Arrival/Check-In: On an overnight visit to New York City, my former colleague, Olivia Falcione, and I stayed at Trump International Hotel & Tower. With an enviable Central Park location, the hotel enjoys an advantage over the competition with its unbelievable views. Upon arrival, the friendly doormen escorted us inside to check in. I was surprised by the size of the lobby — it’s small and somewhat plain in comparison to other hotels. I suppose I was expecting more grandiosity. Check-in was quick, and within minutes we were on our way to our executive city one-bedroom suite.

Guest Quarters: The view from our guestroom was breathtaking; from our vantage point through the 10-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows, it felt as though we overlooked all of Manhattan. The suite was also generously sized, boasting 1.5 bathrooms well-stocked with amenities; a living room with a desk and dining table; a full European-style kitchen; and a large bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a TV, a dresser, an armchair and a large closet. All of the hotel guestrooms have kitchens, an offering unique to the property.

Also unique to the Trump properties is the Trump Attaché program, described as “more than a concierge or butler.” Some of the services available through the Attaché include dining reservations, grocery stocking, personal shopping, use of house cars and messenger services.

An attendant arrived quickly after check-in to make up the queen-sized sofa bed in the living room.

Services/Amenities: Our one-night stay was short, not affording us the opportunity to enjoy the hotel’s amenities. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s on-site restaurants include the 5-star Jean-Georges and the more relaxed Nougatine. In-room private chefs can be arranged, and 24-hour room service and an outdoor restaurant and bar, The Terrace, are offered.

Trump Spa offers a full slate of services in a 6,000-square-foot space, and the fitness center operates 24 hours a day. The meeting and event space also boasts Central Park and city views.

The location is a true selling point — it was a plus to enjoy a brisk morning jog in Central Park, only about a 30-second stroll from the front door of the hotel.

The Experience: As far as services and amenities go, Trump International Hotel & Tower has it covered, from the en-suite kitchenettes to the Attaché program and more.

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]

Trump International Hotel & Tower

1 Central Park West
New York, NY 10023
tel 212 299 1000

trumphotels.com