Hotel Review: The Bernic Hotel NYC, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Bernic Hotel New York City was my first time experiencing Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.
When I search for hotel options, I usually try to find properties that have some sort of flare or character to them. I like Hilton, but I stay at Hampton Inns and Garden Inns frequently for work and they’re identically bland: Same layout, same breakfast, and same overall atmosphere. I recently flew to The Big Apple for a weekend and decided to stay at The Bernic Hotel New York City, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Fortunately, Hilton was running a promotion at the time, and I was able to book a queen bed for one night at $185.97 with taxes + fees included. The Bernic is located at 145 E 47th St, New York, NY 10017.
There was a small but elegant sign outside the hotel letting you know that you’re at the right place.
What Card Should You Use to Book?
Because The Bernic Hotel is a Hilton property, I used my Hilton Aspire card to book. The Aspire is currently offering a signup bonus of 150,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $4,000 in 3 months. Be aware that since this is an American Express (AMEX) card, you’re only allowed to get the signup bonus once per lifetime. With a valuation of 0.6 cents per point, the signup bonus is worth about $900. The annual fee is $450, but cardmembers get a weekend night certificate (redeemable on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at non-premium hotels), $250 incidental credit towards your airline of choice, $250 Hilton resort credit at select Hilton resorts, and Hilton Diamond status, the highest in Hilton’s member ecosystem.
The Hilton Aspire by American Express comes with amazing benefits that can easily offset the annual fee. Photo credit: www.americanexpress.com
The Aspire earns 14X per dollar spent on Hilton hotels and resorts when directly booked through Hilton and 7X on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly with select companies, and US restaurants. All other purchases will earn 3X per dollar spent. The multiplier really only makes sense for Hilton stays with a respectable return of 8.4%. With Hilton’s frequent points promotions, you will be raking in a serious amount of Hilton Honors points in no time. Even if you don’t stay at Hilton properties often, this card is definitely worth the annual fee due to its amazing perks and benefits, and I strongly believe it’s the best hotel credit card available on the market right now.
If you’d like to apply for the American Express Hilton Aspire Card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! http://refer.amex.us/EDWARSr3Jf?xl=cp01
Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hilton’s Tapestry Collection launched in 2017 with the goal of providing upscale hotels with their own unique personalities and focusing on connecting guests with local destinations. They’re mainly scattered across the US, but have 1-2 properties on each continent. As millennials stray away from conventional-style hotels, it’s a tactful move by Hilton to bring character and local hidden gems to their portfolio. In particular, the Bernic Hotel NYC has a family-style Italian restaurant on the ground floor and artwork done by a local artist in the lobby and guest rooms.
Lobby and Check-in
When I arrived at the Bernic, I was taken aback by how tiny the lobby was; it was probably the smallest I’ve ever seen during any stay.
The lobby was tiny and felt almost claustrophobic when there were multiple guests waiting to check in.
The check-in process was seamless and I was upgraded to a better room thanks to my Hilton Diamond status. While I was being processed, three more parties came in and it all of a sudden felt very cramped and hectic in the lobby. I can’t help but think the desk representative felt a tad rushed by the line and didn’t get to mention the available perks. Guests at the Bernic receive complimentary access to New York Health & Racquet Club nearby on 45th St. There is also a rooftop bar & lounge called Alto that serves drinks and light fare. Lastly, the hotel offers complimentary prosecco happy hour from 4 to 6. It’s unfortunate that I missed out on these free amenities, but they certainly add to the overall guest experience.
A very narrow hallway to the elevators leading to our rooms.
Room Review: An Outdated, Compact Room with a Balcony
I originally booked a one queen bedroom, and upon check-in, I was upgraded to a queen bed deluxe with balcony.
The room was pretty dark and small, which I didn’t mind.
I was happy with the upgrade even though my room was located on the 5th floor. The room was quite compact (195 sq ft), but had a comfortable queen bed, desk, ~36” or so TV, and Nespresso machine.
A Nespresso machine in the room always earns bonus points for coffee enthusiasts, including myself.
Along with Nespresso pods, the room had two bottles of Boxed Water Is Better, which were complimentary for Gold members and above.
The water was free for me thanks to my Hilton Diamond status.
Lighting was lacking in general, but the bed did have two reading lights and natural lighting flowing in from the balcony. Unfortunately, upon stepping outside I was greeted with a disappointing view; my room faced the back of the hotel and there was nothing around but other high-rise buildings and construction sites. The room next to me had a balcony that was close enough to easily climb over, and although this can’t be common, it was a mild security concern of mine.
The view from the balcony was rather urban, but I still enjoyed the option of having one.
The balcony could definitely be improved by including seating arrangements for guests.
The room was decorated with lots of Brazilian-themed books and art pieces, which raised slight confusion as the hotel didn’t have anything to do with Brazil.
A small desk with books about Brazil, a charming but odd and out of place touch to the room.
After reviewing the room, one of the hotel staff came up and gave me a travel aromatherapy balm and friendly note from the Bernic team.
I always appreciate receiving a small gift or care package from the hotel staff.
A thoughtful note from the general manager. I always appreciate personal touches like this.
Bathroom Review: Another outdated room but with heated flooring
The bathroom featured a walk-in shower that made an unpleasant screeching noise whenever we opened the door. The shower faucet was rainfall-styled and had great water pressure, while the mirror was big and well-lit.
The bathroom was well-lit and the floor was heated.
While inspecting the bathroom, I noticed some wear-and-tear damage on soap trays and rusty spots on the bathroom floor. It wasn’t a huge deal, but considering the Tapestry brand is quite new, it was a bit surprising.
Why was the soap tray so chipped and worn out?
Did I mention the shower door made a screeching, unpleasant noise whenever we entered or exited? One interesting note was that the bathroom floor was heated. I’ve seen this in luxury hotels but didn’t expect it from a three-star hotel. The toiletry items were by Beekman and all communal except for the lotions.
The toiletry items were by Beekman.
Summary
The Bernic Hotel was my first Tapestry Collection stay and advertised as unique and full of personalities, connecting guests with local flavor. Unfortunately, the hotel failed to deliver its goals. The room and lobby didn’t provide any sort of distinct personality, and the representative at the check-in desk didn’t explain core amenities such as the free offsite gym, rooftop bar, or prosecco happy hour, none of which I was able to take advantage of. The balcony upgrade was a nice touch and I appreciated the heated bathroom floor. In spite of introducing the Tapestry brand in 2017, the Bernic Hotel is already showing its age. I’m glad I tried out a new Hilton brand, and while this experience left me slightly disappointed, I’m open to trying other Tapestry Collection hotels in the future.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Hilton Aspire Card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! http://refer.amex.us/EDWARSLgWl?XLINK=MYCP
