The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York

We had a lovely stay last week. The hotel is lovely in an ideal location. The air conditioning is very loud though. The restaurant was being refurbished while we were staying and there is no room service available. Kitchenette is room is ideal. It took us a few nights to get used to the noisy streets below but the air conditioning does drown this out. Would definitely stay again.

We stayed here for the first time during spring break. We are locals but needed a stay-vacation this year for a variety of reasons. We won’t two nights. It probably goes without saying that location is everything when staying in NYC and it is hard to think of a better “home base” than this. A ton of great restaurants near by and public transportation, but you’re not smack in the middle of tourist traps of Times Square, etc. Right from our arrival, I was really impressed with the staff. This is a professional team that clearly takes pride in their work. It shows in their responsiveness and how they present themselves to guests. Top tier all the way. Rooms were cute - art deco style is my fav for NYC spaces and this was very well done. The bed and bedding were comfy and cozy. We had a one bedroom with a sofa bed and our son slept great on the fold-out. I can’t leave a review without commenting on the pillow menu which was awesome - and kind of a fun thing for the family. We all found a favorite. I need to find the Swedish memory pillow. It was great! The pillow situation can really make or break a hotel stay so I think this is a brilliant service. Only two items for improvement - first, the AC unit was loud turning on and off in the night. We turned the fan on low the second night and it was better. We also didn’t care for the heavy coffee table - moving it each night for the fold-out was a two person job. It just seems like an odd choice. I would recommend asking housekeeping to help move it if you’re not a super strong person! Bottom line I loved this place and will be back.

Looks very nice after renovation but very old HVAC system made suites very uncomfortable. In first suite the heat wasn’t working and it was very cold. I was told heat doesn’t come on in building unless it’s under 50:outside. It was 36 that morning. Manager Vanessa was very nice and moved us to another suite. In that suite you either had the heat or the air conditioning running constantly or turned off system. 2 old elevators, one of which was broken part of our stay. First suite was very noisy on 5th floor on Conner of Lex and 50th. Hotel is a very good value if you get lucky with heat and air.

The staff was very attentive and professional. Jaime, the bell hop, in particular, took extra care to make sure I had everything I need, including offering great advice on getting to Newark Airport. Everyone was very friendly and the amenities were perfect.

I changed to The Sonesta Hotel group because I did not feel acknowledged as a Top Tier frequent flyer to their brand. I have just had the same slap in the face by The Benjamin. I was not greeted and acknowledged as a Platinum Travel Pass Member. I was given a nice room on the 11th floor with no view, therefore, no complimentary upgrade. I was not given a Welcome Gift. I was not given Premium Wifi. Their restaurant is closed so I did not expect a complimentary breakfast. I was firmly charged for Late check out which I am supposed to get for free. This hotel needs a sign or letter given to folks that the Mini Bar in your room (which I never touch because to me that equals overpriced goodies, yes, you want them, up-charged for convenience) is the "cupboard" you are to select from each day $10 worth (a bottle of water has a huge sign on it labeled $10) because you pay a $42 Hotel destination charge and this $10 is credited back. Other Royal Sonesta's have a little Market you grab your water from and they note it on your account and credit you back. The Doormen at this hotel are excellent, as is the cleaning staff. I am returning to Manhattan in November. I am not staying here.