I travel for a work a few times a year, and I'm always amused when my co-workers tell me, "Oh…read moreJames, you're so 'Lucky' that you get to travel." Yeah..."lucky." That's what I am. Anyone's who's had the pleasure of engaging in business travel knows that it's long hours getting to and from the job site, not eating Michelin star meals but more often at chain restaurants, and of course, not staying at the Ritz Carlton...but at places like TownPlace Suites in Brooklyn.
I just finished up a multi-week stay here for a big project. It wasn't terrible; but also not amazing. I'm a Marriott loyalty member, so I try and book at these properties if given the choice. Located in the Gowanus/Park Slope neighborhood, it is conveniently located a 2-3 min walk from the Union Street MTA stop; which is good since there really isn't a lot of parking associated with the hotel.
The Good:
* Central location - My NY office was near the Barclay's center, so I walked daily to and from the hotel. And it is within a 15-20 min of the always Park Slope neighborhood replete with trendy restaurants and shopping. And being near a MTA stop is a HUGE plus since it also made getting to NY Penn station easier.
* Included breakfast - It's not anything fancy, but it's nice not having to spend any Per Diem on breakfast. Surprisingly, the coffee is flavorful and strong. In additon to dairy creamers, non-dairy (Oat and Soy Milk) creamers are also provided. Otherwise, it's the usual assortment of pastries, cereal, and hot items like sausage/bacon, powdered eggs, etc. Again, nothing fancy but it's nice at 6:30am to just hop on the elevator and be able to grab breakfast without having to leave the hotel.
* Room layout - Upgrades to this property include Container Store branded Elfa shelving in the closet. This proved more helpful that I thought since I was able to place my roller bag at waist level for easy sorting; and hanging suits and other clothing was convenient. As usual, for business travelers, an iron and mini-ironing board are also provided.
Bathroom was clean and the shower had good water pressure with wall mounted body wash, shampoo/conditioner.
Kitchenette with microwave and sink was also handy. You can request a mini-induction cooktop if you want to prepare any food.
* Daily housekeeping - This "perk" seems to be rapidly disappearing across hotels. It was nice to have housekeeping refresh towels, come back to a made bed, and trash emptied.
* Fitness center - I used it a few times. Treadmills, stationary bikes and some weights. Not bad if you want to get a workout in.
The Bad:
* Thin Walls and Door - Many reviews note the "paper thin walls," and I agree with that assessment. As referenced, this is not the Ritz Carlton, so don't be surprised if you "accidentally" overhear your neighbors convos if they're speaking loudly. The hotel has a "quiet hours" policy between 10pm-5am, but I can attest that several nights, inconsiderate guests returned around 1-2am and were quite rowdy which I'm sure awakened everyone along the hallway.
* Loud HVAC unit - more and more hotels are switching to the "invidual window HVAC units." I get it. Installing central air heating and cooling units in each room is cost prohibitive. But these window A/C units are so loud that it makes sleeping difficult
* Transitional neighborhood - The immediate area is "safe," but a few nights when my colleagues were walking back from the Union Street MTA, there is currently an empty lot where there were some "questionable" people hanging around...and I'll leave it at that. I'm sure in another 3-5 yrs, a high rise selling million dollar condos will be erected.
This is NYC, so don't be shocked by the prices. I paid the corporate rate, so my pricing is not representative for what a "regular" customer would pay.
TBH, for downtown Brooklyn this TownPlace Suites isn't bad.