Best Spot in New York

My husband and I recently stayed here for our one year anniversary. We got a great deal on Expedia and were booked in a Park View room. If you stay here that is the only way to go! We truly had the BEST view in all of New York City. You are so close to Madison Avenue and all the fancy shops (Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Fendi) and within walking distance to Tavern of the Green where we had dinner. You are right on the border of Central Park and have better views of it than highrises on Central Park East and West. Room was a great size in New York City terms. Very clean with good sized bathroom. Everyone was super nice at the hotel and checking in and out was a breeze. Also security is very tight and only hotel guests can get into the elevators. There is a man at the elevators checking room keys so you feel totally safe. Do have breakfast downstairs. You have a great picture perfect view of Central Park. Breakfast was expensive but very good. I would def. recommend staying here and would stay again!

Excellent stay at the Essex House

The Essex House has a great location right at the south end of Central Park. It is close to nearly all of the major subway lines, as well as the bus. There are many good restaurants in close proximity, and it is easy to walk to many major attractions. Hotel staff was very friendly and helpful during our stay, and the room in which we stayed was in good condition, beautifully appointed, and well maintained throughout our stay. Although the room was not large, it was large enough to house 2 comfortably, with ample room for our luggage. The bathroom was larger than expected, and had the trademark "Heavenly Shower" (double shower head) and bathrobes. The "Heavenly Bed" was very comfortable, as was the large chair by the window. New York is a noisy place, and even though we were located in a quieter room, it was still possible to hear loud noises from outside from time to time. If you have problems with noise you may wish to bring ear plugs for sleeping.

Great Location. Good service. No Hot Water

Perfect location for a mid-town Manhattan Hotel, on South Central Park Avenue overlooking the park. It is walking distance to Carnegie Hall, 5th avenue shopping, and not too far from the Broadway theaters. The Hotel, with grandeur reminiscent of its 1920's heritage is fully updated.

My two-day stay was marred by an absence of hot water, which apparently caused quite a commotion because neither the operator, front desk, nor housekeeping would answer the phone. The outage was restored, but too late for me as I had to attend a business meeting unshowered and with a cold-water shave. Luckily, I did not go out for a Central Park run before the meeting.

The management did send a personal note of apology along with a plate of chocolates which does show some class. I would have preferred the offer of a free night's stay, but considering that I did not ask for it, I suppose the response was sufficient.

The meeting rooms in the hotel are well-appointed and comfortable, but the one that we were using was too long and narrow to fit the group comfortably.

The rooms are well appointed, and the one that I was assigned was a free upgrade with an anteroom, fax machine, and high-speed internet service. Not all of the rooms actually have high-speed internet service as adverstised, so if this is a priority for you, make sure that you request it on arrival.

Overall, this is a well-managed comfortable hotel and I would most definitely stay here in the future for both business and leisure.

Great Choice

This was the first visit to NYC for our nephew who just graduated from a small town Texas High School. We booked two rooms, one for him and one for us for three nights. Being SPG members, the very courteous registration person upgraded us to a king room. Both rooms were clearly above standard and, for the price of $270 per night we considered a value. The bed and bed linens are wonderful. The rooms are small but very nicely furnished and maintained. Most important to us is that our room was very quiet with good A/C. The hotel has an attractive quiet bar and a first rate restaurant. We would definitely recommend this hotel.

Worth staying at... repeatedly

I've stayed here twice, once with a friend I met for a weekend of shopping and theatre, and next when I surprised my husband on his 40th birthday with a weekend getaway. This is the best hotel as far as location and view. You get a panoramic view of Central Park from the South end, so it goes on forever, and it's especially magical after it snows. I didn't eat in the hotel restaurants, but did get room service each morning, and it was prompt and the bakery basket was delicious and filling enough for two. Both times we walked just about everywhere from the hotel, it's convenient to just about everything. My husband loved the location because he is a runner, and still talks about his run through central park, which I watched from the window, cozy in my robe. I especially liked the bathroom, because of the marble, and light colors, and there was lots of room to spread out all of my toiletries. The staff were all friendly and helpful as well.

Service a notch above the rest

I've stayed a number of 4 stars hotels and I must say that the service at this one is a notch above the rest. All the staff I encountered (front desk, concierge, doorman, bellmen, etc.,) were not only professional, but genuinely nice. Rooms were what I'd come to expect from a Westin, clean with crisp white linen, fluffy bath sheets, and Aveda bath products. Since I am a SPG member, the front desk manager upgraded me to a wonderful king room. A day later, I was given a room with a fantastic view of Central Park. Alas, it's the service that I was most impress with. I agree with all the posters regarding the convenient location. Tip - Europa Cafe on 7th (1 block away) has fantastic and inexpensive gourment sandwiches and bakegoods; perfect for a picnic in the park.

Location, location, location

I always knew the location was wonderful, but I didn't realize the hotel would be run so well. Lovely rooms (though some on the small side), wonderful beds and bathrooms. The beautiful marble lobby has a sitting area which is not used as a cocktail lounge, a rarity nowadays. We were there for Memorial Day weekend and thought it was very well priced. We walked to theater and shopping as well as spending time in Central Park across the street.

What a classy hotel!

This hotel was comfortable, classy, and a better value than many other NY hotels in the same price range. Amenities were terrific, shower with double head, lots of closet space, in-room fax/desk area, extremely comfortable bed/linens. Location is convenient to Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the theater district. It was an oasis of calm amongst the bustle of NYC. All staff were professional, helpful, and friendly. Lots of restaurants, neighborhood grocery stores nearby that are open 24-hours. I'd recommend it in a New York minute!

Wonderful experience

My friends and I stayed here during Easter (April, 2004). We had a wonderful experience. The hotel is beautiful and conveniently located right across the street from Central Park. It was within walking distance of many great restaurants and times square. We even walked to the theatre district from the hotel. Very clean. Excellent staff service. Friendly service. I would definitely recommend it to others.

Enjoyed this hotel

My husband and I stayed at this hotel from May 19-22/04 and really enjoyed it. We stayed in a junior suite which was nice and large. It had a sofa and coffee table area, a large walk-in closet where both suitcases fit, and a roomy bathroom with lots of counter space. We previously had spent 4 nights at the W Times Square to be close to the theatres etc, and then spent 3 nights closer to Central Park and the MET. The Essex House room was only $15 more per night and way more spacious and luxurious. I would stay there again.