My first time was disappointing. Perhaps it is because like most things, we compare our experience to our expectation. I’ve had two prior interactions with the brand that included day visits while on vacation in Orlando and Aruba; hard to go too wrong with sunshine involved but again, these were moments, not a stay. Let’s focus first on the positive attributes of my first overnight stay at the Ritz Carlton.
I called ahead to make sure they had my Marriott rewards number on file. With the programs newly merged, I wanted to make sure I could take advantage of my Platinum status. 99% of the time I book my hotel stays direct through the app, however, this time it was a group booking. I was assured I’d get credit for the stay toward my accumulation and I’d be eligible for an upgrade. The later came easy and by surprise. When I received the message (via app) to check in, I noticed immediately within the info tab that my room was a suite. I’ve had platinum status for over one year and have never received a suite upgrade. In fact, I’m still negotiating with myself on which choice benefit I should select this year as part of my eligibility for platinum status; I’m down to the 5 stay credit or the 5 night suite upgrades – stay tuned. As for the night credits toward my status, it’s been 6 days since check out and I have not seen them show up on the app. It was time to make a phone call – coming soon “Does Loyalty Really Matter?” Needless to say, it took some effort on my part to get credit for the stay and it’s still pending.
I did get my late check out as is consistent now which I took advantage of simply by leaving my bag in the room and putting off packing. It’s nice to know you can leave your stuff and have access to the room all day – especially because I was on-site. I have found this to be a positive benefit. The suite was spacious and the bathroom nice (separate soaking tub and shower with a double sink and nice amenities). That may be where the positive starts to fade out. The temperature in my room at night was just too hot – I could not get it low enough; Night two was a little better but barely comfortable. I overheard colleagues talk about having trouble with the temperature in the shower; too hot or too difficult to moderate; I heard one colleague provide this feedback directly to the front desk at check out and the response was somewhat apathetic. I expect more from any hotel never mind a so-called elite brand.
There is a light you can turn on/off to toggle between do not disturb or housekeeping. I forgot to turn it off in the morning, despite taking the sign on the door down. I only realized this when I returned to my room and it was exactly how I left it; so pay attention if you want your room made up. The same goes for their turndown service. I missed this one too but once I called down to concierge they took care of it while I was at dinner. I’m guessing if I turned away service to accept the Green Choice benefit I would not have earned those extra points because I wasn’t paying for the stay – but I will look into that further so we all know for next time. The conference rooms and food were just fine; the temperature again not consistent. The bar area is on the smaller side but the bartenders were friendly.
As for location and proximity, it’s just 30 minutes north of Grand Central Station in Manhattan so maybe not a bad spot if you are willing to commute to your midtown office during your stay, don’t want to be amid the hustle and bustle and want to pay less than Manhattan hotel prices for an upscale brand. You will certainly get a much bigger standard room here than in Manhattan. It’s about ½ mile from the White Plains Metro North train station and just 15 minutes from the regional Westchester airport (HPN). There is a Starbucks next door, a restaurant on site and one across the street. If you are managing expenses but must continue to visit NYC, you will also find other hotel choices north, east or west of the city with the convenience of public transportation and lower nightly rates within 30 minutes of Midtown.
Consistency, reliability and predictability are good indicators of a positive and enjoyable experience ahead. I will be staying at this property again in a few weeks (it received a majority vote) so I will update this post accordingly.
