JW Marriott Essex House New York

TLDR - An amazing stay at this iconic NYC luxury property with a phenomenal suite upgrade through NUAs, one of the nicest executive lounges I’ve experienced, and lovely staff. Steps from everything this property is a winner for me. I had a July 4th weekend stay at the JW Marriott Essex House in NYC. Having lived in this amazing city and always seeing this iconic Central Park South property, I was excited to finally stay here. NUAs cleared almost a week out which was shocking and I was upgraded to a high floor Manhattan suite which actually had some great Central Park views from the living room. Check-in was seamless with lovely staff who made me feel welcomed from the moment I arrived. The room was spacious and lovely, very well maintained with an entry hall, half bath, huge living room and spacious bedroom with gorgeous Manhattan views. The bathroom featured a walk-in shower, soaking tub, single vanity and toilet area. Housekeeping was well-executed. Couldn’t have been happier. Even though it was a busy July 4th weekend and crowds in town for World Cup game on July 5th, I never heard noise in the hallway or adjoining rooms. The AC worked very well during a horrible heat wave. The executive lounge was one of the nicest I’ve encountered in my worldwide Marriott stays. The space is very large and well-appointed. Breakfast was really lovely and the staff were so friendly. I never made it down for evening offerings since they don’t offer weekends but can only imagine they are nice also. Also loved having stacks of New York Times available every day including Sunday! Don’t forget to take advantage of the destination fee benefits which will pay for the fee. Ask the front desk for a card which outlines all the amenities. An absolutely perfect stay at an iconic NYC property steps from everything!

Ideal hotel for getting around New York. Rooms and food excellent

Terrible hard lumpy old mattress. Yes, the lobby is pretty and historic. You will think it’s luxury but…. That awful bed. Meanwhile a $27 bottom of the barrel Manhattan. Total Yuck. Marriott Group never fails to astound at their poor value. $589 per night. Three nights. We should have moved.

It is 3 am in the morning. I came to the Essex House for respite as there was a fire in my UWS building and I needed a good nights sleep. We used 126000 points and Tim gave me a room in the back where garbage trucks woke me up intermittently every hour, 1 am, 2 am and now - it's 3 am. I must be right above the Marriott loading area. Awful thing to do to a fellow New Yorker. Yolette informed me in the most inauthentic voice that "I do not have any other room for you" and then hung up on me! Wow. Do not stay here!

I have just checked out after spending a few days at Essex House for a long weekend. I strongly recommend staying at the hotel. The hotel is at a great location overlooking Central Park with phenomenal views as you wake up every morning. In addition, to a great location the staff are incredible. I strongly recommend you get a room with access to the Executive Lounge as Julette and her team did a great job at looking after me and making me feel welcome. Additionally, if you get a room on a high floor, there’s almost no noise at all so you won’t have any problems if you’re a light sleeper (like myself). The only slight criticism I might have is that the gym is a bit small and they could benefit from slightly newer equipment.