As part of a trip with my friend Bertrand, I decided to stay at the Ritz-Carlton New York, a historic hotel in the Big Apple, located right across from the iconic park.
Here’s a review of my two-night stay.
Booking
I booked this property less than five days before my stay. I was originally going to stay at the JW Marriott Essex House, but the rejection of my Suite Night Award made me switch to this hotel, which promptly accepted my Suite Night Award.
However, the rate wasn’t gentle, exceeding $500 per night.
Arrival
After a short flight from Boston, I arrive at JFK airport in the late morning. On the day of the trip, a worldwide outage of Microsoft’s operating systems disrupted all air traffic, mainly at Delta, a little at United and slightly at American.
Fortunately, I flew with American Airlines to JFK, and due to a work obligation, I had to settle at the Soho Lounge for over an hour before heading to Manhattan.
After an hour’s journey via AirTrain and subway, followed by a ten-minute walk, I arrived at the reception desk of the Ritz-Carlton.
The check-in process was quite cold. While professional, the experience lacked warmth, and I didn’t really feel welcomed.
My suite upgrade was confirmed, a welcome envelope was handed to me, and it felt like I was being granted a favor when I tried to confirm my 4 p.m. late check-out, which is guaranteed under the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
My keys are then handed to me and I’m quickly on my way to the elevator. No presentation of the hotel’s facilities. Not a very Ritz-Carlton welcome.
Suite
My deluxe suite with a Central Park view was located on the 12th floor of the hotel.
The entrance leads into a vestibule, with a large closet on the left and a full bathroom on the right. I won’t be making any particular use of it during my stay.
Straight ahead is the spacious living room, featuring a large TV above the well-stocked minibar and a sitting area with a large sectional sofa, armchair, and coffee tables.
The two windows offer a magnificent view of Central Park, and one of them is equipped with a long telescope that lets you see… Not much! But it adds to the style of the place.
Back in the vestibule, you enter the bedroom area, which begins with a large walk-in closet, followed by the main bedroom. To the left, there’s a comfortable desk, and to the right, an armchair, with a king-size bed extending further, which was very comfortable.
For both nights, turn-down service was provided, though oddly, no water bottles were offered on the second night.
Adjacent to the bed is the main bathroom. Toiletries are decent, but not quite up to Ritz-Carlton standards. Shower pressure is perfect.
Finally, here is the video tour:
Hotel facilities
The hotel features a fitness center located in the basement and a spa on the second floor.
Gym
The fitness room is located in the basement of the property. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym machines, and is a very nice size. I’ll be using it both mornings of my stay.
Spa
The spa is located on the second floor, adjacent to the Club Lounge, which was unfortunately closed during my stay.
I booked a treatment on the morning of my departure.
Catering
Dining is primarily handled by Contour, the bar-restaurant located on the ground floor of the hotel.
Bar – Contour
The bar is located on the ground floor, directly opposite the entrance.
The bar itself is tucked away in a recessed area for added discretion.
The service is very pleasant, warm and professional. I’ll have a Whisky Macallan 25 ans which will be a real delight. Then I’ll have an 18-year-old, which won’t be nearly as good.
Breakfast service – Contour
On the second morning of my stay, I had breakfast at Contour, the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant on the first floor.
The service was excellent but the prices were totally outrageous, with the double espresso at $15 for example.
I had the pancakes, which were barely good, and the total just came under $60, which is crazy.
Service
The service in this hotel is good, by US standards. Nothing to get excited about, though, and we’re a long way from European-style service, let alone Asian…
Departure
Check-out formalities were simplified as they were carried out on the TV.
Although the Marriott Bonvoy application allows you to do so, this option stops one minute before check-out time, in this case 3:59pm for me.
On the other hand, I had to request the bill via chat, as it wasn’t sent automatically.
Bottom line
A pleasant stay, but in my opinion not up to the brand’s reputation.
Itinerary
As a reminder, here is the itinerary followed:
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park : Correct, mais pas vraiment dans le grand luxe
Emplacement
Design
Service, check-in & concierge
Chambre
Restauration & Bar
Installations (piscine, spa, fitness...)
Respect du programme de fidélité
Service
Rapport Expérience/prix
Correct
Un séjour agréable, mais à mon sens pas à la hauteur de la réputation de la marque.
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