual day or can it be used next day? I realise they don't roll over, but in my case I'm there March 9-11, but I arrive at like 10 pm on the 9th. Would I be able to use the credits from the 9th also during the 10th (a 24 hour period), or is it only on the day of?
Mar 1, 2019, 2:02 pm
#324
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,470
So.. perhaps a stupid question, but the "destination fee" that is paid, which includes a $50 F/B credit, does it need to be used on the actual day or can it be used next day? I realise they don't roll over, but in my case I'm there March 9-11, but I arrive at like 10 pm on the 9th. Would I be able to use the credits from the 9th also during the 10th (a 24 hour period), or is it only on the day of?
Mar 9, 2019, 11:45 am
#325
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Southern Cali
Programs: AA ExPlat, Marriott Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,025
Mar 25, 2019, 9:38 pm
#326
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Southern Cali
Programs: AA ExPlat, Marriott Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,025
Just want to follow up regarding the credits
Plane landed a little late around 11:30 PM so I decided not to risk it and checked in over the app. This was my first time doing so and to my surprise, was upgraded instantly to a Fifth Avenue suite from an Astor Suite
We arrived around 1AM and the check in desk noted they would credit me double on the last day. At check out the hotel had in fact taken care of all the credits correctly and I didn't have any issue.
Overall the experience was fantastic and would definitely come back.
Plane landed a little late around 11:30 PM so I decided not to risk it and checked in over the app. This was my first time doing so and to my surprise, was upgraded instantly to a Fifth Avenue suite from an Astor Suite
We arrived around 1AM and the check in desk noted they would credit me double on the last day. At check out the hotel had in fact taken care of all the credits correctly and I didn't have any issue.
Overall the experience was fantastic and would definitely come back.
Mar 29, 2019, 10:47 am
#327
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: Virtuoso Luxury Travel Agent; Bonvoy Titanium Elite; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 665
Arriving at the hotel tonight.
SNA did not clear.
St Regis Suite, Fifth Avenue and Grand Suites available. What are the odds of me actually being able to get one of those? I asked in the chat and they said they don’t have any “eligible suites” available
SNA did not clear.
St Regis Suite, Fifth Avenue and Grand Suites available. What are the odds of me actually being able to get one of those? I asked in the chat and they said they don’t have any “eligible suites” available
Apr 23, 2019, 6:29 am
#328
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: IHG Plat, HHonors Diamond, SPG Gold,VS, BA.
Posts: 43
Just returned from an excellent 5 night stay as part of my honeymoon at this property - booked back when it was 60k/night with 5th night free.
Upgraded to a Grand Luxe (supposedly bigger, but pictures looked very similar online) with a nice bottle of Veuve waiting for us. Butler service was good for fresh coffee every morning as well as very helpfully unpacking our rather large bags on the first night. Probably the first time we've ever 'fully' unpacked in a hotels cupboards/hangers before - great for getting ready in the evenings and not feeling like living out of a suitcase.
Interestingly, and this might be very YMMY Vs. official policy but when checking in they said that as we were staying for 5 nights they had the ability to waive the $50/night destination fee (on stays of "more than 4 nights") which we were quick to accept. As a result, while we didn't spend any time in the King Cole Bar - did free up an extra $250 to splash out a bit more in the city.
Upgraded to a Grand Luxe (supposedly bigger, but pictures looked very similar online) with a nice bottle of Veuve waiting for us. Butler service was good for fresh coffee every morning as well as very helpfully unpacking our rather large bags on the first night. Probably the first time we've ever 'fully' unpacked in a hotels cupboards/hangers before - great for getting ready in the evenings and not feeling like living out of a suitcase.
Interestingly, and this might be very YMMY Vs. official policy but when checking in they said that as we were staying for 5 nights they had the ability to waive the $50/night destination fee (on stays of "more than 4 nights") which we were quick to accept. As a result, while we didn't spend any time in the King Cole Bar - did free up an extra $250 to splash out a bit more in the city.
Apr 23, 2019, 12:44 pm
#329
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
Interestingly, and this might be very YMMY Vs. official policy but when checking in they said that as we were staying for 5 nights they had the ability to waive the $50/night destination fee (on stays of "more than 4 nights") which we were quick to accept. As a result, while we didn't spend any time in the King Cole Bar - did free up an extra $250 to splash out a bit more in the city.
We will be there in a few weeks for another 5 night stay — will report back on whether they offer to waive for us.
Apr 23, 2019, 1:00 pm
#330
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
I received the offer to waive as well on a 5-night stay earlier this month. I actually turned down the offer to waive, as the $50 King Cole Bar + $50 laundry credit had more value to me than a $50 outlay.