Trump International Hotel

I used to live in New York City, and I return to the city often - nearly always staying at the Trump International Hotel. The location is Perfect - right between the residential neighborhood of the Upper West Side, and the ultra touristic area of mid-town/Times Square. While it is close to Broadway theaters, and many of the main tourist attractions, it is actually located in a much more civilized area (much nicer than the city armpit of Times Square, where many of the hotels are). The staff are friendly, there's a swimming pool - long enough to swim laps, and the hotel restaurants are Nougatine and Jean George (both run by chef Jean Georges Vongerichten). The rooms are what really sets the Trump apart from the competition - while the regular rooms are fairly equivalent to the offerings of other luxury hotels in town - the suites are a really sweet deal: for a price of just little over that of a standard room, you get two separate living quarters + a full kitchen. The suites can accommodate two adults + two kids comfortably. Real one-bedroom suites at any equivalent hotel (e.g. - the Mandarin Oriental, the Park Hyatt or the Peninsula - at all of which I've stayed) - typically cost more than twice the price of a standard room.

There is a lot to like about this place. Nice decor, clean, good standard of rooms though some bathrooms are VERY small ( stayed a number of times do have a good overview). There are some features that make it stand out amongst the other hotels in the area - well equipped kitchenettes in rooms, possibility to tilt the window and get some fresh air, great view over the park (joggers will love it). Rooms look smart, fresh and new. Staff are friendly and helpful so overall it was a very good experience. There’s a lunch/breakfast / informal dinner place on the ground floor with value deals for lunch. Also a high end restaurant for more formal accessions. The food is good, but some healthy eaters will find the options are limited. I certainly felt that the chef likes soaking everything in fat. Also - really bad coffee - they need to get better beans. One thing you need to prepare yourself for is a VERY crowded lobby. The space is tiny and packed with security staff and porters etc so definitely not a place to hold a quick gathering. There is no outside space, no terrace etc. Nice spa - sauna, pool, gym. Beauty treatments rather average but good amenities in the changing room ( hair straighteners, slippers etc). Overall I do recommend it.