Property: Conrad New York
Booked: Deluxe Suite
Rate: 296K points five nights stay (5th night free).
Basic suite cost was $US300 or ~$AU400 per night.
Received: Hudson River View and Executive Suite.
This is not a typical Conrad, firstly it's an all suite hotel (used to be Embassy Suites) so even the most basic rooms are spacious with separate living room.
Unfortunately service at this property is not up to the usual high standards known to be found at other Conrads. No welcome email sent so I contacted concierge letting them know Amazon will deliver few (large) packages under my name. When arrived to check in the concierge already left, was told they only work until 7pm. Apparently Manhattan goes to sleep at 7pm so there is no need for concierge services later than that...
Front desk staff didn't know anything and couldn't find all my shipments (which was a worry since there were some very expensive items inside). Had to wait until the next morning to sort everything out, very unprofessional.
At check in received one level upgrade to Hudson River View but was promised one night at an Executive Suite to celebrate our special occasion (this time we actually had something to celebrate).
The Hudson Suite was good size but didn't feel at all luxurious. Cheap decor, looks OK if it was DoubleTree but not suitable for Conrad. Design was bit strange, very small bathroom with one sink and toilet but next to it a huge shower room which was bigger than the whole bathroom!
The Executive Suite we got for one night didn't feel like an upgrade. Living room was slightly bigger but furnished the same, bedroom same size but instead of river view it faced an office building. There was additional large space for hanging clothes and storing luggage. Bathroom was still tiny, inside a much smaller shower and baby size bath. Seriously the bath was too small to fit an adult. Toilet had a separate door which was probably the only "smart" design in this room. As I said this suite was bigger but extra space wasn't utilised properly plus no view so I can't say it's any better than Hudson View suite.
There is no executive lounge in this hotel and buffet breakfast at restaurant was very limited, the poorest selection I've ever seen at any Conrad, both in quantity and quality. Only highlight were the fresh bagels, they were yummy. There is a-la-carte option available for $20 per person (discounted rate for golds and diamonds).
Staff at this hotel were not the most kind and professional. Although we stayed five nights, every morning the same person standing at the entrance to the restaurant asked myself and +1 if we are gold or diamond. Why is it not listed anywhere and is it really that hard to remember guests after the second or third time... Concierge wasn't helpful with restaurant recommendations, going by TripAdvisor ratings instead of providing some local knowledge and also gave wrong information about Uber, saying its more expensive than taxi, which proved to be incorrect.
The hotel is located in downtown, very close to One World. Some may like the location, personally didn't mind it but I guess most tourists would rather stay closer to midtown.
There is an open roof-bar on the top level with nice views but it's tiny and was overcrowded during our weekend stay.
Bottom line, nice all suites hotel, good value using points (also some decent P+P rates 30K + $US125) as long as expectations are not too high because it's a Conrad only by name and bathroom amenities.
