Review: JW Marriott Essex House New York | Marriott Bonvoy

Our stay at the JW Marriott Essex House New York

Thanks to the – very recent – complementarity of the Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programs, it has become possible to transfer points from one loyalty program to the other.

But also to obtain an equivalence of status in the two hotel groups.

Having the Marriott Bonvoy Gold status thanks to my American Express Platinum Card – also available to holders of the American Express Corporate Platinum Card – I instantly obtained Marriott Bonvoy Gold status allowing, among other things, upgrades, late check-out, and breakfasts (or access to the hotel lounge).

Room reservation with points at the JW Marriott Essex House New York

As a loyal Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program starpoint collector, including American Express personal and corporate credit card sign-up bonuses, I had a significant number of SPG starpoints.

To book a room for 2 nights at the JW Marriott Essex House New York, I needed to have 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points according to the site (that’s 45,000 points per night instead of US$570 that weekend).

However, while continuing the reservation, surprise! The stay will only cost 85,000 points because a promotion was applied on one night (PointSaver).

The conversion rate is 3 Marriott Bonvoy points = 1 SPG starpoint, so I transferred 28,334 starpoints (or 85,002 Marriott points) to afford this stay! The transfer was instantaneous, so I was able to book immediately.

Arrival at the JW Marriott Essex House New York

The hotel is located across the street from Central Park, right next to Columbus Circle. Being in a car, we had the choice to either leave the car with the valet (70 US$ per night) or to find a place… which we managed to do along Central Park… which was free for the weekend.

Despite a late morning arrival, our room is already ready (one of the benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Gold status when available).

This weekend being for us an occasion to celebrate our wedding anniversary, I had mentioned it when booking… and Yamira L. at the reception did her best to find us the best room available: it will be for us an upgrade of 10 categories to be in a « suite with a view on Central Park » on the 38th floor (out of the 40 that the hotel has)… for the second night the hotel being full the first.

First night: a classic room at the JW Marriott Essex House New York

We took possession of our room on the 28th floor which is very comfortable and well above New York standards.

The bathroom in the Essex Room has a bath/shower and is quite spacious, still above Manhattan standards.

The view is « Manhattan side » so on the buildings side.

Second night: a suite overlooking Central Park at the JW Marriott Essex House New York

Coming back from our walk, we discover our new room, a suite on the 38th floor with a view on Central Park… and what a view!

Our luggage had been transferred there and a small welcome gift was waiting for us.

Thank you again to Megan D. for this kind gesture!

This suite is composed of an entrance hall with a shower room.

A living room with a sofa bed, a room that will be our daughter’s bedroom with 2 windows overlooking Central Park.

A « corner » master bedroom with a view of both Central Park & Columbus Circle and its own bathroom.

The bathroom has a large bathtub (not the traditional bathtub-shower) and a large enclosed shower.

I might as well tell you that this sequel exceeded all our expectations. My two « princesses » hung out of the windows during the entire sunset!

Benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Gold status

At the JW Marriott Essex House New York, we used all the benefits offered by the Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, namely:

• the upgrade (and what an upgrade!)
• early arrival (at noon)
• late departure (at 4pm)
• Free WI-FI (instead of $16.95 per 24 hours)
• access to the « JW Executive Lounge

The JW Executive Lounge

The JW Executive Lounge is located on the Lobby level next to the elevators. It is only available to Marriott Bonvoy Gold or Platinum members.

It is open on weekends at lunchtime, and the rest of the week during the day and evening.

Unlike other hotels that simply offer the minimum in their lounges, the JW Marriott Essex House goes the extra mile. We have everything that makes a good breakfast! That’s enough to save 45$ / person (!!!), price asked for the lunches at the hotel restaurant.

I might as well warn you that the lounge is quite busy in the morning. However, we quickly found a seat (and it has seats for children, which is very nice).

In the evening, appetizers and refreshments are offered. However, alcohol is not free.

Bottom Line

As you might expect from this travelogue, this was a great stay at the JW Marriott Essex House New York. For about 28,000 starpoints (or 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points), I think it’s a real bargain for a luxurious stay at this 4-star hotel in New York.

As a reminder, the American Express Marriott Bonvoy credit card alone already earns 20,000 starpoints!

Go further with Marriott Bonvoy

To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.