News and politics aside; when it comes to travel, there is no doubt that the Trump Hotels brand is synonymous with quality and excellence. But just how luxurious is the five-star Manhattan hotel? LLM contributor Robin Jackson checked in to find out.
Suite
The hotel offers 176 guest rooms, 12 junior suites, 99 one-bedroom suites, 25 two-bedroom suites, four three-bedroom suites and one four-bedroom suite. It’s safe to say there’s something for every luxury traveller.
We checked into a Park View One Bedroom Executive suite, which has some of the property’s best views. Floor-to-ceiling windows transport you right onto Central Park whether you’re lying in bed from a Deluxe Park View room or working from the window facing desk of a Park View Two Bedroom suite. It’s a view you’ll never tire of. If you prefer, you can opt for a city view suite, but for us it’s all about the park view. Tip: Come during Thanksgiving and the Macy’s Parade runs right by you.
At 950 square feet in size, our executive suite is definitely one of the neighbourhood’s most spacious. It’s hard finding hotel suite this size on the crowded island of Manhattan and the living room especially feels massive. When you’re a frequent flyer on business, there really is nothing like retreating back to your hotel and hiding out in a home-like environment in terms of both size and comfort. The space here is fully equipped too; there is a 55-inch flat-panel HDTV with Blu-ray player, and a plush velvet queen-sized sofa bed to pull out and enjoy it from. A dining area provides that extra social space for enjoying a bottle of Trump wine, and a full European-style kitchen with Sub-Zero appliances are available for guests with culinary skills.
In the bedroom an ultra-comfy king-sized bed awaits and fresh flowers on the bedside are a warm greeting when you wake in the morning. The bedroom is adjoined with a master bathroom which features Natura Bissé products and the bathroom overall is great; however, the bathtub is shallow meaning deep soakers may miss out. For parents though, this is obviously a good thing, you don’t want soaks too deep when travelling with young kids.
Room service is seamless. Just ring up Trump Attaché who can take care of everything from pressing a suit for tomorrow’s meetings or organising family excursions, while Trump Kids and Trump Pets are dedicated programs for specific needs of those little ones.
The suite is a perfect blend of home comfort meets understated luxury; ideal for repeat visitors, families and business travellers who crave the tranquillity and familiarity of a personal boudoir splashed with five-star hotel sparkle.
Restaurant and bar
The property has a couple of restaurants at your disposal, as well as in-room dining. First and foremost you have Jean-Georges, one of the Big Apple’s finest eats. The two Michelin Star restaurant is helmed by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and has a menu which fuses together French, American and Indochinese flavours. Stand out dishes include the egg caviar and the lobster tartine, lemongrass and fenugreek broth, pea shoots.
The thing about Jean-Georges is that his meals don’t feel heavy on the stomach. You can enjoy them without feeling gorged and depending on what you order you can definitely go down the very healthy route which is so important if you do dine out frequently. Gentleman are required to wear a jacket, though a tie is not required, and you can certainly consider this a fine dining date spot.
For a more casual vibe, Nougatine, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, both within Jean-Georges, and on the seasonal Terrace. Don’t worry about the jacket here; you can come dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. It’s a great place to refuel on soups and salads after a workout, whilst the counter is nice to catch up with buddies over whiskey, or the terrace is perfect for a summer gaggle with girlfriends.
Spa and fitness
The hotel has a 6,000 sq ft spa and fitness centre. It is inspired by wellness from around the globe, with a unique selection of facials, luxury massages and treatments designed specifically for women, men and couples as well as day spa packages, which are second to none. The ‘gentleman’s spa menu’ focuses specifically on the unique needs of men’s skin and body compositions, including a therapeutic deep tissue massage and gentleman’s manicures and pedicures.
An extensive health club rounds out the experience with a 55 ft heated indoor pool, wet steam rooms, saunas, yoga instruction and personal training with individually designed exercise programs. Many guests choose to work out in Central Park. Why not, when you have an icon at your disposal?
Business
With such a high number of professionals on business walking through its doors, the Trump International Hotel and Tower New York of course caters well for meetings and events. There is 1,472 sq ft of space for intimate events, productive meetings and personal workstations and there is no extra charge for use of the business amenities.
The best thing is that catering can be provided by Jean-Georges, and there is no better way to fuel the mind than good food.
To do
You’re situated in prime real estate here. Stepping outside and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Big Apple, right by Columbus Circle which is home to many businesses, entertainment and shopping options, and a host of luxury hotels and apartments that your clients may be situated at.
Central Park, of course, is adjacent, and a short walk (or five-minute drive) away is Times Square for Broadway fun. Need we say anymore? New York hosts a wealth of cultural activities including some of the best museums and art galleries in the world. It’s also home to some of the biggest names in fashion, host to some epic sporting events and has enough sights and events to keep any traveller entertained for weeks.
Getting there
From JFK expect an hour’s cab ride to Trump International Hotel and Tower New York.
Factbox
Address: One Central Park West, New York, NY 10023
Phone: 1 212 299 1000
Website: trumphotels.com
Images courtesy of Trump International Hotel and Tower New York.