JW Marriott Essex House New York

After nearly 225 nights a year in hotels and stays at almost every Marriott property in Manhattan, JW Essex has been the best. I usually give up one amenity for another, but not here. I'd give it Michelin stars. The location makes it easy to reach both the east and west sides, with Central Park close by for a little nature. There are four garage options within a block, and the subway at 57th and 7th, two blocks south, makes getting around easy. From the turnstile onward, every team member was warm, welcoming, and kind. I felt like a guest, not a customer. My room was meticulously clean. I opted out of daily cleaning, but housekeeping still checked whether I needed towels or toiletries, a thoughtful touch. After stressful workdays, my evenings here helped me decompress and reset. For the first time in years, I rested my face on a hotel pillow and my nervous system didn't notice I wasn't home. I woke up clear-headed and grounded, ready for the next day. I'm deeply grateful for an experience that let me truly unwind. Thank you.

I want to recognize Shakeeb, the Front Desk Manager, for the care he gave my wife and me. He went out of his way from the moment we arrived to make sure we were looked after and satisfied. He was polite, professional, and attentive, patiently answered my questions, handled every concern, and made us feel valued. It's rare to find someone who takes this much pride in his work. His positive attitude and willingness to accommodate us made a real difference, and we'll absolutely return because of him. Service like this doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you, Shakeeb, for going above and beyond! Steve and Nicole

I loved the restaurant’s darker Art Deco style mixed with traditional touches, especially a window seat where you can watch the horse carriages, the greenery, and people in Central Park. The hotel itself is fun to wander around, and getting to the park is easy. Service felt premium because staff were always around to answer questions or help, with things like water, umbrellas, newspapers, taxis, and bag carrying readily offered.

The room was the main problem for me. Its carpet looked dirty and worn, the blinds had mold on them, and the furniture was stained, damaged, and torn. The shower was clogged too. I managed to fix that myself, but it added to the impression that the room wasn’t being maintained. At this price and with the JW Marriott name, the accommodations should match the service. The staff were consistently friendly, professional, and helpful, and the Executive Lounge was a bright spot, with a good breakfast, pleasant evening hors d’oeuvres, and a comfortable place to unwind. The hotel has an older, classic charm, and its location felt excellent and very safe. Still, the poor condition of the room is why I gave it a low rating.