View from our room looking over Central Park was stunning. The giant bug climbing up the wall in the bathroom was not The staff made this place. Very friendly and welcoming. The breakfast buffet was total garbage. I understand the normal restaurant is closed, but this effort was embarrassing. While the location is exceptional, I’d think that a JW Marriott on Central Park South would be a showpiece. It needs a lot of work to reach the level of neighboring hotels.

I’ve stayed in many hotels and I’m an Ambassador with Marriott Bonvoy. This was probably one of the worst guest relations experiences I’ve had when it comes to Marriott properties. The positives about the hotel: amazing location, spent most of my time walking around Central Park with great weather The negatives: the management. I had booked a 7 night stay with the hotel and had informed them that it was for an occasion. Instead of providing a loyal customer treatment (or even a decent one for an occasion) I was received by an indifferent concierge who gave us one of the worst rooms in the entire property. After confronting the staff three times, they said management came up with a rule that they don’t upgrade longer stay customers and prefer to upgrade shorter stay ones. After having to haggle over a room upgrade they agreed to do so four days in, but still did not give us a Central Park view which was the original request. Overall, service was extremely average, food was average and everything was overpriced. Staff won’t do something for a customer without expecting tip (maybe this is just NYC culture). Overall left feeling disappointed and will not stay here again

My stay at the Marriot Essex New York was quite disappointing. The room was small and lacked any view, which was disappointing. Moreover, the absence of basic amenities such as coffee and water in the room was surprising. The service left much to be desired. The room was not cleaned daily, which is a standard expectation in most hotels. This lack of cleanliness was a significant letdown. Additionally, considering the quality of the room and services, the value for money was quite low. Overall, it was not a satisfying experience.

Parts of the hotel were under construction, like the exec lounge and restaurant. But they did a good job of setting up in the main ballroom. Rooms are small and outdated unless you get a suite. Elevators are small but to be expected from an older hotel. Staff was great and very helpful. Location is amazing if you want to be in the middle of all the action of 5th Ave and Central Park. With some updates this could be a great hotel.

Great location, nice hotel, recently had a terrible experience with telephone staff in-house and a manager, Jenelle.....Very unorganized, shockingly rude and belligerent with attitude. Ive been going here for many years for work, and have tried to get the front desk to understand that I need to pay daily as I am never sure when it is time to leave quickly, and they still don't seem to get it, and be accommodating. This time, I called the front desk many times in 6 hours to get the room change I had requested the night before, as they were full and I took what I could get. No one ever followed up from the evening prior, nor to all the calls I made. Every times was told they will call back, even a manager, and no one did. Have to stay here for work. Then, at around 4:00, they sent 2 bid security guys to remove me because I had allegedly overstayed. 😳 Even though I had said at check in that I’d be staying 3 nights, but paying daily; and of COURSE, they have my credit card on file - while still treating my so poorly. The Manager Jenelle G hung up on me because I was upset with security showing up at my door and telling me to get out. The attitude she shared was astounding, like something you might experience at a Motel 6, not a place where you are spending hundreds and hundreds of dollars.🤷‍♀️ They need some classier people on the phones who understand how to treat people in an upscale environment; leaving the New York f-you attitude at the door. UPDATE -Escalated my discontent to the manager of the hotel and she took care of me to my satisfaction in a professional manner. Will be thinking twice about staying again, which is sad as it was my NYC "home" for so many years - even though I love all the doormen! Great guys! They JUST can't seem to get it together to treat returning customers with any type of familiarity. They seem to not have any type of system regarding notes for the customers on room preference, etc.

Absolutely amazing hotel. Moved here after being negatively surprised with Marriott Downtown. Great rooms. Views at Central Park are awesome - from the lower floors you see just the greenery, from the floors above approx. 8 you see the skyline beautifully. Everything is nearby (15 mins to Times Square, 1 minute to Central Park :-)). The staff is polite and helpful. Breakfast is very good with great selection of fruits. Fitness is well equipped. Rooms are clean and AC works just right :-).

We stayed two nights in mid December. The hotel was fully booked. The line to check in took 35 minutes. They were aware that they were fully booked, but they didn’t bother to fully staff. There was a wedding in the executive lounge room, so the executive lounge was moved to the second floor. Staff had no idea what was going on with the executive lounge move and we were given in accurate times and locations for the executive lounge. The usual, cappuccino coffee maker was not in the Makeshift executive lounge. No soda was available as it has been for years past. . On Saturday morning, we went to get some breakfast in the makeshift executive lounge, as we are titanium lifetime members. There was a line to get into the executive lounge at 9:30 AM and we were advised that we would have a 15 to 20 minute wait and that we would likely have to share a table. Guests who were waiting to be seated were standing in the hall like cattle. Many had pajama bottoms and slippers on —this was more like a Courtyard Renaissance experience experience, but trust me the thousand dollar per night fee for our standard, no view room definitely was consistent with JW. Decent size room (300 sw feet), but dated. Because the hotel was at capacity we had to wait a very long time for elevators. When an elevator would finally open for us, they were packed, so we (and many others) often opted just to use the stairs since we were on the fifth floor. Several of the rooms on our hallway ordered room service and left the trays outside the room… Those trays with dirty dishes, and eaten food remained On the floor in the Hallway for Almost a full day. The bed was comfortable, but the say was sub par for a JW, especially because we have stayed there before and it was usually better overall.

It's not a 5 star hotel. It's barely a 4 star hotel. Old world charm, but in need of refurbishment. Rooms are good sized, but an example of the need for refurbishment is shown in how my mini fridge was plugged in. It's time for a substantial reinvestment to return this hotel to its former glory.

Have stayed here various times over the years through various owners. JW seems to have nailed the service side of things as there were a few key moments of excellence. First was a clutch umbrella handed at the last minute before a HUGE downpour. Great timing. The other was getting a tip that there is a vending machine behind the front desk that sells minor tech things as I needed a USB-C chord. Saved me valuable time. Thanks for that! The gym is small but well equipped with new machines and weights. Pro-tip: There are complementary bottles of water available there. The room itself was quite large and roomy, however the shower-tub had a curtain that did not fit, so water would get everywhere. The tub plug also did not work right so no chance for a soak. Minor things that added up for sure. Overall a nice stay however and or course a great location.

Stayed two nights for a weekend getaway. There was a line at check-in, it took a few minutes for waiting to get checked in. The lobby is under renovation so it's a pretty small available area. The room was facing 58th street with the opposite building facing right outside the window. The condition of the room is poor, stained and dusty carpets. Scratched tables, furniture falling apart. The rest room was clean, but the mini bar and night stands are pretty unsanitary. The size of the room was good for new York. The executive lounge is in a ball room, with inedible food. I never knew potatoes and eggs could taste this bad. Just inedible. There's not even water in the room except for the mini bar. Two water bottles after tax is ~35$. I cannot recommend this place unless you absolutely have to stay next to central park without a view.

The front desk staff did there best to accommodate with a view. It is an amazing location with ease to any metro lines you need and or walkable. The rest of the staff was pretty rude. For the cost of this hotel I think it would be best to really stay anywhere else. It’s sad to think a $1000 dollar a night room gets you rude service but after reading more of the reviews I wish I would have stayed elsewhere.

This is very nice luxury hotel right across from Central Park in Manhattan. The staff are super helpful, the room is a nice size and comfortable amenities. Valet parking and beautiful floral displays in the lobby. This is also the famed hotel of where the cast of snl stays.

Stayed in a connected suite for a few days. This was really good with the family. But, I would rather be in a Courtyard Marriott than shell out for this mediocre product. It is a much better value. Devil is in the details: 1. The seat cushion at breakfast looked like someone had an accident on it. Gross. Then they started vacuuming at the table next to ours…during morning service. 2. Look up in the elevator and the little chandelier looks like it has not been dusted since the beginning of time. 3. The makeup mirror in our room is falling off the wall. Why am I reporting this. Seems like housekeeping should notice this. 4. Speaking of noticing…PLEASE straight the lampshades on the property. Makes the place look like it is in disrepair when they are tilted every which way. From in the room to in the dining room with the sconces…80% of them are not centered. Easy fix to make the place seem higher value. 5. Bellhop (with empty luggage cart for another client) rode the elevator with us…these are not big elevators. It was not a high traffic time. No need to crowd us. Aren’t there service elevators? 6. The door that encloses the two room connect suite is not adjusted properly, jams, and MUST be SLAMMED hard to close…thereby bothering us, and all the rooms around us at every entry and exit of the door. No bueno. Why would I have to point this out? House keeping, every time they come in and out should notice. On the good side : Staff responsive and friendly Concierge was epic. Use them to setup whatever events or sight seeing you desire. Position of hotel and center of the action was great. In general the room was quite nice.

The JW Marriott Essex House Hotel is in the best location. Just south of Central Park, it is also close to so much else. We took our 3 kids for a long weekend in the city and stayed here. It was a treat and delight. The staff were all very kind and welcoming. Our stroller broke and the maintenance folks quickly helped us repair it. We will definitely stay here again.

Spectacular location and very friendly staff. For Marriott rewards members, the complimentary breakfast is quite expansive and a real treat. The bar has a nice selection of alcohol with a large screen projection TV for sports. Overall a great experience.

Hotel was nice, water available, rooms were clean. However, I could not give it more stars because the magnetic door pad ran out of battery and stopped working right before I had to finish packing and go to the airport. I went to the front desk 3 different times, they supposedly fixed it, I would go back to the room and it wouldn't work. Then they made me wait by the room over 20 minutes for a security person to come and open the door for me (he never did.) Finally it was the room service lady who saw me and called herself and had someone open the door. The technician said that nobody had told him anything from the front desk. I had to wait over 20 minutes outside my room waiting. For the prices they charge, front desk dropped the ball and all the keys should be able to work. I should not have to wait outside and run up and down like a crazy person trying to solve a key problem. Also, the remote control batteries on the t.v. were low and had to be clicking many times to just get to one channel.

Stayed here while on summer weekend vacation in NYC June 2022. We booked 2 adjoining rooms that comfortably fitted our family of 5. Wonderful location right across from Central Park and our suite was well appointed. Pricey but good value for money considering alternatives. Would return.

Watch out for false advertising and changes to your booked room type. The hotel is beautiful and so far no issues with cleanliness or room function. However, I specifically booked and paid for a room type (upper floor, park view) and this was not what I was provided (lower floor, park view). We were not informed of this change at check in, but rather a “gift” of hotel credit was assigned, certainly not in the amount of the difference in price for the change in room. I only realized the room type change when woken up by street noise at 4:30 am (that’s one of the problems with a lower floor in Manhattan, it’s noisy), and then I remembered what I had reserved. Note to the hotel: if you don’t have a room available that meets my reservation, inform the client, many of us will accommodate to the issue. My choice of room was mostly about avoiding noise, but I ended up with the noisiest room type because I was not given any choice. Also, if you are going to charge for something you should deliver what you offer. I feel cheated. And sleepy.

Remember to use Hoᴛᴇʟʙoʟʟʏ.ᴄᴏm when booking any place. This site will compare hundreds of booking websites and usually will have rates a lot cheaper compared to others! You're welcome :)! This hotel is one of the highest rated in the area. I have been staying here for years. If you choose this place you for sure won't be let down. Had a wonderful stay and will definitely be back. Location is great and access to central park is easy. Hotel is great - good bar, clean and spacious interior, elevators are fast and rooms are large and well designed (especially for the area). Staff was extra kind when we were there celebrating a life milestone.

I am currently staying at this hotel & hate everything about it. It is very ugly in every way. The lobby is terrible. Rooms are so old and worn looking. We have a view of nothing. The restaurant is under renovation and the make shift set up is depressing. This property falls very short of any JW Marriott experience I've had in any other city. Wish we didn't book here.

First let me say thank you to the entire staff at the Essex House. We took the red eye from CA and landed early. I had called in advance to see if we could do an early check in. They said they would try but could not promise a room. Not only did they allow us an early check in one of their rooms on the 8th floor, but when our room on the 31st floor was ready they moved us to the new room. We were out for lunch so they moved our baggage for us to the new room and they made it effortless. Rooms were clean, staff was amazing and the views stunning.

Awesome staff and great service. Shout out to Hanna, Felix, Cesar and Ron. Couldn’t get any better service from these guys. They’re friendly and will help you in any way they can. We always stay at this hotel everytime we go to NYC - and that is 3 times this year alone. :) love the place and the staff.

Had a wonderful stay and will definitely be back. Location is great and access to central park is easy. Hotel is great - good bar, clean and spacious interior, elevators are fast and rooms are large and well designed (especially for the area). Staff was extra kind when we were there celebrating a life milestone.

This was my first time at Essex House and I was very impressed by this hotel. The location is the best in New York, checkin-checkout was easy, the room was very nice, spacious and newly remodeled with all the modern facilities. I requested a disabled room and was very satisfied with the facilities in the room. Did not have a park view room but I liked the interior court room, it was very quiet. All in all an excellent hotel, one of the best stays we had in New York.

We stayed for one night in this iconic hotel. Loved the interiors and location is great if you want to wander in Central Park. I thought front desk folks could have been more welcoming. View from my room was terrible and it is funny that you have to pay more to get a decent view on top of $700 you paid for the room. There's no rooftop in the hotel so all the photos you see online are from people's room. You won't see central park if you aren't on top floors. They charge you $35 bucks as a resort fee which we redeemed for the breakfast. Thought this is another way to get money from your wallet. Overall nice but I would try another Marriott hotel next time.

Wish i could give them 6 stars. Front desk and concierge service was outstanding. Melvin at the front desk is truly an asset to the company. He put us up in an amazing central park view room on the 14th floor. He did a great job explaining the perks that come with our stay (built in credit for the bar, yoga classes, and even spa treatments). He also made us feel quite special by even remembering my name, and greeting us as we came in and out of the building despite the hundreds of guests that are in and out of there every day. The bartender (I forgot his name because I’m not as brilliant as Melvin) had been there for 30 years and definitely made the best Manhattans in Manhattan. 10/10 would recommend you to stay here

The staff were amazing, including the very fast service to change out my TV remote when I called down to ask for assistance for my TV: within 2 minutes a service person arrived to assist. I recommend room 1404 for the Central Park view. We had two rooms, and they were quite large for NYC standards. The breakfast was great; the chef visited all the tables to make sure the diners were happy. The door men were great hailing taxis for me. The beds were super comfy, and there was no street noise emanating from outside. Kudos to the reception staff and the concierge, they were super helpful! I will always stay at the Essex; New York City is back!!!

We can't wait to book here again! The room was very spacious and clean with an amazing view. I literally gasped walking into our room. Small details like the attentiveness of the doormen, easy check-in and check-out process, and close proximity to our desired locations made this easily one of the best stays. We were able to request a small fridge to hold some items, and extra soap since we packed lightly. Since it was our first time in New York, the staff was able to answer our many questions about travel and restaurants in the area throughout our stay. We felt like the hotel was safe and very quiet too. I travel for work often and tend to observe small details and this hotel really seems to care.