Reviews

CONRAD NEW YORK MIDTOWN

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Upon walking into Conrad New York Midtown, I was immediately drawn to a large sculpture depicting Leda and the Swan by contemporary artist Carole Feuerman and impressed by the slick and stylish yet inviting lobby. Several of the staff warmly greeted me. Although I arrived mid-morning, understandably too early to get my room, the staff allowed me to check in, store my bags and freshen up in the restaurant restroom. The process was amazingly quick and easy.

When I asked the doorman for directions to the Javits Center, he wisely suggested I walk to the Hudson River, which allowed me to see the USS Intrepid, among other sites.

GUEST QUARTERS: My three most important requirements in a hotel room are bed comfort, shower quality and noise control. All three proved superb in my spacious City View suite. The king bed provided a fantastic night of sleep. The strong water pressure combined with steamy water to make my shower seem like a massage, with the showerhead offering other spray options, too. Perhaps most important, especially in a bustling area like Midtown, the room seemed soundproof. I did not hear any noise from the halls or outside. In place of a mint on the pillow, a box of decadent chocolates greeted me.

The other room of the suite held a sofa, dining table and refrigerator. Both rooms offered beautiful views of Midtown and had large flat-screen TVs.

SERVICES/AME-

NITIES: The property houses an art collection featuring 37 artists, including an original Henri Matisse lithograph, two original Andy Warhol silkscreens and two limited-edition photographs by Amy Judd. At 1,500 square feet, the 24-hour fitness center was surprisingly large. My favorite part was the heavy bag, which I have not seen in a hotel fitness center. I got plenty of use from the bag and other equipment, providing some of the best hotel workouts I have ever experienced. Other pluses were the speed of the elevators and WiFi. Although I did not eat at Dabble, the on-site restaurant, it exuded a lively, casual vibe. The property also includes seven customizable venues for meetings or events. Conrad Serenity, a refreshing but subtle scent, wafts through the property through a partnership with Air Aroma.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

The property lies close to Times Square and a short walk from Central Park, Columbus Circle, the Hudson River area and more.

Cleanliness and friendliness seem to be top priority everywhere and from everyone. -------------------------

The hotel is pet-friendly, with a 24/7 business center and valet parking. -------------------------

The art on display is museum-worthy.

CONRAD NEW YORK MIDTOWN 151 W. 54th St. New York, NY 10019 tel 212 307 5000 conradnewyorkmidtown.com

PORT ROYAL WILDWOOD CREST

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: My husband and I arrived at Port Royal Wildwood Crest on a Friday evening in mid-September. Even though it’s outside of the traditional “season” at the Jersey Shore, we actually prefer to visit the area in September. We were blessed with wonderful weather the weekend we went and were able to spend all day Saturday on the beach. Despite being off-season, there was a firefighters’ convention in town the same weekend, so we still experienced check-in and parking at a busier time, and both were as easy as could be. Parking at the beach can be difficult to find and expensive, but Port Royal offers on-site parking and a below-ground parking garage, and parking was simple and painless all weekend.

GUEST QUARTERS: All guestrooms at Port Royal have private balconies and ocean views — calming and peaceful from the second you arrive.

Our Ocean Suite was massive, and it would be perfect to host families with children. The room opened into the bedroom area, with two queen-sized beds, a nightstand between and a dresser opposite with a television. Just off the bedroom and to the right of the entrance was a dressing area with a closet and sink/ mirror/vanity. The bathroom, with a shower, toilet and second sink, lay just off of this nook.

Walking through the bedroom, the suite opened to a kitchenette, dining table and living room area. The sofa could be converted into a queen-sized bed. Another TV hung above the dining table, across from the couch. Sliding glass doors led to the balcony, with seating, overlooking the beach.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: In addition to being perfectly located to the beach, Port Royal sits near two parks and is surrounded by green space. In Wildwood Crest, it’s not directly near the boardwalk, but we did walk and bike between the hotel and the boardwalk. The rest of the areas of The Wildwoods lie within an easy drive.

On-site Royal Grille serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with indoor and outdoor dining options. The seating options were expanded in 2021. We had breakfast at the hotel on Sunday morning before our departure — great coffee, and I enjoyed my breakfast burrito with chorizo.

Other on-site amenities include an outdoor pool, game room, maritime library, outdoor fire pit and guest laundry.

REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol Inlander

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

Location, location, location: This phrase is especially apt at Port Royal Hotel, situated right on the beach. Our balcony overlooked the sand and surf, and there really isn’t a better hotel nearby for beach views and access.

Wildwood is known as the “Doo Wop Capital,” and its influence is evident in the architecture throughout the island. While Port Royal doesn’t boast the architecture, many nearby buildings and properties do, offering hotel guests a chance to take in some history. -------------------------

The hotel’s founder has a love of the sea and boating, and a maritime theme is prevalent throughout; however, it’s done tastefully and as a complement to the modern, up-to-date accommodations.

PORT ROYAL HOTEL 6801 Ocean Ave. Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260 tel 609 729 2000 moreyspiers.com