I got a good rate of 229 a night for easter time. is the hotel currently being renovated? has anyone stayed there recently?

It is being renovated and I've heard the restaurant is closed so no room service. But otherwise, it's functioning fine. I'd take it at that price. Great location.

Yes... mclaurie did you know it changed owners and will become the London Hotel (or Hotel London) in a few months.
That's all I have heard. Have you heard anything else?

I got a similar rate ($218) for a stay in April too. gyppielou stayed there recently and had great things to say. Apparently there was minimal fuss and muss due to the renovations. They are doing a floor at a time and are blocking out floors above and below to minimixe the noise, etc. I'm going to e-mail them today and see what I can find out about what the food service situation will be like in April.

-Bill

More info here:
http://www.rihgaroyalny.com/evolution/evolution.cfm

I didn't know that TxTravelPro. Recently heard the Essex House is no longer a Westin hotel but the Meridiens including Parker Merid. are now part of Starwood.

Wow! Golden Door and Gordon Ramsey in NYC.

http://www.thelondonnyc.com/gordon_r...don_ramsay.cfm

Stay now folks cause this hotel will not be affordable after the renovation.

How has the Essex faired since Jumeirah took over?
I was pretty surprised when Westin let that one go... or possibly it was a franchise property?

My daughter and I stayed on the top floor in November. We thought it was glorious. The suite was HUGE. It must have been remodeled already because it was so lovely. the living room is furnished nicely, even accessorized. The furniture was pretty and included a sleeper sofa.
There was room for a large dining table - and a small kitchen area. They must have guests who entertain large groups or something because otherwise a table like that seems odd - but it was a great place to sort stuff and to read the paper, etc. The bar contained full liters of good stuff, stocked like a nice home.

the bedroom was very large with two large, extremely comfy beds, a walk0in closet, separate dressing area, and lovely marble bathroom.

There was also a large, marble half-bath with plenty of room to do make-up.

We didn't realize at first about the sleeper sofa, so we had requested a cot. I have to tell you that I have never, ever been so comfortable. The cot was from heaven!

All in all, it was a most pleasant stay.

We paid almost $400.

There are restaurants all over the place there, so even if the restaurant is closed (it was open be way too expensive for nothing) you can find food on 7th.