Le Parker Méridien, New York City [Master Thread] - LEAVING JAN 4, 2018
Dec 11, 2008, 1:36 pm
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2001
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Le Parker Méridien, New York City [Master Thread] - LEAVING JAN 4, 2018
Very good stay. Noticed I was upgraded to a Jr. Suite before arrival by looking on spg.com. Late checkout request honored no problem.
Jr. Suite has the TV unit that sort of divides the room and turns towards the couch in the sitting area or the bedroom.
Free access to Gravity gym, which is a very good hotel gym, it's also a gym for locals so there are a lot of classes and amenities.
The Hamburger stand is great. ^
Overall, the hotel is a bit dated in some areas, but they provide solid service and the touches of humor are a welcome change from so many business hotels.
Jr. Suite has the TV unit that sort of divides the room and turns towards the couch in the sitting area or the bedroom.
Free access to Gravity gym, which is a very good hotel gym, it's also a gym for locals so there are a lot of classes and amenities.
The Hamburger stand is great. ^
Overall, the hotel is a bit dated in some areas, but they provide solid service and the touches of humor are a welcome change from so many business hotels.
Jan 1, 2009, 9:35 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,770
LEM at Le Parker Meridien
I just came back from a 2 night stay at Le Parker Meridien using my LEM certificates. After the various complications in making my reservation, and with my online reservation showing rack rate of $999 per night, I had no problem checking in. The front desk agent informed me that my 2 night stay has been taken care of and the check in confirmation I signed had a rate of $369 per night. Check out was also very straight forward, without any room charges.
I was pre-assigned a junior suite on the 11th floor facing 56th St and Starbucks across the street. The room had a rotating TV between the sitting area and the bedroom.
Everyone I encountered at the hotel was very nice, except for a French female concierge who was not particularly helpful when I asked about best way to drive out of Manhattan to NJ Turnpike on morning of Dec. 31. Considering that it took me 2-1/2 hours to get through Holland Tunnel on Sunday night, I was not about to get stuck going out due to New Year's Eve barricades.
There were probably more French tourists in the hotel than Americans during my stay. Street noise is also quite loud and takes a bit getting used to.
I was pre-assigned a junior suite on the 11th floor facing 56th St and Starbucks across the street. The room had a rotating TV between the sitting area and the bedroom.
Everyone I encountered at the hotel was very nice, except for a French female concierge who was not particularly helpful when I asked about best way to drive out of Manhattan to NJ Turnpike on morning of Dec. 31. Considering that it took me 2-1/2 hours to get through Holland Tunnel on Sunday night, I was not about to get stuck going out due to New Year's Eve barricades.
There were probably more French tourists in the hotel than Americans during my stay. Street noise is also quite loud and takes a bit getting used to.
Last edited by SanDiego1K; Jan 1, 2009 at 4:33 pm Reason: copied from LEM promo thread, as it will benefit folks searching for info on hotel
Jan 24, 2009, 3:50 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: WOH (G)lobotimized, SPG Tarnished Gold
Posts: 498
Any recent Plat experiences?
Since the property raised its participation in the SPG program, have any of the Plats out there had positive or negative experiences w/ upgrades?
Jan 24, 2009, 8:34 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: JAX
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Jan 26, 2009, 3:56 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Upstate New York, USA
Programs: UA Platinum, US Air Gold, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 247
No upgrade for this Platinum on a one-night stay in December. But a gold member checking in next to me was given an upgrade--as I learned on an elevator ride with him afterward.
Love the location of this hotel (I always try to stay on the Upper West Side), but there were an awful lot of downsides: check-in took over 20 minutes; front desk person checking me in did not offer Platinum amenity and looked rather cranky when I asked, politely, for it; card key did not work when I got to the door. Front desk told me to return-no offer to have anyone come up to help. So I had to wait ANOTHER twenty minutes in line to get new card key (not wanting to jump the line--everyone was in NYC "feeding frenzy" mode) --no fun after a long trans-con trip.
Room was at best okay--very basic. No way to regulate, or even turn off, heat--room was a steam bath! Windows were filthy--and I'm not someone who notices these things. But when I could barely see the building across the street, I knew something was wrong!
Some business associates came to meet me at Seppis for drinks on Saturday afternoon. A loud jazz combo was playing, so we asked to be at one of the tables at the far end of the bar; the hostess graciously accommodated us. The tables were set with linens and dinnerware, but they were NOT in the dining room proper. But when the waiter came over and heard that we were only ordering drinks, not food, he was very nasty and upset: "I've TOLD her not to do this!!" and went off grumbling. As it turned out, no one else came to sit in our section (at the relatively dead hour of 3-5 p.m) so he lost no "food" business. Indeed, we ended up ordering about $70 of wine by the glass (Seppis ain't cheap) and gave him a commensurate tip, so he did rather well. Still, his open rudeness was embarrassing, to say the least, in front of my colleagues--and very much not something I expect from a first-class hotel.
All in all, not a great first experience. I return to NYC this coming weekend on the very nice stay-two-nights-get-the-third-one-free promo. The difference between the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers (the other almost-Upper West Side hotel) and LPM was only $150 for all three nights, but I went for the Sheraton. Just not worth it--and that's saying an awful lot, given the difference between the two brands.
Love the location of this hotel (I always try to stay on the Upper West Side), but there were an awful lot of downsides: check-in took over 20 minutes; front desk person checking me in did not offer Platinum amenity and looked rather cranky when I asked, politely, for it; card key did not work when I got to the door. Front desk told me to return-no offer to have anyone come up to help. So I had to wait ANOTHER twenty minutes in line to get new card key (not wanting to jump the line--everyone was in NYC "feeding frenzy" mode) --no fun after a long trans-con trip.
Room was at best okay--very basic. No way to regulate, or even turn off, heat--room was a steam bath! Windows were filthy--and I'm not someone who notices these things. But when I could barely see the building across the street, I knew something was wrong!
Some business associates came to meet me at Seppis for drinks on Saturday afternoon. A loud jazz combo was playing, so we asked to be at one of the tables at the far end of the bar; the hostess graciously accommodated us. The tables were set with linens and dinnerware, but they were NOT in the dining room proper. But when the waiter came over and heard that we were only ordering drinks, not food, he was very nasty and upset: "I've TOLD her not to do this!!" and went off grumbling. As it turned out, no one else came to sit in our section (at the relatively dead hour of 3-5 p.m) so he lost no "food" business. Indeed, we ended up ordering about $70 of wine by the glass (Seppis ain't cheap) and gave him a commensurate tip, so he did rather well. Still, his open rudeness was embarrassing, to say the least, in front of my colleagues--and very much not something I expect from a first-class hotel.
All in all, not a great first experience. I return to NYC this coming weekend on the very nice stay-two-nights-get-the-third-one-free promo. The difference between the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers (the other almost-Upper West Side hotel) and LPM was only $150 for all three nights, but I went for the Sheraton. Just not worth it--and that's saying an awful lot, given the difference between the two brands.
Jan 26, 2009, 4:23 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Everywhere
Posts: 753
Stayed here 1 night two weeks ago. Check in was easy, and upgraded to a junior suite. Plat recognition upon check-in. no one was in line ahead of me so quick check-in. I did notice that the temp control in the room is a little poor. I ended up cracking my window to let it cool down.
Jan 29, 2009, 6:59 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: AA 2.7MM LTP, UA Gold, Marriott LTT, Nat'l Emerald Exec)
Posts: 305
I just finished a two night stay at Le Parker Meridien New York City.
As an SPG PLT I was upgraded to a two room suite, as described earlier in this thread. I was asked about the PLT amenity at check in, had no line, and was very pleased about the room and service. (Next time, I might ask for a suite facing Central Park instead of the south facing room I had, but that's no big deal).
I had two awesome breakfasts at Normas, and overall, was quite happy with this hotel.
Note that a web reservation dropped from $1000 to $275 with an AAA rate, and they never ask for your card. (Yes, of course, I am an AAA member.)
I like this location very well, and have already booked a return stay.
As an SPG PLT I was upgraded to a two room suite, as described earlier in this thread. I was asked about the PLT amenity at check in, had no line, and was very pleased about the room and service. (Next time, I might ask for a suite facing Central Park instead of the south facing room I had, but that's no big deal).
I had two awesome breakfasts at Normas, and overall, was quite happy with this hotel.
Note that a web reservation dropped from $1000 to $275 with an AAA rate, and they never ask for your card. (Yes, of course, I am an AAA member.)
I like this location very well, and have already booked a return stay.
Feb 20, 2009, 12:41 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 21
We stayed in the Parker Meridian about 10 days ago having reserved through priceline. As a SPG courtesy we did get a nice upgrade to upper floor with view
Mar 9, 2009, 4:12 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: United 1K, American EXP & 3 Million Miler, Hyatt Globalist & Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 2,360
Yes, Starwood Lurker announced the good news a month back. Thus, we have fresh interest in both the Palm Springs and New York properties.
Mar 9, 2009, 8:07 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Northwest NJ
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Posts: 2,313
My business partner and I (both Platinums) are using our free Platinum gift nights there in June. That was only made possible when it was lowered to Cat 5.
Looking forward to it.
Looking forward to it.
Last edited by stevens397; Mar 10, 2009 at 3:26 am
Mar 9, 2009, 8:23 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I'll be using my Platinum gift night here as well. 
Mar 9, 2009, 8:58 pm
#13
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: From: PWM
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Mar 10, 2009, 3:10 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Florida
Programs: AMEX MR, Diners USA,, Delta MM SM, USAir Plat, AAir Plat, HHonors, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 159
I am staying there end of March... have two room booked on SW points... They just lowered requirements from 20,000 to 13,000 pn.
Mar 10, 2009, 3:24 pm
#15
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta DM, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, MTA Rust, Hertz Five Star something or other
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