Suite Life: Grand Hyatt NYC

Posted by Noob Master on Jun 30, 2012 in Hyatt, Trip Reports, Uncategorized | 4 comments

I was in New York City last weekend for work (and of course a little pleasure- more about that in an upcoming post) and I needed a location that was central and well, bomb diggity. So where did I turn? To Hyatt, of course. I love trying out new Hyatt properties and this Grand Hyatt had just had its lobby remodeled.

This is a category 6 Hyatt, meaning it would’ve cost me 22,000 points a night. Even though Hyatt is a transfer partner of the Ultimate Rewards program (think Sapphire Preferred and Ink Bold), 22k a night is a little too pricey for this noob. I also have 2 free suite certificates (Diamond members get suite certs) from applying for the Hyatt Visa, but I’m saving those for Europe. SO, I ended up shelling out cash money for this property, BUT I had a little something something up my sleeve. During my Diamond trial period, I received 4 suite upgrades on paid stays- so for a little over $500, I was going to get a suite in the middle of NYC during peak season. Seemed good to me. I pulled the trigger. 

Checking In

I was met with an unexpected surprise during check in. I showed up around 1 p.m. and the place was cray cray. There were people everywhere. Everywhere. I made my way to the Diamond/Platinum counter. A true time saver (Platinum status is free with the Hyatt Visa). During my conversation with the Hyatt team member about whether I wanted the amenity package or the points for my stay, I was met with the words everyone desires to hear: “Sir, your room isn’t ready yet, but to accomodate you, we are going to upgrade you to our premium suite.” Sweet, indeed. I guess traveling during peek season does have its advantages after all. And this upgrade wasn’t tied to me being a travel blogger (I promise).

Lobby

The lobby was recently remodeled and was elegant and spacious.

Look at All the People.

Suite

The “premium” suite was amazing. I’m not accustomed to staying in suites this nice at all, and I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to chill here. There were two large living spaces, 6 TVs, 2 couches (one of them almost making a full circle), 2 baths, a stand alone tub, and a walk in shower with 6 (yes, SIX- I love my showers and I was in heaven here), killer decor, and the views (oh the views!) of the city from the 32nd floor were amazing.

Entry Area Custom Art

Living Area 1

Bedroom

NYC Views

Main Bath- TV in the Mirror. Respect.

Big Ass Hallway

Living 2

Dining Area

Club

The club at the Grand Hyatt New York was large and offered many different seating options- couches, chairs, chaises…I really appreciate a good seating arrangement. It was an easy place to get comfortable and enjoy a bite and/or a beverage. I would rate the food very good, both at breakfast and for lunch. There wasn’t a robust menu for breakfast, but it was more than sufficient. I kept myself to the fruit, cheese and crossaints. The lunch was pretty killer, though. There was bbq pork, chicken sliders, tuna tar tar, and again with the cheese and crackers. The alcohol wasn’t free, and I do consider that a bummer (I prefer not to pay $8 for a beer).

Inside Club

Killer Patio

Gym

I almost always try and make it to the gym at least once at a hotel, but I wasn’t able to this time. It’s too bad too, because I threw down on some NYC grub and needed to. And, the gym had a killer view, being on the 34th floor. It was also well equipped for a full workout- free weights, pulley system, many different cardio options, and even a punching bag. Yeah boy.

Gym

Take Aways

I had a killer time at the Grand Hyatt. Yes, being upgraded from a suite to a premium suite didn’t hurt. But even if I didn’t get upgraded, I would have enjoyed my stay and it would’ve been worth burning one of my “suite upgrade certificates” on. I also enjoyed the club thoroughly and it saved me easily over $100.

It was a little hectic, being that there were so many people at times, so the customer service was a little slower than normal at a Hyatt property. I could also hear a lot of noises from the street somehow starting at 7am, but it is NYC.

Overall, the location is killer and the views of the city are incredible. It was a great weekend taking in NYC, and the Grand Hyatt was a big part of that. And I’m not going to lie- I blared a little Jay-Z “Empire State of Mind” through the suite’s Bose system. It was a highlight.

I would definitely stay at this Grand Hyatt again, but I’m dying to try the Andaz property on my next visit.

“…concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothin’ you can’t do”

(does that even make sense? yeah, who cares.)

— Noob Master