As I arrive in Manhattan from La Guardia airport, it will take me almost an hour and a half to get to the hotel because of the insane traffic in the New York peninsula.
As a reminder, here is the itinerary followed:
Booking
Like the other hotels on the trip, both in Chicago and New York, I will book this hotel about 3 weeks before my arrival in New York.
In my quest for InterContinental Royal Ambassador status, I try to maximise my stays at InterContinental, Regent and Kimpton.
That’s how I booked a whooping $439 a night, after taxes and miscellaneous fees.
Arrival
The day before my arrival, I noticed an upgrade to a premium room with a view of the city. A very small upgrade, but already better than having a view of the garbage.
But after consulting the IHG application during my connection to Charlotte, I see that the standard room has returned… This is a bad start!
I arrive at the hotel shortly before 5pm. The welcome is rather warm. Obviously no mention of an upgrade (there is none), nor of Diamond benefits. I ask about breakfast… And then I am told that the hotel does not offer any catering at all: no bar or restaurant, and therefore no breakfast!
I am really hallucinating, it leaves me speechless. It is two and a half years after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the restaurant has not reopened. Yes, in a 5-star hotel.
Room
My room was on the 9th floor of the property.
The visit will be fast, the entrance leads directly to the room. On the left is a wardrobe with a so-called New York tag in it. Failed.
Opposite is a small desk on which I will work. The decoration is really bad, very dark while the room is already dark.
On the right, the comfortable king size bed.
The lights are a mix between old Sheraton and old W. Failed too.
The bathroom is a bit of a contrast and much more pleasant. However, the shower will lack pressure.
It’s disappointing to be in New York and only have a view of the air conditioning in the building next door.
To finish, a video tour:
Hotel facilities
The hotel has a fitness room which I will use in the morning after I wake up.
It is blind, the equipment is old, but it is not so unpleasant.
Food options
It’s simple, there is none, not even a minibar.
On the other hand, the Wine Hour will take place but I won’t have time to enjoy it.
Service
Non-existent.
Departure
The departure formalities will be laborious, my room card not having been programmed for the late check-out at 2pm requested on my arrival, and I will have to make 3 return trips to the reception to finally be able to check-out.
Bottom line
An absolutely catastrophic stay, at an insane price. To be avoided!
PS: The hotel has since left IHG.