Hotel Review: The St. Regis New York
The St. Regis New York is a true icon of New York City and is a stunning showcase of Beaux-Arts architecture. When it opened in 1904, it was not only the tallest building in New York but also one of the most luxurious hotels of its time. Today, it remains among the priciest hotels in the city. Its rich legacy earned it New York City landmark status in 1988, and for years, it’s been on my list of must-visit hotels. On a recent trip to NYC, I finally secured a short stay there. However, I wasn't aware that the hotel was undergoing renovations, including work on the lobby, restaurant, and bar. Sadly, the closure of the dining areas and the disruptive renovations dampened what could have been an exceptional experience. Here is my review of The St. Regis New York:
The St. Regis New York is located at 2 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022.
Location
The St. Regis New York is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, at the corner of 55th Street and Fifth Avenue, offering prime access to some of New York City's most iconic landmarks. Just steps away, you'll find the luxury boutiques of Fifth Avenue, including high-end stores like Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Saks Fifth Avenue. A short walk leads to Central Park, perfect for leisurely strolls or a relaxing escape from the city's bustle. Cultural landmarks such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Rockefeller Center are also nearby, providing rich artistic and architectural experiences. With Times Square and Broadway theaters within reach, the hotel is ideally situated for both shopping and entertainment.
Lobby& Check-In Review
When we arrived at the hotel, the first sign of trouble was the absence of anyone to assist at the front door. Due to the ongoing renovations, we had to use a side entrance, and after hauling our luggage up the stairs, I noticed a staff member inside. Oddly, despite our large bags, he didn’t offer any help or call for assistance. It felt far less welcoming than other St. Regis properties I've visited. We took the elevator to the second floor, where the temporary front desk was located.
The temporary check-in process fell short of the standard that the St. Regis brand is known for.
The entrance was a bit of a maze, but we found our way. Despite the makeshift check-in area, the hotel still showcased its signature elegance with ornate crown moldings, chandeliers, and gold accents.
The makeshift waiting area still exuded the hotel's signature elegance, adorned with ornate crown moldings and chandeliers.
While checking in, I learned both Astor Court and the iconic King Cole Bar were closed until renovations were finished in August 2024. As a cocktail lover, I was especially disappointed not to try the "Red Snapper," King Cole Bar’s original Bloody Mary recipe from 1934. It was my own oversight for not checking the hotel's website beforehand.
The temporary lobby featured antiques made with glass and crystal, all of which could be purchased from nearby vendors.
Despite my Titanium Elite status, breakfast offerings were limited to cold items in a temporary dining space on the 20th floor, so we opted for extra points instead. On the bright side, we were upgraded to a suite, though we had to wait past 4 PM to check in.
The St. Regis New York once stood as one of the city’s pioneering skyscrapers.
While I appreciated the upgrade, the overall check-in left much to be desired. There was a lack of warmth, and no extra touches to make up for the missing amenities. After exploring the city, we finally collected our keys at 4:30 PM and headed to our suite on the fifth floor.
Living Room Review
Stepping into the suite, I was welcomed by a spacious, carpeted living room with a chandelier casting a soft glow from the ceiling.
The greatest advantage of staying in a suite is the abundance of space, a true luxury in a city like New York.
A marble fireplace added a cozy touch, while an elegant lounge sofa and chairs framed a glass coffee table. Given New York City’s reputation for cramped hotel rooms, the suite surpassed my expectations.
While the extra space in the living room was appreciated, the room unfortunately felt outdated.
A delightful welcome amenity awaited on the table—macarons, chocolates, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a bottle of sparkling water.
The welcome amenity was filled with delightful treats, and the chocolate-covered strawberries were especially delicious.
A handwritten card from the staff congratulated us on our first wedding anniversary, making the moment even sweeter. There was also a small bowl of milk and dark chocolates, which we enjoyed later with coffee served by our butler.
The complimentary dark and milk chocolates were a lovely indulgence, perfect for enjoying with tea or coffee.
The butler service is complimentary for St. Regis guests and offers perks like in-room coffee or tea, garment pressing, and even packing or unpacking services.
Butler service is included for all guests, but it can take some time, so it’s best to plan ahead.
While the service is a nice touch, it can be slow at times, so it’s best to plan accordingly. Above the fireplace was a large mirror instead of a TV, while a small smart TV was oddly placed above an antique cabinet containing a mini-fridge.
The TV was too small and positioned too far from the seating area, making it difficult to fully enjoy the entertainment.
The TV’s size and placement made it difficult to watch from the sofa, which was a letdown. As for the mini-fridge, it was well-stocked with beverages, but the prices were predictably steep—same for the in-room snacks.
Although the mini fridge was fully stocked, the room surprisingly lacked a coffee machine.
I was also surprised to find there was no coffee machine in the suite. While the butler could bring coffee or tea upon request, it would’ve been nice to have the option of brewing my own.
The in-room snacks were outrageously overpriced so I recommend going to any corner store around the hotel.
In the corner, an antique work desk felt a bit out of place, paired with a mismatched chair, and the desk itself seemed undersized for such a spacious room.
The desk was surprisingly small, especially considering there was ample space for a larger one.
While these quirks might not bother everyone, they stood out to me, especially given the $2,000 per night price tag. At that rate, I expected top-tier amenities and thoughtful design, but this suite fell short, leaving me underwhelmed.
Bedroom Review
Through a French door, the bedroom opened into a spacious area adorned with rich burgundy fabric wallpaper and a petite chandelier overhead. Like the living room, the floor was carpeted, but the bedroom felt more refined, thanks to the more striking decor.
The bedroom perfectly captured the hotel's traditional and elegant charm.
A king-sized bed, flanked by large nightstands, provided exceptional comfort. However, the nightstand, while equipped with a Bose Bluetooth speaker and various light controls, lacked an outlet, forcing me to use a wall socket inconveniently located in the corner by the TV.
The nightstands lacked convenient outlets, forcing me to use a wall socket awkwardly placed in the corner by the TV.
The second smart TV, tucked into the corner, was again too small and poorly positioned. A wall-mounted, adjustable TV closer to the bed would have been far more practical.
Like in the living room, the TV was undersized and poorly positioned for optimal viewing.
French windows lined the room, offering a glimpse of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church across the street. Despite the usual hustle of the city, the windows did a decent job of blocking out noise, and the blackout curtains ensured restful sleep.
Although the hotel was located in the heart of Midtown, the windows did an impressive job of blocking out the city noise.
In terms of style, the bedroom reflected the elegance of the St. Regis brand better than the living room. However, even with the comfortable bed and thoughtful design elements, it was hard to justify the high price of the suite.
Bathroom Review
Since the room was a suite, there was a convenient half bathroom near the entrance, featuring a single sink vanity with a vintage gold mirror and a sleek gray marble top. The extra bathroom came in handy, especially when my wife and I needed to get ready at the same time.
Having two bathrooms in a hotel room is a true luxury, especially in a New York City hotel.
The master bathroom was connected to the bedroom and had a double sink vanity with the same gray marble finish.
I wish the hotel had used the same gold-accented mirror from the half bathroom to enhance its traditional, elegant aesthetic.
While a gold-accented mirror added some elegance, the full-wall vanity mirror felt too modern and didn't quite match the hotel's classic identity.
The master bathroom showcased a stunning double sink vanity crafted from beautiful gray marble.
The master bathroom featured a small bathtub, which, though only fitting one person and quite shallow, was still a welcome addition for a New York City hotel.
The bathtub was a bit shallow, but the overall aesthetics were spot on.
The separate water closet with a handheld bidet provided privacy, and the walk-in shower had both standard and handheld showerheads.
The master bathroom included a separate water closet, providing added privacy.
While I typically prefer a rain shower, the water pressure here was excellent.
Despite the showerhead's classic appearance, the water pressure was excellent.
The toiletries were from Sachajuan, a common brand across St. Regis properties, and the bathroom included a pleasant surprise: a Dyson hairdryer with multiple attachments. Since we use a hairdryer daily, the Dyson hairdryer was a real perk.
The hotel provided a Dyson hairdryer complete with a range of attachments, adding a thoughtful touch of luxury.
Overall, the bathrooms lived up to the St. Regis standard, but for the price of the suite, I expected more grandeur. Perhaps my expectations were a bit too high, but the overall design felt a little underwhelming.
Additional Amenities
As mentioned earlier, one of the standout perks of staying at the St. Regis is its butler service. Guests can enjoy in-room coffee or tea, complimentary garment pressing for up to two items per person per day, and even assistance with unpacking and packing during their stay. Another convenience is the hotel’s house car, which offers complimentary drop-offs within a 10-block radius. However, since it’s on a first-come, first-served basis, wait times can vary from five to thirty minutes. Although the hotel doesn’t have a pool, it does feature a 24/7 gym on the 19th floor. While small, it’s well-equipped with the latest TechnoGym machines to ensure guests can maintain their workout routine.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The hotel’s location is perfect for first-time visitors, especially those who love to shop. With Central Park just steps away and the iconic flagship stores on Fifth Avenue nearby, it’s a shopper’s paradise. Major attractions like Rockefeller Center and the Museum of Modern Art are within walking distance, and several subway lines are conveniently close, making it easy to explore the city.
My upgraded suite was surprisingly spacious, a rare find in NYC where hotel rooms are typically tight. While it came at a premium, the luxury of having a separate living room was a true highlight of the stay.
Negatives
The renovation considerably impacted the hotel’s amenities, particularly the dining options. I had been eager to enjoy breakfast in Astor Court and sip a Bloody Mary at the iconic King Cole Bar, but both were closed during our stay. With the lobby also under renovation, the check-in area lacked a proper waiting space.
Though the suite was spacious by NYC standards, it was in need of a refresh. The furniture showed noticeable signs of wear, and the technology felt outdated. Considering the high price of the suite, the experience didn’t quite match the value I expected.
Summary
In conclusion, while The St. Regis New York boasts a rich history and prime location, my recent stay left much to be desired. The ongoing renovations severely impacted the overall experience, with key amenities such as the lobby, restaurant, and bar being closed. The lack of assistance at check-in and the makeshift reception area added to the inconvenience. Despite being upgraded to a spacious suite, the outdated furniture and inadequate technology failed to justify the high nightly rate of $2,000. Although the butler service and some aspects of the suite were commendable, the overall experience did not meet the high standards expected from such an expensive hotel. Given the cost, the value offered by The St. Regis New York was ultimately underwhelming and disappointing. I plan to return to the hotel once the renovation is complete, hoping for a much-improved experience compared to my previous stay.
