The St. Regis New York

The St. Regis New York: A Glimpse into Timeless Luxury with Modern Nuances

The St. Regis New York, a Michelin Key Selected property, stands as a beacon of classic luxury and Gilded Age grandeur in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. While renowned for its impeccable service and prime location, recent guest experiences highlight both its enduring appeal and areas where the historic establishment faces contemporary expectations.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The St. Regis New York leans towards "Excellent" to "Very Good," with many guests describing their stays as "fantastic" and "memorable". The hotel consistently receives high marks for its location (averaging 4.8 out of 5), cleanliness (4.6 out of 5), and service (4.3 out of 5). However, "Value for the Money" scores are notably lower (3.6 out of 5), indicating that while guests appreciate the luxury, the cost is a significant consideration.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several standout features:

• Exceptional Butler Service: The signature St. Regis Butler service is a recurring highlight, often exceeding expectations. Butlers assist with everything from packing and unpacking, complimentary garment pressing (two items daily), to delivering coffee or tea to rooms each morning. This personalized attention is a distinguishing factor for many.
• Phenomenal Location: Situated at 55th Street and Fifth Avenue, the hotel boasts an "incredible" and "unbeatable" location, offering immediate access to luxury shopping, Central Park, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Rockefeller Center, and Broadway theaters.
• Classic Design & Ambiance: The hotel's Beaux-Arts facade and renovated interiors maintain a timeless, ornate Continental style with silk wall coverings and crystal chandeliers, evoking a sense of noble history and grandeur. The lobby, though described by some as small, exudes boutique luxury with marble and gold accents.
• King Cole Bar: Home to the invention of the Bloody Mary (originally called the "Red Snapper"), the King Cole Bar is a classic cocktail bar with a great vibe, serving both iconic drinks and small plates.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at The St. Regis New York are generally described as spacious for New York City standards, even at the basic level, and are outfitted with plush, comfortable king-size beds, Frette bedding, sofas, coffee tables, and desks. The design is classic and ornate, with high ceilings and traditional wallpaper. Many guests appreciate the comfort and immaculate maintenance of the rooms. However, some recent feedback mentions that while rooms are renovated, the technology can feel a bit outdated, and some suites have shown signs of wear. Some rooms may also have limited natural light, and the absence of in-room coffee makers or kettles (relying on butler service for complimentary morning coffee/tea) has been noted. Bathrooms are often lauded for being excellent and super clean, with heated flooring and Dyson hairdryers in some suites.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at The St. Regis New York offers a mix of classic elegance and some points of contention.

• Astor Court / La Maisonette: Breakfast, often enjoyed in the grand Astor Court or La Maisonette, is described as delicious, with options like a lox and bagel plate or a signature St. Regis omelet. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the limited hot breakfast options in La Maisonette and the high prices of individual dishes. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and higher members often receive a good elite breakfast benefit.
• King Cole Bar: The iconic King Cole Bar is a popular spot for cocktails and small plates, praised for its ambiance.
• In-Room Dining: Room service is available and often highly rated, particularly for breakfast. However, some guests have experienced delays and found prices to be very high.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff are frequently cited as a major strength, with many guests praising the attentiveness and personalized care received. The butler service is consistently highlighted as a luxurious and helpful amenity. Doormen, bellhops, breakfast staff, and concierges generally receive positive remarks for their professionalism and warmth. However, there have been some instances of inconsistency, with a few guests reporting "cold" or "rude" front desk staff and issues with communication or follow-up regarding requests.

6. Location & Accessibility

The St. Regis New York's location is undeniably exceptional, earning near-perfect scores from guests. Situated in Midtown Manhattan at the corner of 55th Street and Fifth Avenue, it offers:

• Prime Access: Steps away from luxury boutiques, Central Park, MoMA, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway.
• Walkability: The area is extremely walkable, making it convenient for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
• Transportation: While the immediate area can be busy with traffic and tourists, access to various attractions and transport options is excellent. The hotel has been known to offer a house car service, which guests appreciate for short drives, though availability can be an issue during busy periods.

7. Value & Pricing

The St. Regis New York is a premium luxury hotel, and its pricing reflects that. Nightly rates can be very high, with some rooms starting from $800 to over $1,200, and even up to $2,500 during peak times like December weekends. The value for money is a common point of discussion among guests, often receiving lower ratings.

• Destination Fee: The hotel charges a daily destination fee, which can be around $50, offering benefits such as food and beverage credits, laundry/dry cleaning credits, and museum tickets. While some guests find ways to maximize these credits, others find the fee itself annoying and even stressful to utilize fully within a short stay.
• Points Redemptions: For Marriott Bonvoy members, staying on points can offer significant value, although the required points can be substantial (e.g., 85,000 points per night, or up to 105,000 for peak dates).

Ultimately, while the experience is often described as luxurious and special, many guests feel the high cost requires careful consideration, especially given some of the recurring criticisms.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its luxurious reputation, some recurring issues and criticisms emerge from guest feedback:

• Inconsistent Service: While many staff members are highly praised, some guests have reported impersonal or even rude encounters, particularly at the front desk.
• Outdated Technology/Amenities: Some rooms are noted to have outdated technology and a lack of in-room coffee/tea making facilities, which is a common amenity in other luxury hotels.
• High Food & Beverage Prices: Beyond breakfast, dining options can be very expensive, and the quality or value may not always justify the cost.
• Limited Public Space: Some guests feel the hotel lacks ample communal areas for relaxing or enjoying a drink outside of the King Cole Bar, which itself can be busy and require queuing.
• Renovation Impact: Recent renovations have, at times, led to the closure of dining areas and a less-than-ideal check-in experience due to makeshift reception areas, impacting overall guest satisfaction.
• Butler Service Communication: While universally appreciated, some guests found the butler service's scope unclear or felt they had to actively seek out its benefits, rather than having them proactively explained.
• Lack of Welcome Amenities: Some Marriott Bonvoy elite members have expressed disappointment at not receiving customary welcome amenities like fruit platters or personalized notes upon arrival.

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