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When Scott invited me out for the soiree, the invite also included staying at his Park Avenue apartment with him and his family. It was a generous offer and one I gladly took. About week later he called and let me know that on the evening of December 31st his sister in-law was in town and would need the guest bed for that one night. I completely understood, but shoot, that evening was going to be expensive in New York.
New York for New Year’s – An unexpected invitation
Getting There: Delta it is
Review: Delta Regional First Class – Sacramento to Los Angeles
Review: Delta Transcontinental Business Class – Los Angeles to New York
Review: Park Hyatt New York, New Year’s Eve
Interlude: New York
Review: LGA Centurion Lounge
Review: Delta Domestic First Class – New York to Minneapolis
Review: Delta Domestic First Class – Minneapolis to Sacramento
I started looking at rates and everything was going for $600 and up. I would bite the bullet if I needed to, but then I noticed that Hyatt had a redemption available at the Andaz 5th avenue for 25K. This was for a $725 room rate. Having stayed at this great property in the past it seemed to be a good solution.
I then checked other NY Hyatt properties and was very surprised about the other redemptions available. The Hyatt Time Square also had a 25K standard room listed. The rate for that evening was $940. I found this down right shocking for New Year’s Eve, one of the busiest nights of the year. I then checked Park Hyatt New York. Bingo. Rooms were going for $990 per night, but also could be redeemed for 30K in Hyatt points. On New Year’s Eve. This was a no brainer. I’ve wanted to check this property out for a while and considering everything I had going on it would be a good location to stay for the evening.
Susan was actually kind of jealous. “You’re redeeming 30K in points for a romantic evening by yourself!” she exclaimed. “Sweetness, it’s for the online review.” I replied back. “Whatever” she said as she walked away. Actually she was right to be a little jealous.
The Park Hyatt New York is located off of Seventh Avenue and is only a couple blocks to Central Park. On the evening of December 31st I arrived at approximately 6:30pm and despite the holiday there wasn’t much traffic.
Front entry to Park Hyatt New York
The associate working the entry floor desk was a pleasant young lady and welcomed me to the hotel. She directed me to the third floor where the check in desk is located. The ground floor entry lobby was impressive.
Ground floor lobby
After taking the elevator up there was a restaurant and bar located on the third floor. It was decorated for New Year’s and it was fun to be there. There is also a reception lounge / hang out area and they were serving hot cider.
3rd floor lobby area
3rd floor reception lounge
Hot cider anyone
3rd floor restaurant and bar
Upon reaching the 3rd floor lobby the associate quickly processed my check in. I had asked if any upgrades were available and she indicated that they had put me in the best room available, the Park King Deluxe. She did offer me a diamond amenity of two $25 credits at the hotel bar, which I used later.
Elevator landing
Small hall way to my room
Upon entering the room I was impressed. It was spacious and had a modern clean design I’ve come to expect with Park Hyatt’s.
Park Hyatt Deluxe King
Mini Bar
Well stocked!
Park Hyatt Book
Closet
I really love all the Park Hyatt bathrooms I’ve ever had the luxury of enjoying.
Park Hyatt commode room
Park Hyatt rain shower
Park Hyatt bathroom
Park Hyatt Bathtub
My friend Scott showed up 30 minutes later after I checked in. The Ground floor lobby called and asked if I could send him up. It felt similar to New York doorman service and I appreciated the professionalism. After enjoying the evening out I came home to following sweet notes.
Sweet notes
I want to apologize for this abbreviated review. Because of the packed schedule of the holidays and the obligations of the trip I didn’t have a chance to report on the pool and gym facilities. I’ve read they are quite nice. Also I skipped my diamond breakfast at the hotel restaurant. The party we were attending was having a huge spread, and I was saving my appetite for that.
In Summary
The Park Hyatt New York is beautiful. It is tastefully decorated, thoughtfully designed and has a near perfect location for exploring New York. It was really nice to be able to redeem Hyatt points in a pinch for the ~$900 night. Because of the high point redemption and/or room cost it would not be my first choice in a hotel when traveling by myself in New York. I would most likely just choose a different NY Hyatt. But, for a special occasion with Susan, I would most certainly find high value in staying at the Park Hyatt New York.
