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]
Oct 9, 2018, 5:30 pm
#226
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 598
Stayed here over the weekend with two rooms. Nice stay overall but service wasn't at the level of our last stay. Platinum Premier, no mentioned/visible upgrade, received rooms on the third floor (although hotel did seem to be sold out). Front desk agent clearly noted that late check-out and breakfast could only be applied to one room, not both. The rooms themselves were still very nice and we were happy to be there (especially with the great deal on points).
Biggest disappointment was that there was no communication prior to arrival: Last year, the hotel called us ahead of time to ask for stay details and offered to bring a little dessert to the room to help celebrate a birthday. So, this year, I emailed management twice (one to a general email found on TripAdvisor and one to the hotel manager) a few days prior to arrival to ask what I/they can do for a special occasion (parent's 35th wedding anniversary), and received no response both times. I then called the hotel and someone said we could order an amenity online if we wanted, which we did. I then asked about the cake we ordered at check-in (to confirm it was in the system) and she asked (surprised) who's birthday it was...so that made us a little stressed and we had to track down the cake, but it did eventually end up in one of the rooms (albeit the wrong room!).
Overall still a nice stay and we'd certainly return...but not quite as seamless as it was last year.
Also: we were charged the destination fee even though it was not on the reservation (made right after the merger).
Biggest disappointment was that there was no communication prior to arrival: Last year, the hotel called us ahead of time to ask for stay details and offered to bring a little dessert to the room to help celebrate a birthday. So, this year, I emailed management twice (one to a general email found on TripAdvisor and one to the hotel manager) a few days prior to arrival to ask what I/they can do for a special occasion (parent's 35th wedding anniversary), and received no response both times. I then called the hotel and someone said we could order an amenity online if we wanted, which we did. I then asked about the cake we ordered at check-in (to confirm it was in the system) and she asked (surprised) who's birthday it was...so that made us a little stressed and we had to track down the cake, but it did eventually end up in one of the rooms (albeit the wrong room!).
Overall still a nice stay and we'd certainly return...but not quite as seamless as it was last year.
Also: we were charged the destination fee even though it was not on the reservation (made right after the merger).
Oct 9, 2018, 10:05 pm
#227
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 26
Stayed here over the weekend with two rooms. Nice stay overall but service wasn't at the level of our last stay. Platinum Premier, no mentioned/visible upgrade, received rooms on the third floor (although hotel did seem to be sold out). Front desk agent clearly noted that late check-out and breakfast could only be applied to one room, not both. The rooms themselves were still very nice and we were happy to be there (especially with the great deal on points).
Biggest disappointment was that there was no communication prior to arrival: Last year, the hotel called us ahead of time to ask for stay details and offered to bring a little dessert to the room to help celebrate a birthday. So, this year, I emailed management twice (one to a general email found on TripAdvisor and one to the hotel manager) a few days prior to arrival to ask what I/they can do for a special occasion (parent's 35th wedding anniversary), and received no response both times. I then called the hotel and someone said we could order an amenity online if we wanted, which we did. I then asked about the cake we ordered at check-in (to confirm it was in the system) and she asked (surprised) who's birthday it was...so that made us a little stressed and we had to track down the cake, but it did eventually end up in one of the rooms (albeit the wrong room!).
Overall still a nice stay and we'd certainly return...but not quite as seamless as it was last year.
Also: we were charged the destination fee even though it was not on the reservation (made right after the merger).
Biggest disappointment was that there was no communication prior to arrival: Last year, the hotel called us ahead of time to ask for stay details and offered to bring a little dessert to the room to help celebrate a birthday. So, this year, I emailed management twice (one to a general email found on TripAdvisor and one to the hotel manager) a few days prior to arrival to ask what I/they can do for a special occasion (parent's 35th wedding anniversary), and received no response both times. I then called the hotel and someone said we could order an amenity online if we wanted, which we did. I then asked about the cake we ordered at check-in (to confirm it was in the system) and she asked (surprised) who's birthday it was...so that made us a little stressed and we had to track down the cake, but it did eventually end up in one of the rooms (albeit the wrong room!).
Overall still a nice stay and we'd certainly return...but not quite as seamless as it was last year.
Also: we were charged the destination fee even though it was not on the reservation (made right after the merger).
I also haven't receive any email from the hotel yet. Do you have the email address for their concierge/butler service? I want to make a few restaurant reservations prior to our stay.
Oct 9, 2018, 11:02 pm
#228
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Oct 14, 2018, 7:30 pm
#229
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Just finished up a one-night leisure stay on points as a PP. A few thoughts:
1. We were upgraded to a massive named suite from a Superior room. This was a major wow and was one of the best city hotel rooms we've ever stayed in. Our room wasn't ready until 6pm (we arrived around 1pm), but we were given the option to have a regular room right away if we preferred. I assume our huge upgrade was primarily driven to the fact that this was a one-night stay.
2. We enjoyed breakfast in-room, and it came to $140 including service/delivery. There was no charge on the final folio. Breakfast itself was good, not great. Our eggs and muesli were excellent. The pastries were a joke - think Admirals/United Club level. This is an embarrassment for the brand and had I been downstairs at the restaurant I would have sent them back. Our toast and English muffins were stale, and the grapefruit juice is not freshly squeezed (only OJ is fresh).
3. We had a fantastic time at the King Cole Bar. Given that we would have come here anyways, we didn't mind the $50 destination fee at all. We also did ~$50 of laundry which never hit the bill. I imagine that they started out the destination fee as more generous than they wanted in order to get guests comfortable with the idea. As of now, I'm thrilled with it (we also used the 2x free tickets for the MoMA).
4. The front desk was absolutely over-run at around 3:30pm on Saturday. A line of about 6 people that took ~15 minutes to get through, which is just unacceptable at a hotel of this level. There was a wedding on-site and I recognize that 3:30pm is a busy time for a hotel, but it's not an excuse.
5. I can confirm that the concierge and the people who work there are spectacular. I'm excited to engage with them to help plan our return stay in a few months.
6. Even in a Superior room this is a much better property than the Park Hyatt, the other true luxury property available on points in NYC (excluding the Chatwal as I have not stayed). At 60K/night through this and next year (for stays booked by EOY) its a no-brainer. We've stayed at the PH probably 10x and this is just a better-run hotel. A monumental step-up over the Gramercy Park Hotel. I'm writing this from my room at 11 Howard, another SPG Design Hotel, and again it's not in the same ballpark.
All-in-all, I can't wait to return for our one-year wedding anniversary next year, where we hope to stay for 3-4 nights and use an SNA. I doubt I'll get an upgrade even remotely like this one, but the hotel itself is clearly very well-run and that matters much more in the long run. The location is as good as Midtown gets, though not our favorite. An solid 'A' stay.
1. We were upgraded to a massive named suite from a Superior room. This was a major wow and was one of the best city hotel rooms we've ever stayed in. Our room wasn't ready until 6pm (we arrived around 1pm), but we were given the option to have a regular room right away if we preferred. I assume our huge upgrade was primarily driven to the fact that this was a one-night stay.
2. We enjoyed breakfast in-room, and it came to $140 including service/delivery. There was no charge on the final folio. Breakfast itself was good, not great. Our eggs and muesli were excellent. The pastries were a joke - think Admirals/United Club level. This is an embarrassment for the brand and had I been downstairs at the restaurant I would have sent them back. Our toast and English muffins were stale, and the grapefruit juice is not freshly squeezed (only OJ is fresh).
3. We had a fantastic time at the King Cole Bar. Given that we would have come here anyways, we didn't mind the $50 destination fee at all. We also did ~$50 of laundry which never hit the bill. I imagine that they started out the destination fee as more generous than they wanted in order to get guests comfortable with the idea. As of now, I'm thrilled with it (we also used the 2x free tickets for the MoMA).
4. The front desk was absolutely over-run at around 3:30pm on Saturday. A line of about 6 people that took ~15 minutes to get through, which is just unacceptable at a hotel of this level. There was a wedding on-site and I recognize that 3:30pm is a busy time for a hotel, but it's not an excuse.
5. I can confirm that the concierge and the people who work there are spectacular. I'm excited to engage with them to help plan our return stay in a few months.
6. Even in a Superior room this is a much better property than the Park Hyatt, the other true luxury property available on points in NYC (excluding the Chatwal as I have not stayed). At 60K/night through this and next year (for stays booked by EOY) its a no-brainer. We've stayed at the PH probably 10x and this is just a better-run hotel. A monumental step-up over the Gramercy Park Hotel. I'm writing this from my room at 11 Howard, another SPG Design Hotel, and again it's not in the same ballpark.
All-in-all, I can't wait to return for our one-year wedding anniversary next year, where we hope to stay for 3-4 nights and use an SNA. I doubt I'll get an upgrade even remotely like this one, but the hotel itself is clearly very well-run and that matters much more in the long run. The location is as good as Midtown gets, though not our favorite. An solid 'A' stay.
Oct 14, 2018, 8:36 pm
#230
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: Non-status paid F/J (best value for $$$)
Posts: 4,124
Oct 14, 2018, 9:59 pm
#231
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Even in a Superior room this is a much better property than the Park Hyatt, the other true luxury property available on points in NYC (excluding the Chatwal as I have not stayed). At 60K/night through this and next year (for stays booked by EOY) its a no-brainer. We've stayed at the PH probably 10x and this is just a better-run hotel. A monumental step-up over the Gramercy Park Hotel. I'm writing this from my room at 11 Howard, another SPG Design Hotel, and again it's not in the same ballpark.
I also will tell you that I love the Chatwal almost as much, but the StR is special. I’d have sent back the bad pastries and insisted on replacements, though. Free or not, this hotel should always get it right.
I actually think the StR is a bargain even at its eventual 85-100K points rate for Cat 8. That’s still less than the equivalent 90-105K points it was with SPG.
Also, FWIW, just the regular SNA suite upgrade here is special. We had that for our stay in March. I initially was disappointed we didn’t get anything bigger, but that suite was incredibly comfortable for us. The only thing I didn’t love about that suite was the small shower, but the shower pressure and texture may be the finest I’ve ever enjoyed anywhere. I’d be more than thrilled in that same entry level suite again.
Oct 15, 2018, 7:21 am
#232
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
Agreed! But still glad you enjoyed the big upgrade.
I also will tell you that I love the Chatwal almost as much, but the StR is special. I’d have sent back the bad pastries and insisted on replacements, though. Free or not, this hotel should always get it right.
I actually think the StR is a bargain even at its eventual 85-100K points rate for Cat 8. That’s still less than the equivalent 90-105K points it was with SPG.
Also, FWIW, just the regular SNA suite upgrade here is special. We had that for our stay in March. I initially was disappointed we didn’t get anything bigger, but that suite was incredibly comfortable for us. The only thing I didn’t love about that suite was the small shower, but the shower pressure and texture may be the finest I’ve ever enjoyed anywhere. I’d be more than thrilled in that same entry level suite again.
I also forgot about the RC Central Park - another lux property on points - but I don’t love the inability to receive platinum benefits (aka breakfast) on award stays, and when I stayed on cash once I found it disappointing. There is also the EDITION which has a phenomenal location and beautiful rooms, but it’s overpriced, entry level rooms are essentially closets, and they are very snooty service-wise, even as paying guests.
We were upgraded to the Milano suite. I’ve found FTers these days to be a bit more DYKWIA then in years past, so I hope this isn’t an invitation to bombard the front desk with upgrade requests because “someone online I read about was upgraded”. Suffice to say it was a beautiful suite and made for a very special one night stay. A couple of pictures are included.
Oct 15, 2018, 3:43 pm
#233
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 6,385
We received your inquiry about Platinum Welcome Amenity.
The St. Regis New York offers American Breakfast 2 people or 1,000 loyalty points.
For the American Breakfast, it can be utilized at the Astor Court Restaurant which is located in the lobby or through our In Room Dining. The American Breakfast includes pastry basket, hot/cold beverage (juice, coffee), 2 eggs, and choice of bacon or sausage.
It also include gratuity in the package.
The St. Regis New York offers American Breakfast 2 people or 1,000 loyalty points.
For the American Breakfast, it can be utilized at the Astor Court Restaurant which is located in the lobby or through our In Room Dining. The American Breakfast includes pastry basket, hot/cold beverage (juice, coffee), 2 eggs, and choice of bacon or sausage.
It also include gratuity in the package.
Oct 25, 2018, 12:42 am
#234
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: IWI; Work: DCA/Everywhere; Play: LAS/SJU/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,670
Had a flawless two-night stay here, immediately after a two-night stay at the PH.
Checked in around 3 p.m. Monday. (Booked on points, used SNAs which were confirmed 5 days out.) Room wasn't ready yet, so I left a phone number and got tickets to the Met. Wife & I promptly went to the Met, got a call shortly after 5 saying our suite was ready; we left the Met at closing and returned to the StR by 5:45 to learn that we had been upgraded to a beautiful St. Regis Suite. It was incredible -- windows on three sides, all of which opened -- and the service was perfect. Butler delivered coffee and tea on arrival, took garments for complimentary pressing, and took items for overnight dry cleaning. Pressing was returned promptly. Before stepping out for the evening, I asked for a bucket of ice to be placed in the bedroom, and it was there when we returned... turndown service was also done meticulously. We went down to King Cole bar for drinks to use the F&B credit and had a great time. Before retiring for the night, I called to request 9:30 a.m. wake up, 9:35 follow up, 9:45 coffee/tea, and for my shoes (hung on the door) to be shined. Everything happened promptly as promised.
Tuesday a.m. we went to the restaurant for breakfast, it was okay but nothing special. "Jumbo lump" crab cakes on the benedict were just lump, not jumbo, but were still tasty. Steak with the steak and eggs wasn't very high quality meat but did the trick. Croissant was fabulous. Used the MoMa tickets Tuesday, went back to King Cole bar Tuesday evening, and did more laundry overnight. (Honestly I don't tend to do much hotel laundry, but the overnight service was very convenient and the laundry was very well done.) Wednesday a.m. we got room service breakfast delivered. All in all, the destination fee cost $114 ($50 + tax times 2) but covered $35 + $38 worth of laundry, $100 at the King Cole bar, and $90 in museum tickets. And our $88 and $102 breakfasts, respectively, were fully covered. The butler staff was fantastic, we got to use the house car (S Class, no Bentley) twice to go to dinner, and there is simply nothing like coming back from the streets of New York to an immaculately clean and beautiful suite at the St. Regis. Wife & I couldn't have been happier.
A note about the destination fee -- I called because I didn't quite understand how they calculate a "day" and I was concerned because they state explicitly that the credits are not cumulative day by day. We didn't get our check from the King Cole bar until 12:05 a.m. the first night, so I was concerned that would prevent us from getting credit at, say, 10 p.m. the second night -- but the agent I called said it didn't need to be exactly on a given calendar day and not to worry about it -- the credits were simply not combinable onto a single $100 tab, for example. Same with the laundry -- so it seems that if you send out laundry Monday night and Tuesday night, they should credit you $50 a pop, even if, for example, charges for both are posted on Tuesday. All that showed on my final folio was the destination fee and small overages from each visit to the King Cole bar.
Checked in around 3 p.m. Monday. (Booked on points, used SNAs which were confirmed 5 days out.) Room wasn't ready yet, so I left a phone number and got tickets to the Met. Wife & I promptly went to the Met, got a call shortly after 5 saying our suite was ready; we left the Met at closing and returned to the StR by 5:45 to learn that we had been upgraded to a beautiful St. Regis Suite. It was incredible -- windows on three sides, all of which opened -- and the service was perfect. Butler delivered coffee and tea on arrival, took garments for complimentary pressing, and took items for overnight dry cleaning. Pressing was returned promptly. Before stepping out for the evening, I asked for a bucket of ice to be placed in the bedroom, and it was there when we returned... turndown service was also done meticulously. We went down to King Cole bar for drinks to use the F&B credit and had a great time. Before retiring for the night, I called to request 9:30 a.m. wake up, 9:35 follow up, 9:45 coffee/tea, and for my shoes (hung on the door) to be shined. Everything happened promptly as promised.
Tuesday a.m. we went to the restaurant for breakfast, it was okay but nothing special. "Jumbo lump" crab cakes on the benedict were just lump, not jumbo, but were still tasty. Steak with the steak and eggs wasn't very high quality meat but did the trick. Croissant was fabulous. Used the MoMa tickets Tuesday, went back to King Cole bar Tuesday evening, and did more laundry overnight. (Honestly I don't tend to do much hotel laundry, but the overnight service was very convenient and the laundry was very well done.) Wednesday a.m. we got room service breakfast delivered. All in all, the destination fee cost $114 ($50 + tax times 2) but covered $35 + $38 worth of laundry, $100 at the King Cole bar, and $90 in museum tickets. And our $88 and $102 breakfasts, respectively, were fully covered. The butler staff was fantastic, we got to use the house car (S Class, no Bentley) twice to go to dinner, and there is simply nothing like coming back from the streets of New York to an immaculately clean and beautiful suite at the St. Regis. Wife & I couldn't have been happier.
A note about the destination fee -- I called because I didn't quite understand how they calculate a "day" and I was concerned because they state explicitly that the credits are not cumulative day by day. We didn't get our check from the King Cole bar until 12:05 a.m. the first night, so I was concerned that would prevent us from getting credit at, say, 10 p.m. the second night -- but the agent I called said it didn't need to be exactly on a given calendar day and not to worry about it -- the credits were simply not combinable onto a single $100 tab, for example. Same with the laundry -- so it seems that if you send out laundry Monday night and Tuesday night, they should credit you $50 a pop, even if, for example, charges for both are posted on Tuesday. All that showed on my final folio was the destination fee and small overages from each visit to the King Cole bar.
Nov 3, 2018, 7:40 pm
#235
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 94
Went here for a staycation. Don't recognize any of the good stories above.
The lobby was a mess, lots of people, chaotic. At check-in the butler was mentioned, I was expecting him to come to the room, no one ever showed up.
As platinum elite was upgraded to a higher floor, but room was facing a blind wall....
I asked the concierge about the car service, he send me outside, to check with the doorman. No one was standing there, so I went inside and got told that I should have some patience.
I must say that the room was very nice, but never worth 1000+ USD for a one night stay.
The lobby was a mess, lots of people, chaotic. At check-in the butler was mentioned, I was expecting him to come to the room, no one ever showed up.
As platinum elite was upgraded to a higher floor, but room was facing a blind wall....
I asked the concierge about the car service, he send me outside, to check with the doorman. No one was standing there, so I went inside and got told that I should have some patience.
I must say that the room was very nice, but never worth 1000+ USD for a one night stay.
Nov 5, 2018, 12:26 pm
#237
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA, VS, HH, IHG, MB, MR
Posts: 26,871
Nov 5, 2018, 1:23 pm
#239
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hote...egis-new-york/
MANDATORY DESTINATION FEE POLICY
Room rates do not include the hotel's mandatory destination fee of 50 USD per room per night, plus local and state taxes. This charge includes:
50 USD Food and Beverage Credit (available in all outlets excluding MiniBar)
50 USD Laundry/Dry Cleaning Credit
25 USD Fodera Hair Salon Credit (excluding Manicure)
Free HSIA, Local, Long Distance and International calls (unlimited)
2 Museum tickets per day
Room rates do not include the hotel's mandatory destination fee of 50 USD per room per night, plus local and state taxes. This charge includes:
50 USD Food and Beverage Credit (available in all outlets excluding MiniBar)
50 USD Laundry/Dry Cleaning Credit
25 USD Fodera Hair Salon Credit (excluding Manicure)
Free HSIA, Local, Long Distance and International calls (unlimited)
2 Museum tickets per day
Nov 5, 2018, 1:39 pm
#240
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Hartford, CT
Programs: Marriott LTS
Posts: 195
And yet they can charge it as allowed under New York law. As is noted on its website page under Hotel Policies:
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hote...egis-new-york/
IMO if you’re getting a room at the StR New York for 60K Marriott points/night through Dec 2018, you’re still getting an incredible steal even with this destination fee. Even when this property goes to 85-100K Marriott points/night, it’s still a steal with the destination fee. (And that’s still fewer Marriott points than the 90-105K Marriott points under the legacy SPG program.)
BTW @bhrubin , thanks for the concierge email address - I have already emailed them about the things I need in my room to surprise my wife.