A few days ago, we put together a list of the different hotels available in New York with Marriott Bonvoy points and Marriott Bonvoy starpoints. This gave us ideas… and for this Thanksgiving weekend we went to New York 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).
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$570 that weekend).
However, while continuing the reservation, surprise! The stay will only cost 85,000 points because a promotion was applied on one night (PointSaver).
The conversion rate is 3 Marriott Bonvoy points = 1 SPG starpoint, so I transferred 28,334 starpoints (or 85,002 Marriott points) to afford this stay! The transfer was instantaneous, so I was able to book immediately.
The hotel is located across the street from Central Park, right next to Columbus Circle. Being in a car, we had the choice to either leave the car with the valet (70 US$ 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).
Reception – JW Marriott Essex House New York Reception – JW Marriott Essex House New York Reception – JW Marriott Essex House New York Reception – JW Marriott Essex House New York
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.
We took possession of our room on the 28th floor which is very comfortable and well above New York standards.
Room Floor – JW Marriott Essex House New York The floors in the elevator – JW Marriott Essex House New York Essex Room – JW Marriott Essex House New York Essex Room – JW Marriott Essex House New York Essex Room – JW Marriott Essex House New York Essex Room – JW Marriott Essex House New York Essex Room – JW Marriott Essex House New York Essex Room – JW Marriott Essex House New York Essex Room – JW Marriott Essex House New York
The bathroom in the Essex Room has a bath/shower and is quite spacious, still above Manhattan standards.
Bathroom Essex Room – JW Marriott Essex House New York Bathroom Essex Room – JW Marriott Essex House New York
The view is “Manhattan side” so on the buildings side.
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.
Gift: a box of macaroons – Central Park Suite – JW Marriott Essex House New York Gift: 2 complimentary cocktails at the bar – JW Marriott Essex House New York
Thank you again to Megan D. for this kind gesture!
This suite is composed of an entrance hall with a shower room.
Lobby – Central Park Suite – JW Marriott Essex House New York Lobby – Central Park Suite – JW Marriott Essex House New York Powder Room – Central Park Suite – JW Marriott Essex House New York
A living room with a sofa bed, a room that will be our daughter’s bedroom with 2 windows overlooking Central Park.
Living room of a Central Park Suite – JW Marriott Essex House New York Living room of a Central Park Suite – JW Marriott Essex House New York Living room of a Central Park Suite – JW Marriott Essex House New York Living room of a Central Park Suite – JW Marriott Essex House New York
A “corner” master bedroom with a view of both Central Park & Columbus Circle and its own bathroom.
Central Park Suite Master Bedroom – JW Marriott Essex House New York Central Park Suite Master Bedroom – JW Marriott Essex House New York View of Columbus Circle from a Central Park Suite – JW Marriott Essex House New York Central Park Suite Master Bedroom – JW Marriott Essex House New York
The bathroom has a large bathtub (not the traditional bathtub-shower) and a large enclosed shower.
Central Park Suite bathroom – JW Marriott Essex House New York Central Park Suite bathroom – JW Marriott Essex House New York Central Park Suite bathroom – JW Marriott Essex House New York
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!
At the JW Marriott Essex House New York, we used all the benefits offered by the Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, namely:
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.
Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York
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.
Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge buffet – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge – JW Marriott Essex House New York Executive lounge – JW Marriott Essex House New York
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!
Savings are here:
