FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Trump International Hotel & Tower New York

by Inverse Paradox

Jul 1, 2011
Editorial

Arrival/Check-in: I zipped through the traffic at Columbus Circle and pulled up in front of the hotel, where a bellman was ready and waiting to take my bags and escort me into the lobby. Smaller than I had expected — but particularly cozy on a cold and rainy day — the lobby featured a check-in desk on the right and a small sitting area on the left. The elevator bank was directly in front of me, opposite the hotel entrance. Check-in was quick and easy; I was on my way to my room within minutes of arrival. As I waited for the elevator, I chatted with an attendant who, much to my delight, remembered me and asked pertinent questions about my day, meetings, etc., every time our paths crossed throughout my two-night stay. (30/30)

Guest Quarters: My Executive Park View Suite opened to a spacious living area with a marble guest bath (complete with a shower) on the right and a well-equipped galley kitchen, outfitted with Sub-Zero appliances, on the left. I got a kick out of the bottled water: Trump-branded with The Donald’s smiling face front and center. The space was divided into three informal areas — dining (illuminated by a handcrafted Schonbeck crystal chandelier), relaxing and working.

The ample desk, strategically placed to optimize a gorgeous view of Central Park through floor-to-ceiling windows, offered everything I needed, including conveniently placed electrical outlets. Internet service was based on a two-tier system: complimentary for standard-speed connections and at a nominal fee for faster service. I opted to stick with standard and was not the least bit disappointed. I suppose guests transferring mega-files might want the faster service, but for run-of-the–mill communications and research, standard is definitely the way to go.

The separate bedroom featured a king-sized bed with plenty of pillows, high-thread-count linens and a cozy duvet, in addition to a sitting area overlooking the park. The main bath (tub/shower combo), also marble, was well equipped with plush towels, quality bath products and amenity kits containing just about everything a guest might need. A wall-mounted vanity mirror tilted to the perfect angle for make-up application. In my opinion, these little and often overlooked touches make a world of difference. My only complaint: a closet door so heavy I could barely slide it open. Or it could have been caught on the plush carpet. Either way, it was a small inconvenience. (28/30)

Services/Amenities: The standout feature during my stay at the Trump International Hotel & Tower was personal service from the staff. I felt more like a resident of a private apartment building than a guest in a hotel. Time didn’t permit a visit to the spa, a swim in the 55-foot indoor swimming pool or a meal at the 3-Michelin-star Jean-Georges. Perhaps next visit. (40/40)

The Experience: Shortly after my stay at New York’s Trump International Hotel & Tower, I was watching an episode of Celebrity Apprentice. The challenge involved creating an ad campaign for the hotel. While the celeb contestants wrangled with the concept of “luxury” and how to express it, I thought, a bit smugly, “I’d win this one.” Trump International Hotel & Tower is about luxury, but that’s understood and there are plenty of luxury hotels in New York City. What sets this property apart is the feeling of coming home. My winning slogan would have been: At Trump, you’re part of the family.

Total Score: 98/100

Trump International Hotel & Tower New York
One Central Park West
New York, NY 10023
tel 212 299 1000

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Jul 18, 2025

Hôtel de Sers Reopens in Paris

One of Paris’ most elegant addresses has reopened following a full renovation. Hôtel de Sers, part of the B Signature Hotels & Resorts portfolio, was once the private mansion of Henri-Léopold Charles, Marquis de Sers. Located within the illustrious Triangle d’Or, close to the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne, the property’s refined décor and original Haussmannian architectural elements have been carefully preserved. These include a spectacular marble staircase and the structure’s original carriage entrance, along with period features such as wrought-iron details and magnificent moldings and ceilings of the original salon de réception.

Three New Routes from TAP Air Portugal as Airline Celebrates 80 Years

TAP Air Portugal offers three new routes to Portugal:  from Boston (BOS) to Porto (OPO), Los Angeles (LAX) to Lisbon (LIS) and San Francisco (SFO) to Terceira (TER) in the Azores.

Global City Guidebook: Rome

With its rich culture, storied history, delicious food and excellent wine, it’s no wonder travelers flock to Rome. The Eternal City takes visitors back to the Golden Age as they explore the beauty, monuments and remains of ancient Rome.

Daily
Jul 18, 2025

Historic Washington, D.C., Hotel Unveils Renovations

Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. recently unveiled its reimagined guestrooms and suites. The design project pays homage to key moments in American history across its 335 restored accommodations, including 69 suites and 14 signature suites.

Sail Unique with Explora Journeys

SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.

July 2025
Jul 18, 2025

Global City Guidebook: Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is not only one of the capitals of South Africa but also the oldest city in the country. Cape Town hugs the Port of Cape Town in Table Bay, extending to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The city endured years of segregation during apartheid, including uprisings. Today the city continues to rebound in a post-apartheid era, with many major companies headquartered in the city center, popular beaches teeming with visitors in warmer months, engaging museums and aquariums, and a thriving tourist industry promoting the city’s culture and natural beauty.

eFlyer Reviews
Jul 16, 2025

Hotel Saint Augustine Review

Blending with its Montrose neighborhood like the indigenous and cultivated plants hugging the property’s walkways, the newly built Hotel Saint Augustine opened mid-January 2025. The first Bunkhouse hotel in Houston, Texas, is easily mistaken for garden apartments. Seventy-one guest rooms and suites encompass a tree-lined block. The hotel’s buildings are only two stories tall and also house a lobby, lounge, restaurant and event space. Tucked into a corner of the grounds sits a circular outdoor pool.

Smarter Business Travel: 12 Tips from IHG Business Edge

For small- and mid-sized businesses, travel is often a necessary part of growth — helping to strengthen client relationships, explore new markets and attend key industry events. But with rising costs and limited resources, keeping business travel efficient and budget-friendly is more important than ever.

eFlyer News
Jul 16, 2025

UNESCO Adds New Sites to World Heritage List

At UNESCO’s 47th World Heritage Convention, it announced 26 new inscribed properties to its World Heritage list, with many sites reflecting a greater focus on conservation and the natural environment.