RHC - Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan

[Spence]

OK, here's the scoop straight from CP

Originally Posted by Crowne Plaza Times Square Sales Rep

You are correct Royal Holiday Club does have a contracted rate with us for our basic rooms and our executive Jr. Suite.

Our Executive Jr. Suites may accommodate up to 6 people comfortably and the sleeping arrangements would be in the master bedroom either one king size bed or two full size bed and a connecting parlor area with a pull out sofa that converts into a queen size bed.

Standard amenities include iron and ironing board, hair dryer, in room safe, upgrades toiletries from Re Nu such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, mouth wash, facial and body soaps and shower caps. Other amenities are provided upon request such as deodorant, tooth brush and tooth paste, minding kits and Q-tips. Our very own exclusive amenities sash includes blindfolds, ear plugs, aromatic lavender mini-spray bottle and a drape clip.

When I asked
RHC Jr. Suite = CP Regular hotel room with amenities list above.
RHC Presidential = CP Executive Jr. Suite with SUITE amenities listed BELOW.

Originally Posted by http://www.cpmanhattantimessquare.com/suites.html

• Daily turndown service
• Daily complimentary newspaper
• In-room soft drinks bar
• In-room safe for your laptop and other valuables
• Complimentary wired or wireless Internet service
• Wet bar
• Stereo CD player with MP3 player dock with speakers
• 37” high-definition flat screen TV
• Video on demand
• Three telephones, including speakerphone and voicemail

• Plush robes and slippers
• Luxury Suites include tubs and a separate shower stall
• Steam iron and full-size ironing board
• Keurig single-cup gourmet espresso/cappuccino maker
• Preferred reservations in our restaurants
• Complimentary beer or wine in bar (1 per guest)
• Access to our exclusive 46th floor Concierge Lounge for:
  • Continental Breakfast 6:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
  • Snacks and Tea 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
  • Evening snacks 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

[Hoc]

OK, so the "Junior Suite" listed on the RHC website is a regular hotel room with no lounge access. But it sleeps 4, while the regular hotel rooms only sleep 3.

[Spence]

Originally Posted by Hoc

OK, so the "Junior Suite" listed on the RHC website is a regular hotel room with no lounge access. But it sleeps 4, while the regular hotel rooms only sleep 3.

Yeah.
You know that the RHC designations are their own 'categories' as a -Studio- at many resorts is really a 1BR at the resort, ex: Brigantine Beach. It's just disconcerting because RHC and CP have similar unit names that mean entirely different things.

From what I can tell the
RHC Presidential = CP Executive Jr. Suite
is a $1500 PER NIGHT room (incl tax)
and it comes with breakfast and snacks throughout the day
but the RHC confirmation, in addition to the ~$50 per night taxes, says there is a $10 per night charge for the pool?

[mav]

Hi Spence,
Glad you could clear it up. When I called RHC they had no idea whether or not the pres unit had access to the C. lounge, and still don't know. I don't want to book a pres. if it does not.
Maria

[Hoc]

I would almost consider lounge access a negative. With all the great delis and breakfast options in New York, I would hate feeling that I was obligated to eat in the hotel in order to avoid wasting my money.

[Skimeup]

I went by the Crowne Plaza the other day while I was in New York. It is a gorgeous hotel - it fronts on Broadway, and it can be accessed from Broadway or from a drive through between 48th and 49th streets. The views are fantastic from every direction, it is clean and very upscale looking. I have booked some time there and will certainly request an upper floor for that time, but even from the 16th floor it should be wonderful. I didn't get to see the rooms, but I chatted with a guest who reported the rooms (junior suites) are sizable and comfortable and she raved about the beds. It is not hard to believe that people pay the rates they are asking online - hotels in the area come with names like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. The big negative to this is that it requires so many points to stay there! And high season includes all of September to December, as well as holidays. My other big concern is worrying what they will charge as tax for the "Executive/Presidential" Suite. Affinia Manhattan charged over $50 per day in tax for the presidential suite. I shall check with them in January and report in.

Does anyone know when Allen House will open up for summer? Paris (Citadines) is now open.

[Whirl]

So.... I just called to look make some Crowne Plaza reservations and had a 3-way call with CP rep and RHC rep about lounge access.

The CP rep put me on hold to double check with her boss and came back firmly stating that RHC does NOT have a contract for lounge access.

Regular rooms booked through RHC can be upgraded to lounge access for $60/day +tax and Ambassodors ( CP suites) can be upgraded for $300/day. Call in advance or can be doen at the time of check-in.

I was concerned to book expecting lounge level service, with no confirmation of lounge access in RHC confirm....and I dont think you are going to get that. Frankly, RHC would be well served to point that out as a selling point were it the case, so it does not surprise me to hear it is not.

Just what I was told. I know this is direct contradiction to what some others have learned, but it's all I know. Just passing it on for discussion.....

Happy Holidays!

[Skimeup]

I visited the Crowne Plaza when I was in NY a couple of weeks ago and just betook myself upstairs to the top floor to check out the lounge and the views. There was what was likely the concierge sitting at a desk near the entrance so I did not attempt to enter. I popped in there again later in the day (on my way back from wherever it was I had been)to see I could sneak in there a little later in the day, and it was closed (the maid was vacuuming and no one, including concierge, was inside). So, unlike the Manhattan Club, this lounge is not a place to wander into at night and have a few drinks and look at the view. Also - supposedly breakfast is included - which appeared from the outside to consist of bagels, juice and coffee. This is served in the lounge so I am not so sure how they could keep guests out. Hopefully, we will get actual reports soon from people who have stayed there...