Value in New York?

Like everything else in New York, value is relative. In a city where a studio apartment with less than 400 square feet can cost $1,750 a month, a hotel room, or should I say two rooms, at $450 a night seems like a bargain.

The Trump International Hotel & Tower does not have an impressive lobby. In fact the check-in desk feels like it has been located in an elongated hallway. So, suffice it to say, this is not a “lobby” hotel. There’s also no gift shop, or shopping arcade, as it is simply not needed.

Upon check-in you receive stationary and business cards indicating your “in residency” status at the property. When I checked in there was a promotion for American Express card-holders which offered a free (or lowered price) breakfast, and the receptionist was careful to make sure I checked in using the right card.

My room was on the 11th floor, which was a little spooky because I once worked on the 11th floor when it was the Gulf & Western building. The rooms are among the best in New York. They’re large. Let me say that a gain, the room was huge by any standards, New York or otherwise. I’m not certain of the square footage, but upon entry there was a small kitchen, a living area, an oversized bathroom, and of course a bedroom.

By business traveler standards the room met or exceeded all of my needs, including the full kitchen, which I used for breakfast despite the American Express promotion. High speed internet access, two large screen televisions, cordless telephones, robes, and the topper a little copper telescope. While not particularly useful, the telescope was a nice touch. The room was pleasantly and warmly decorated, and the temperature controls were extremely adequate considering the cold December nights. The ceilings and doors here also high, giving the entire living space a larger feel as well.

In terms of location, there’s hardly a better one on the city. Need to go to wall street. No problem just jump on the 1/9 from Columbus Circle. Central Park – across the street. Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall up the block (albeit in opposite directions).

So what’s the downside? Well, like anything else in this world you pay for what you get and my bargain rate was $450 which the desk clerk was only too happy to tell me was a bargain, as they typically get more for the rooms.

A bargain, no it’s not a bargain, but considering what they deliver for the cost, the value is relative.


Recommended: No