03/26/09

NYPD Investigating Hotel Staff For Criminal Activity

by bigblue32

The hotel staff committed grand larceny while I was a guest at the Essex House during early 2009. They stole more than $1,000 USD in currency out of my secured luggage in my locked hotel room during a 2 week stay. The front desk turned away the NYPD during the initial investigation and it has since been turned into a formal criminal investigation. In addition, during the course of this ordeal, hotel staff inadvertently disclosed that there has been past criminal activity at the hotel. I found this revelation to be startling given the image that the hotel likes to portray.

The hotel staff has declined to reimburse or make any concessions for their theft, which has not been surprising given their tolerance for employing criminals and then looking the other way.

This hotel has declined in status and it is reflected in their cheap room rates. Others in the travel industry are aware that this hotel is a magnet of theft and other crimes and are directing their clients elsewhere.

Save yourself the time and hassle and stay at another true 4-5 star hotel in NYC that does not tolerate criminal activity. There are numerous others to choose from.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Crime

11/28/07

amazing spa

by tammybradford

Recently, I went with a friend for a pedicure, manicure and a massage and had a wonderful experience. Kristina, Michael and Brian (manager) were not only friendly but very professional making my experience enjoyable and relaxing. Two thumbs up!!

09/21/07

The Spa at the Essex

by jmhamish22

I just went to the new spa that opened recently in the Essex Hotel with a friend. Not only is the atmosphere welcoming and relaxing, but the staff provides fantastic, accomodating service that will put you at ease. I had manicure/pedicure from a lovely woman named Kristina who was so friendly and knowledgeable. I then went for an amazing massage by Dan who possesses a high quality of his job and the way it is provided. All in all- a beautiful relaxing day was had without feeling rushed or pressured to buy or upgrade to something I didnt need or want. Oh- and the managers cute too.

• Pros: Great accomodations, wonderful atmosphere, friendly staff
• Cons: NONE

03/02/07

Very Pet friendly! great customer service!

by snehamerchant

This is the most conveniently located beautiful hotel in Manhattan, 1 block to the bus station and 2 blocks from great shopping! opposite Madame Tussards, Hard rock cafe. This hotel is an A+ for Pet service, my dog was treated as a pampered pooch! Very friendly staff, front desk helped getting reservations at restaurants and clubs.. no waiting in line! Very beautiful contemporary styled comfortable rooms. I will only stay here every time I visit NY! (If you get a chance eat the Paninni sandwiches at Europan Cafe.. they are too die for! Europan cafe is almost in the same bldg as the hotel!

• Pros: Centrally located! Pets are well taken care off!
• Cons: Valet/ Luggage/ Bell Service take tooo much time!

04/04/05

User review by walkinhart

by walkinhart

Upon arrival we asked that 2 lights that were out in the bathroom be replaced - 2 days later, after much patience and then loud yelling, someone finally arrived. The a/c vent swere spewing with dust, as if never cleaned or changed. The light sensor in the closet would click on and off every time we walked to the bathroom - even with the doors closed. It seemed that only 2 of the 4 elevators would work at any one time and the housekeeper would never leave enough towels or a floor mat, making us special order both ever day. The ironing board didn't work, the carpet was terribly frayed and the mattress - yes, on the "heavenly bed" - was so slanted and uneven that I'd roll to edge. For the price, I'd suggest finding another hotel.

• Pros: location
• Cons: inadequate service, not clean

A classically decorated luxury hotel with modern amenities and a view of Central Park.

by Contributor

The Scene
Marble floors, chandeliers and jewelry stores line the lobby of this sophisticated hotel. Eleven thousand square feet of event space includes 16 meeting rooms, a business center, two salons, a cafe, a lounge and one of the finest restaurants in the city, Alain Ducasse at the Essex House, attracting corporate folks and couples looking for an elegant wedding space.

The Details
The hotel's trademark Heavenly Beds are made super-fluffy with a mattress pad, four pillows and a feather blanket tucked between the sheets and duvet. Bathrooms come with hypoallergenic Molton Brown bath products and spacious Heavenly Baths. Guests can enjoy a spa, steam bath, sauna and massage services, as well the benefits that come with having Central Park across the street. All rooms come with high-speed Internet access and premium channel cable.

03/22/05

Great location - and the Heavenly Bed!

by mapleleaves

Stayed at the Essex House using two free nights from a Westin promotion. Got a great room - huge bathroom, big windows revealed a brick wall, but well lit during the day and quiet at night.

The location is perfect. A block and a half east to 5th Avenue shopping and museums, and just a few blocks down 6th Avenue to the theater district. We took a train down to Soho, but didn't need a cab for the entire trip.

Service was excellent. The room was cleaned twice a day, the doormen and the bell stand staff were very helpful. We had breakfast at Cafe Botanica - the $26 breakfast buffet in a beautiful room with park views is a real bargain for a NYC hotel. The Journeys lounge was comfortable and elegant, with friendly staff and a good drinks menu.

• Pros: Location

04/14/04

Great Getaway

by robin_fields

My stay at The Westin was fabulous. My single room was quiet, and fabulously decorated. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud, and I loved the giant tub bath with phone, heated towel rack, and plush terry robes. For the money it was a terrific value. I've stayed at more expensive places and gotten much less. The staff was very cordial, even advising not to walk the park at night! Room service was reasonable and just delicious. I also loved the ammenty of having quality merchandise available in the room for purchase. I needed the DKNY hosiery! I'd return in a NY minute!

• Pros: COMFORTABILITY, CUISINE

01/06/03

Great Location & Beautiful

by Natalie

I stayed at this hotel just after Christmas. What a beautiful place. I really enjoyed my stay. The rooms were very nice and with a park view it was made even better. All the little touches that make a hotel stay great. I would definitely recommend this hotel. Plus, they had a special that included a carriage ride in central park. Even though I'd been to NY countless times, I had never done that. It was great.

11/06/02

Best time i have ever had

by olivia30577

I stayed at the Essex this summer and i t was the most beautiful place I have ever seen. It had a wonderful view of central park and th efood was excellent. I also made a few friends with the staff there and hopefully be coming back this new years eve.

• Pros: beautiful
• Cons: leaving