As part of a business trip in the metropolis of the East Coast of the United States, I propose a review of the W New York Times Square. If its location on the mythical square is an undeniable asset, the service provided is really minimal. A look back at this not-so-premium experience.
Booking
As usual, I made this reservation on the SPG website, using my usual corporate code.
The rate obtained is quite competitive, at less than 250 € per night, and this for a reason: Sunday nights are traditionally the cheapest of the week.
A few days before departure, I inform my Concierge of my stay and of my intention to secure the use of the SPG Keyless service.
Two days before,I receive an invitation to use this service and register, which I do promptly.
Arrival
I arrive by Uber from the New-York JFK airport, after a long trip due to erratic traffic.
Thereception is icy: no doorman at the entrance of the hotel, and a receptionist as friendly as a prison door.
I ask about the SPG Keyless? It never works! says the guard. Pathetic. She asks me what I want to choose as a Platinum benefit? Breakfast, of course.
Room
My room was located on the 56th floor of the hotel, apparently a Cool Corner Room, with, of course, a breathtaking view.
The facilities are pretty basic though, and the size of the room was quite small, especially the bathroom.
Obviously, being on Times Square and inheriting the historic building, the sound insulation is not good.
To finish, a video tour:
Hotel facilities
The hotel has, like all the W’s, a bliss spa. I did not use these services, but took advantage of the gym located on the 10th floor of the property.
It has only 2 treadmills, which is largely insufficient considering the large capacity of the hotel.
Restaurants
The property has two restaurants, Blue Fin and Dos Caminos.
As far as breakfast is concerned, it is the first one who operates. So I introduce myself as a Platinum customer to the hostess, who gives me the ad hoc continental breakfast menu.
However, my waiter tells me that since I don’t have the small card given by the reception, he can’t do anything andI must pay the bill. Apparently, he called the reception desk and it didn’t change anything, unbelievable. Nevertheless, the quality of the breakfast was excellent.
As for lunch, I had it at the second restaurant, Dos Caminos. Very good Mexican food, despite a service a little too informal for my taste. In any case, I was served quickly and was able to charge the bill to the room despite their computer system being inoperative that day.
Departure
The departure formalities were carried out without a glitch, but without warmth either.
- You want your receipt to be printed or e-mailed to you?
- E-mailed, please.
- OK, done, Bye.
Pathetic (bis).
Conclusion
So many disappointments for a hotel that has a great asset, its location and its restaurants. For the service, don’t have any expectation.