I normally travel solo, which I enjoy very much, but had the fiancé with me this time, and we both like lots of space, our own bathrooms, so we reserve a two-bedroom suite at this place when visiting New York City together. I customarily stay at Langham or New York Palace. I do think the Trump Chicago is the best metropolitan U.S. hotel I've patronized. New York edition not so high on my list.
Arrived late in the afternoon on a somewhat rainy Friday. Advised cab driver to let me off at Columbus Circle because I didn't want to tell him the name of where I was staying. (I did not vote for him). While walking up front steps (there are about 7-8 steps), bellman standing outside comes rushing over to grab my bags. "When you stay at a place like this, you have to have people doing these thing for you!"
Really?
I've always preferred to do those things for myself. I give them tips anyway. Just don't like to have to go through all the mundane, shallow small talk -- "Is this your first time with us? Do you have any social plans while you're here?
"That's my business," I tell them.
Suite was clean. The refrigerator and freezer (complete with ice cubes) is something I like. I like COLD water, and when I wake up at 2 a.m. and want water, I prefer the ice variety, not the room temperature variety in the bottle and glass they provide at turndown service. To me, turndown service is annoying and intrusive. Plus, I don't use a robe or slippers, and I like to adjust the curtains a certain way. It's not beneath me to perform such mundane tasks.
Living room very nice, spacious. Large, circular dining table with several chairs. Large, comfortable sofa with ottoman, good for lounging and stretching out. Probably 60 inch HDTV, lots of channels. Also TVs in each bedroom. Large, sharp pictures. Great view of Central Park and Columbus Circle.
Two bathrooms -- one with vanity/sitting area -- the woman gets that one. Other bathroom very small, not much in the way of counter space to place toiletries. No single walk-in showers, just two combination tubs/showers. Couldn't get a good wide spray from one -- more like two hoses pouring down upon me, but that's no crisis.
All the workers, employees friendly. I'm just different -- personal attention at hotels means little to me. I just like to come and go without feeling as if I'm walking through a gauntlet of congeniality. The people working there mean well, and I understand most guests enjoy being pampered and catered to, but I don't need it.
Lobby very small. Not good for relaxing in a quiet space.
All told, it is a very good hotel, but it's not for me. Simply a matter of taste. Doesn't mean I'm right and people who love it are wrong. It just means people -- in this case hotel guests -- have different tastes.
