Postcard Manhattan View

Enjoying good conversation with a good friend while taking in this picture perfect Manhattan view.

I am a New Yorker!

New York's New Yorker hotel.

Rooftops

Looking over the roof tops of Harlem.  West to the Catherdral of St. John the Devine.

Then I swing over to view the roof tops of Central Harlem and Central Park North/Harlem Meer.

Empire State Building

A quick shot of the Empire State Building

from West 34 Street, in Midtown.

The High Line

Prior to visiting the high line I didn't understand the general publics fascination.  I walked from 14 Street to 33 Street.  Now, after my first visit, I'm even more confused as to why this is such a "destination" as Hudson River Park is a block or two west.  In my eyes, its just a big walkway in between buildings with some foliage and sparse public art, that at some points can be obtrusive, to residents.

It's not as though the buildings connect to the high line and you can use it to go in-between buildings.  Give me an old fashioned ground level park over the High Line.

I do think there are some interesting views of New Jersey, The statue of Liberty, the London Terrace complex and the Empire State Building.  There is a mix of reused buildings and modern. It appears nearby office works use this as a place to take a break and detox.  Others may disagree, but based on my experience, is this is more hype that substance.

New York City Lights - Harlem

New York City Lights - Harlem

Chicago - Labor Day 2013 [Grant Park and The Navy Pier]

I took an early morning stroll, starting near the Museum district and ended by Millinieum Park.  The weather was great providing from some great photos!

Still early in the day, I walked over to the Navy Pier release the kid in me!

Also see:  

Chicago - Labor Day 2013 [The Loop]

Chicago - Labor Day 2013 [Near North]

Chicago - Labor Day 2013 [The Loop]

Wondering around the Chicago Loop on an Early Sunday morning.  The Loop is eerily quiet, yet magnificent.

  

Yeah, I like trains!

The Picasso

The Moment with Standing Beast.

The Marshall Field Tiffany Ceiling

Also see:  

Chicago - Labor Day 2013 [Near North]
Chicago - Labor Day 2013 [Grant Park and The Navy Pier]

Aloft Chicago City Center

I never stayed at an Aloft and its also participation in SPGs current Take Two promotion, so I thought, “what the hell? Try the place out”.  I’ve been to a few Aloft properties and am versed in the Platinum benefits to know that Alof'ts are NOT the same as SPG full service brands.

The Aloft City Center is located in the River North area of Downtown Chicago.  The location makes the property conveniently accessible to restaurants, public transportation, convenience stores and Michigan Avenue.  There are several nice restaurants, of different variety and price point, within 2 blocks of the hotel.   The hotel itself host Beatrix, which is a hybrid restaurant-coffee shop-lounge, but I didn’t dine there.  The Red Line subway is a few blocks away (approximately a 5 minute walk) with Michigan Avenue another 2 or 3 minutes beyond.

As I turn the corner to enter the hotel, I notice there is a Hyatt Place adjacent and thought this area must developing into a limited service hotel “district” as from previous visits to Chicago.  Almost every hotel program has a limited service property within a few blocks of this property.

Entering the property, I didn’t notice any bellman or valet staff, but didn’t think any of it.  Once inside you face the reception desk. To the left is small seating area with a TV and beyond that is Beatrix area.  On the right is more seating and a pool table.  The entire lobby area is open and encourages social interaction.

When I arrive at reception, give them my platinum card, ID and form of payment and I’m told they can’t immediately find my reservation.  The staff didn’t have a room for me.  I pull out my phone and show the agent my reservation information on the SPG app, and with some assistance from a “manager” and tapping on his keyboard, a room is found.  I inquire where it is.  I only inquired because I like rooms with a lot of light and away from the “lift” and ice machine. The agent says, and I quote, “you have the best room in the hotel”, NOT “You the best room available”.  There is a huge difference.  Due to the check in issue, I’m given and apology and drink tickets.  I'm given the hotel feature speech, and listen since it’s my first time at the property, but it felt so robotic and forced.  

I’m directed to the elevator bank and think, “oh well - it is what it is”.  I arrive at my floor and the guest room hallways at this property are sort of dark and remind me of a hospital.  I’m not saying this is a good thing or a bad thing, its just how I felt. 

I’m assigned a room on an upper floor, right next to the ice maker.  Luckily, there was no ice maker installed.  LOL  I open the door, and I’m completely underwhelmed.

Opening the door, and taking one step in, you are in the bathroom-closet-dressing area combo.  It’s really tight and there is only one vanity, definitely not a space a couple can use easily.    The Aloft toiletries are present.  There is a door that separates the toilet and shower for privacy. The shower is standard size and there is a glazed window that lets in some light.  I was brushing my teeth and I could hear everything in the hallway, so I’m sure other guests heard me.

I think the property should invest in some large area rugs for that space as it’s right near the door and if you get out the shower and put a foot on the floor it’s dirty.  There should be something in the shower/toilet area and something in the sink/closet area. If the towels were places someone where else, maybe the vanity area would feel larger.  

If you’re a single person there may be enough room in the closet for you to hang clothing for more than one day.  As you’ll need somewhere to put a suitcase. It feels like they tried to cram too many things into a small space. The way things are currently situated, for me, it does not work.

You take two steps and you’re in the sleeping area.  This is the smallest room I have EVER been assigned at ANY hotel I’ve patronized. The room is a King room with two desks, but  I cannot figure out why there are two desks in a room so small.  There is also a bench with a TV above on the one wall.  The room is so small I can sit on the bed and almost touch the wall on either side.  No exaggeration, the room is THAT small.   

The bed is super comfortable and firm, which is my preference.  The furniture reminds me of a commercial Ikea product and although the property hasn’t been open that long, it doesn’t seem well maintained.  The room faces north (Grand Ave. side of the building) and there aren’t any building across, so there is good natural lighting and a so-so view.  

The work space is small and there aren’t many plugs.  It’s also awkward to work there, and try to watch TV as it does not swivel.  I tried to do some research on the bed, where there are a few sockets, but I couldn’t get comfortable.  If I was traveling for business and needed to work in the room it would be very uncomfortable.  The TV channel selection is all HD and there a lot of channels, I felt like I was in a residence.  The property had the best channel selection I’ve experienced in a hotel.

I was preparing to go out and need to iron some items.  I noticed int eh close area there was no iron or ironing board.  Searching the room I found it hidden in a panel on the far side of the bed. 

There should be some notice where the iron and ironing board are located and there should be a full size ironing board.  I know this seems petty, but I tried to iron a shirt and ended up wrinkling it because the iron board surface is so small.

The in room internet is snappy and I didn’t experience and lags or buffering.

As this is a limited service property, there is no Club Level or Elite level lounge. or pool. There is a fitness center, in fact there are TWO fitness centers.  The morning of check out I go down to the gym, which is located on the lower level of the property.  After a weird walk, I see the gym, nothing special, basic equipment and not busy. 

 I go to the bathroom and on my return I walk into the gym and I’m totally confused as it’s changed.  I have a total WTF moment.  

I look around and see this.

The lower level of the Aloft and Hyatt share the meeting space and gym. This is a plus.

Overall impression.  I’m not an Aloft customer.  My experience is the staff didn’t care about my status or loyalty.  This is a good spot for someone who is on a budget, does not plan on spending much time in the room, and wants to be close Michigan Avenue.

FINAL IMPRESSION

Staff attitude, conduct & support:

My experience is the staff didn’t care about my status or loyalty.  The staff says the right things, but just goes through the motions.

Overall hotel cleanliness:

Clean and no issues

Location:

This is a good spot for someone who is on a budget, does not plan on spending much time in the room, and wants to be close Michigan Avenue.

Would I return?

I highly doubt it.  Rooms too small and exterior sounds can be heard right outside room. This stay showed me I’m not an Aloft customer.

Good for business travelers?

Yes - the location is conveniently located to Michigan Avenue business district and the Loop.

Good for a romantic getaway?

No.  Nothing romantic about this property at all.

Would I recommend for someone looking for Dining/Nightlife?

Based on requestor

Would I recommend restaurant?

NA

Value for price paid?

OK

Overall property rating on a scale from 1 to 10 = 5