Thompson Central Park New York

Great hotel which, with a few minor improvements, could be 5-star. Staff on Reception were all very friendly and helpful, as were bar staff. However, Parker’s Bar was extremely disappointing - vastly overpriced (even by NYC standards) and service exceptionally slow. Our room was a decent size, well-decorated and spotlessly clean - housekeeping do a fantastic job. However, there were some signs of wear and tear, particularly noticeable in the bathroom. I booked our stay via BA, and initially requested a double room. I later contacted the hotel directly to request that we were moved to a twin room. I was advised that I would incur an upgrade fee of $50 per night, which I accepted. However, despite being assured that this would not affect the city view and roll top bath promised in the double room, this did not materialise. The city view was underwhelming - it was nothing more than a gym and an office block! The rooms could benefit from sound proofing - though traffic noise was not an issue, given the hotel’s location on a quiet side street, the likes of showers and televisions in other guest rooms could be heard. The location is great - a short walk from Central Park, Times Square and Fifth Avenue. There is also a subway station close by - by far the best, and cheapest, way to explore the city. Food at the Burger Joint, located within the hotel, is an absolute must - the burgers were so fresh, among the best we have ever tasted, and the restaurant itself is so quirky! A final point worth noting - the hotel takes a $500 (refundable) deposit upon arrival, something I was not made aware of. Thankfully we brought just enough spending money, otherwise this could have proven very problematic. The toiletries, bath robes and slippers provided were luxurious, and the hairdryer very powerful. Beds and pillows were comfortable, and bottles of water were provided each day. The AC in our room worked brilliantly - a lifesaver for us Brits in 35 degree heat! Overall, I would stay at this hotel should I visit NYC again in the future. Read less

Supposedly the guest rooms in this hotel were recently renovated. Maybe they were. If so, whoever was in charge of lighting design & electrical outlet placement should get marked down for the low lighting level (40 watt bulbs?? I turned every light on at night & still couldn't see very well) and limited outlets (one set wasn't working) meant I had to unplug the coffee machine, clock & house phone to charge my laptop, phone, etc. There was a Nespresso vertuo in the room (4 capsules w/caffeine, 2 decaf), but they only had powdered creamer (ick) not actual liquid creamer & we had to leave the hotel for coffee. Sleep quality=meh because duvet is anchored into bottom of mattress so you can't untuck it if you want to bundle yourself up. Feet stuck in pirouette position. Room & bath size typical for NYC. Note: the Fitness center in basement is under renovation so aside from a temporary room on 24th floor with some cardio (peleton bikes, an elliptical, etc) machines and free weights, guests are offered passes to gym across the street though that gym has a pool. Hotel website is rather cryptic about fitness center situation - minimal verbiage plus one photo of towel & water bottle. Read less