In the dating world, Park Hyatt New York is my “good on paper” guy. And after a two-night stay last month, I can’t decide whether my expectations are too high or too low.
Location
Park Hyatt New York occupies the first 25 floors of the 90-floor One57 building. This is a great location in Midtown. The hotel is directly across Carnegie Hall and easy walking distance to Central Park, Lincoln Center, MoMA and lots of shopping.
A number of restaurants, convenience stores and even a well-stocked supermarket are nearby.
Check-in
As soon as we entered the hotel, we were greeted by a staff member. Although the official hotel lobby is located on the third floor, guests are typically checked-in on the first floor and escorted directly to their rooms.
Check-in time is 3 pm. We arrived around 1 pm and were told our room was not ready. Although we were told it would be ready 2:30ish we received a call 15 minutes later informing us a room was now available and our luggage already in there. Our key cards would be waiting for us at the hotel lobby.
Room
Our room was a park king on the 11th floor.
A long hallway opened up to the sleeping area on the right and the bathroom on the left.
For a standard room, it was spacious enough. Much like the rest of the hotel, the decor was modern, neutral and understated.
The king size bed was on the firmer side but still comfortable.
A work desk with plenty of adapters and ports was located beneath a flat-screen TV.
I think these two sad apples were left for us but they certainly did not look appetizing.
Numerous interesting coffee-table type books were placed near a comfy chair.
This room would be techie approved. A tablet provided information on hotel features and allowed guests to order room service, turndown or additional amenities as needed. Although not a listed amenity, I made a special request for a mini fridge (I like my outside beverages and snacks cold) and was pleasantly surprised to receive it within 10 minutes. Unfortunately, when I woke up the next morning the fridge was not working. I requested another fridge but the staff member who stopped by suspected it was a fussy outlet and just plugged it somewhere else. Sure enough, that did the trick.
If you are a view person, this room is not for you. We weren’t really expecting one as we’d read that they’re hard to come by at the Park Hyatt New York, especially on the the lower floors. In all fairness, we had also requested a quiet room so we were not placed on the street side.
The spacious bathroom definitely made up for the (lack of) view. There were dual sinks, a soaking tub and a rainfall shower.
Ample closet space was available.
The mini bar was pretty comprehensive.
As mentioned above, we requested a quiet room. We were placed far from the elevators, away from any utility closets and busy areas in general. Basically, we were in a corner with only one room directly across from us. As luck would have it, those guests ended up checking in past midnight. We were woken up to dragging luggage and hearing the door open and close several times. It’s not that the guests were being rude but the sound did travel.
Hotel Amenities
In addition to room service, the Park Hyatt has two dining options. The Back Room at One57 is a more formal restaurant option, whereas The Living Room is a lounge with drinks and lighter fare.
A steam room, hot tub and indoor pool are located on the 25th floor.
The pool is lovely with plenty of comfortable loungers and as a bonus, it didn’t seem too busy no matter what time we stopped by. Underwater speakers pipe music from Carnegie Hall. A friendly lifeguard was on duty during official pool hours.
I was especially impressed the pool had a special chair for guests with mobility issues.
The fitness center was a true fitness center…no rinky-dink equipment in a tiny room here. The views from the gym were pretty nice too.
A spa, Spa Nalai, is located in the same area as the pool and fitness center but unfortunately, I didn’t have time to partake in any treatments.
Another service I did not get a chance to partake in was the complimentary house car. Drop-off chauffeur service is available within a 10 block radius of the hotel.
For more active guests, complimentary bikes are available for up to two hours.
Ambiance and Service
Much like the guest rooms, the Park Hyatt’s common areas are tastefully decorated. It is obvious a lot of thought went into everything, from the furniture to the artwork. Elevators and hallways have very dim lighting. Personally, I prefer this as I find it more relaxing.
In terms of service, I have zero complaints/issues/minor pet peeves. Everyone I dealt with was great. I read some reviews where some guests did not like that the staff on the third floor lobby did not greet them as they walked past. It wouldn’t bother me if I had not received a greeting but for the record, they always said hello and even chit chatted a bit. Also worth noting, the doormen were just great.
Final Thoughts
So, this is where the “good on paper” thing comes into play. I feel like on paper the Park Hyatt New York should’ve wowed me. It is located in one of my favorite cities, I had no service complaints, the decor happens to be in line with my personal aesthetic and yet…no sparks.
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My husband and I were in New York at the Park Hyatt for a weekend in June of this year. I have to agree it’s an elegant hotel and we would definitely stay there again (we also stayed at the Hyatt Union Square for one night, we did not like it, our room was terrible (half remodeled/half not) and the bathroom was so small it would only fit one person, and especially for a Diamond member would not recommend it and would not go back). Our view in the Park Hyatt was across the street from Carnegie Hall and it was a nice view, but you could hear the street below, but not a problem for us. Breakfast for a Diamond member is just okay in our opinion, we slipped and ordered an extra item, orange juice for two, here is my complaint the cost of one glass for me and two for my husband was $30. Our fault of course for not paying attention to what was offered. In the evening we ordered in the restaurant and the food and service was great.
Yeah, it’s pretty to slip up sometimes with what exactly is included. Good to know about the Hyatt Union Square- sounds like one to avoid.
I’m most enthused about the bathroom and bed. It looks like it would be a comfortable place to hibernate! I enjoyed reading the review and hope to make it to New York in short succession. It’s a bit of a hop, skip and jump from Korea, however. Have a fantastic Thursday.
The bathroom and bed were definitely comfy! Ha, I guess you would need a little more time to visit from Korea:)
You are not safe anywhere this days, including at PARK HYATT Hotel New YORK. You would think that the least you could expect from a hotel of that standing is honest staff and accountability … but think twice!
My phone was stolen from my room, I gave them the fact , the proof , yet they came back saying they have interviewed all that came in my room, and asked them if they took my phone … Seriously ? they all said no ! so that must be true and I must make it up , even though , find my phone shows my phone all day in the hotel until 6 pm and by the time I get back at the hotel at 7.45 my phone is in New Jersey at a specific address !
In the conversation, the room manager said first , it never has happened before, then contradicted him self , by saying he has been in situation like this before many time, and has been transparent each time ? so first it never happen and now it has happened many time ??? witch one is it !!!
???
Bottom line this beautiful hotel , with gorgeous room is not safe , don’t let the maid in , lock all your stuff and don’t trust them , they protect and support thieves !!! and won’t even apologize !
the use of their pool and steam room is free for PH guests, right? Or there is some type of fee for that?