Continuation and end of my American journey with the Westin New York Grand Central. I chose this property because it was rather central and in a neighborhood I know well which is East Midtown, to be close to my friends and places I know. Also, this location makes my departure to JFK much easier, being closer to the access roads to the Queens. A look back at this rather banal stay.
Booking
As usual, I made my reservation on the SPG website. However, this time I used a public rate, much better than the corporate rates I have access to, around $200+tax per night. I’m not especially surprised by this incredibly low rate, it’s a Thursday to Friday night, traditionally quieter, as Americans generally concentrate their business travel from Monday to Thursday.
Arrival
I arrived at the hotel by subway from SoHo. The property is a few blocks from Grand Central Station on 42nd Street.
When I arrived, there was no waiting at check-in (which was very rarely the case according to my observations on several occasions during my stay).
I did not receive an upgrade for this stay, and chose the points as a Platinum gift. On the whole, the procedure was effective.
Like the check-in desks, the lobby is very undersized for a hotel of this size.
Room
The standard room I had booked was assigned to me, however, in a high floor of the property… Which brings little benefit, the view being obstructed by many adjoining buildings. You have to bend down hard enough to see theEmpire State Building…
In itself, what can I say… It’s a standard room for a North American Westin: a fairly small bathroom with a claw-foot tub, but good quality toiletries.
The entrance and the whole room are covered with a probably new but hideous carpet.
The room is quite dark at all times of the day.
The desk is quite functional.
The bed is very comfortable, and this remains a marker of the chain.
The room has a small sofa and a coffee table, but their arrangement with their backs to the window is rather strange.
To finish, a virtual visit in video:
Hotel facilities
The hotel has a fitness room located on the 3rd floor. To get there, you have to go back down to the lobby, change elevators, then go back up to this different wing of the hotel, where the conference rooms are located.
The place is quite big and the machines are recent, even if some of them didn’t seem to be fully functional.
Restaurants
I did not dine in the restaurant.
On the other hand, I came to have a drink with a colleague in the evening. The service is quite attentive and we were served quickly. However, no accompaniment for the drinks. Contrary to its positioning in Europe, the chain here is mid-range, and the service corresponds to this level.
As for the breakfast, I chose the à la carte option. A continental buffet is also available.
Obviously, as the preparations are made on the spot, the quality is better, and the eggs ordered were perfectly executed. I was able to take the time to have lunch quietly as I had a teleconference at the same time. Quite a hefty bill, but finally classic for New-York.
Departure
The departure formalities were completed in a few seconds, and the invoice was sent by e-mail without error within minutes.
Conclusion
A solid hotel in Manhattan, with a very good value for money (for this night) but finally rather basic in its services, and without much charm. Preferably for dense business stays in Midtown.
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