The Westin New York Grand Central
The Westin New York Grand Central was where we chose to stay after our long haul flight from Australia. This modern hotel was well located and gave us the perfect opportunity to explore Grand Central Station properly. It was also a Trip Advisor 2017 Certificate of Excellence winner.
Address
212 East 42nd Street, Midtown East, New York, USA
Date stayed
4th May 2018 for one night
Check-in/Check-out
- Check-in is from 3pm whilst check-out is by 12pm. The desk is open 24 hours
- Early check-in is available for $100 extra
- Pets are welcome at this hotel
Whilst checking in to The Westin, we received an upgrade to a room on the 27th floor
Price
We found the cheapest price through AGODA for $316.34 AUD. In addition to this there was a $37.39 AUD ($25 USD) daily destination fee to be paid at the hotel. The destination fee included a $25 USD food and beverage credit per day for the cafe attached to the hotel, $20 dry cleaning, one yoga class at a local studio, enhanced internet and calls and a choice of complimentary bike hire or an audio tour of Grand Central Station for two people.
Location
The Westin New York Grand Central is located in the heart of Manhattan just 165 metres from Grand Central Station and 165 metres from the Chrysler Building. It is close to public transport and many tourist attractions including Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, Madison Square Garden, Times Square and the Rockefeller Centre.
Parking
Valet parking is available for $65 USD per day with oversized vehicles costing $75 USD per day.
WiFi
Complimentary WiFi is available in public areas but not in the rooms unless you pay for it. Charges are $9.95 USD per night for standard access or $14.95 USD per night for enhanced access.
Room
- 1 King bed and 1 twin sofa bed
- 31m2 room with city views
- 42 inch LCD TV with a selection of channels and pay movies
- mini bar with tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary bottled water
- Egyptian linen and down duvet on bed
- Desk and chair
- Armchair, table and lamp
- Electronic blind and curtains
- Window that can be opened
- Mini bar
- Coffee maker with coffee and cups and a jug and glasses
- Numerous charge points
- Large safe
- Ironing board and iron
- Large LG flat screen television
- bath with shower inside
The comfortable King bed was fitted with Egyptian cotton linen
A flat screen LCD TV sat against the wall above the unit
A work desk and chair especially useful for those on a business trip
A comfy chair beside the window to relax in
The fridge containing an assortment of cold drinks for purchase
Some wine or snacks from the mini bar
A relaxing bath is great way to unwind and also handy for the kids
The toilet inside the bathroom
The passageway outside our door
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- The LCL: Bar & Kitchen
- 3000 square foot Westinworkout fitness studio open 24 hours
- New Balance gear lending
- Tangent – small work space that can be booked by the hour to accommodate last minute work needs
- UPS store on 3rd floor for printing and shipping needs
- 16 meeting and events rooms
- ice machines on every level
Ice machines were located on each level which was a great idea
The LCL Bar & Kitchen serves drinks and food
We used our $25 USD voucher to grab a light breakfast
A yoghurt and a pastry is a good way to start the day
Some of the seating inside the LCL bar
Some of the equipment available for use in the 24 hour gym
towels, drinks and apples for after the workout
What’s nearby
- United Nations headquarters – 7 minute walk
- New York Public Library – 10 minute walk
- Bryant Park – 10 minute walk
- Grand Central Station – 165 metres or 10 minute walk
- Chrysler Building – 165 metres or 10 minute walk
- Times Square – 20 minute walk
We chose to take the audio tour of Grand Central Station on offer by the Westin which we really enjoyed
One of the water features in front of the Rockefeller Centre
We passed this larger than life sculpture in the Garment District of Manhattan
Pros
- Lovely hotel in a good location
- Scoring an upgrade to a room on the 27th floor was a bonus
- Comfortable King bed with high quality bed linen
- Bath tub
- 24 hour gym
- Plenty of inclusions in the rooms to make your stay very comfortable
- Complimentary bottled water
- Fridge
Cons
- Breakfast was expensive at $35 USD for a hot buffet
- No free Wi-Fi in the rooms
- Parking is expensive
- The views were disappointing considering how high up we were
- No pool
Summary
Whilst the views on the 27th floor were nothing to rave over, we enjoyed our stay at The Westin New York Grand Central. The room was a good size, the beds were comfortable and the modern hotel was in good proximity to a number of tourist spots. There were also plenty of eateries within easy reach.