The MC, Autograph Collection

We did get a refund, but that doesn’t undo the disruption or the way this left us remembering what should have been a happy family weekend. The front desk manager was condescending when I explained that we hadn’t realized the pet policy meant dogs only. She said guests usually call to check. We travel often and have never needed to do that when a hotel advertises itself as pet friendly. My partner and I had booked the MC Hotel for Friday May 29 through Sunday, May 31, while planning to spend more than a week in the New York metro region. We brought our quiet, well-behaved 16-year-old cat because the hotel said it was pet friendly. After letting us up to the room, staff told us cats weren’t allowed and that the policy only covered dogs. We had to scramble to find somewhere for our cat, while dogs in nearby rooms were yapping. At the same time, my partner, who was in a wedding party staying at the hotel, was running late for his cousin’s rehearsal in Newark. The staff wouldn’t take responsibility for the vague, misleading policy on the website. This experience has put us off staying at any Marriott property again.

Destiny was the reason this earned four stars. Even with too many tables and too few staff around, she stayed composed, attentive, professional, and gracious. She made people feel noticed and cared for, and she’s a real asset to the restaurant. The evening itself felt chaotic. The wait for even the first course was far too long, and it seemed clear the restaurant wasn’t organized or staffed for the number of guests. We’d paid online ahead of time, but that payment wasn’t on the check. Destiny had to leave her busy section to find a manager and fix an issue that should have been handled out of sight. She shouldn’t have had to cover for management. Her service was five-star. The management and operations were a letdown, and the restaurant needs stronger coordination and accountability.

The MC Hotel sits right in Montclair, close to restaurants, cafés, and shops, and the town and skyline views through the large room windows are lovely. The rooms were clean, modern, and carefully designed. I also really enjoyed the rooftop terrace, a great spot to relax with a drink and take in the wide views. Breakfast was excellent, with fresh, quality options and friendly service. It’s a comfortable, stylish, convenient place to stay, and I’d highly recommend it.

The view from the rooftop was really pretty, though getting into the bar can take a while, so make a reservation ahead of time. I stayed one night for my honeymoon and wasn’t disappointed. The room was nice and clean, and the staff were friendly. It’s in the middle of busy Montclair, within walking distance of the art museum and plenty of nearby restaurants if you don’t want to eat at the hotel restaurant.