The next two installments cover my time between two trips. I returned to New York on Saturday, while Ford and I were headed to the Azores and Italy on Tuesday (he would meet me in New York on Monday). So I decided to hang around New York for a few days.
New York is usually a really expensive hotel market, though it was fairly inexpensive for the weekend I was there. Long story short I decided to book the Hyatt Herald Square, which had the lowest paid rate I’ve ever booked at a NYC hotel — the AAA rate was just $117.
I decided to book this for the first two nights, and then for the last night Ford would be joining me, so I figured we’d try something new. I’ve reviewed the Hyatt Herald Square before, so will keep this relatively brief. However, I figured an update would be worthwhile, given that it has been nearly three years since I’ve reviewed the property.
The hotel is located on 31st between 5th and Broadway. While I like being outside the heart of midtown, the immediate area around the Hyatt Herald Square isn’t that great. However, the hotel does have a nice outdoor patio with comfortable couches.
Hyatt Herald Square outside patio
The entire lobby sort of has living room vibes, with a coffee machine and kitchen counter on the left, where I ordered a couple of coffee drinks during my stay.
Hyatt Herald Square lobby
Immediately inside the entrance were the elevators, and then down the hallway was the intimate check-in area.
Hyatt Herald Square lobby
Hyatt Herald Square lobby
I found the staff at the hotel to be exceptionally friendly and well intentioned across the board. This is a small hotel, and the staff sort of let off a “small business” vibe, if that makes any sense.
The associate offered me late check-out and explained the breakfast benefit for the hotel. One thing to note about this hotel is that there are no suites, and the rooms are really small, at just under 200 square feet. That’s why this hotel is often priced more attractively than other Hyatt options in the city.
I took the elevator up to the 17th floor, where my room, #1705, was located.
Hyatt Herald Square room exterior
As you can see, each floor has just six rooms.
Hyatt Herald Square floorplan
The room featured an entryway with a sliding door to the left that led into the bathroom.
Hyatt Herald Square room entryway
Straight ahead was the rest of the room, which was small but functional.
Hyatt Herald Square king room
The room had a comfortable king size bed with five pillows.
Hyatt Herald Square king room
By the window was a couch as well as an adjustable side table.
Hyatt Herald Square king room couch
Then across from that was a console with a TV, as well as a small makeshift desk or vanity, depending on how you look at it.
Hyatt Herald Square king room TV
In the far corner of the room was an exposed closet.
Hyatt Herald Square king room
Then next to the bed near the window was a small side table, which also had a compartment with a coffee machine and mini-fridge.
Hyatt Herald Square king room side table
The fridge was empty, so you could put whatever you want in it, rather than having to pay $8 for a Diet Coke.
Hyatt Herald Square king room mini-fridge
While there was a coffee machine, it didn’t really seem like they encouraged you to use it, based on how it was awkwardly placed and wasn’t plugged in. Fortunately that’s not really an issue in NYC, since you can get great coffee 24/7 on just about any block.
Hyatt Herald Square king room coffee machine
Hyatt Herald Square king room coffee machine
The room didn’t have noteworthy views, though they were fine — the only thing I’d note is that the window was filthy.
Hyatt Herald Square king room view
The room didn’t have a traditional desk — not because the hotel thinks millennials don’t need desks (at least I don’t think that’s the reason), but rather because of how compact it is. So this is a room where you’re either stuck working from bed, the couch, the vanity, or from the lobby, which is at least a nice space.
The bathroom was small but functional, much like the rest of the room. It had a sink, toilet, and shower. I do wish the shower controls were easier to use without having to get in the shower first, but otherwise I found the bathroom to be functionally designed.
Hyatt Herald Square king room shower & toilet
Hyatt Herald Square king room bathroom
Toiletries were from KenetMD, which I consider to be fine.
Hyatt Herald Square king room toiletries
So no, you won’t get a huge suite upgrade at this hotel, but I find the rooms to be functionally designed, and if I’m traveling alone, I find them to be cozy. After getting almost no sleep at the Renaissance Naples the night before (partly due to the AC not working), I hibernated for about 15 hours at the Hyatt Herald Square, thanks to the blackout curtains and excellent AC. I know it’s weird, but I always sleep better in smaller rooms.
Both mornings I had breakfast in the hotel’s little restaurant, called The Den, which has just about half a dozen tables.
Hyatt Herald Square breakfast restaurant
Hyatt Herald Square breakfast restaurant
The menu read as follows:
As a Globalist member I could have one thing from the healthy start menu and one thing from the signature dishes menu, plus a drink of my choice.
Both mornings I had the same thing. I had the organic greek yogurt with fresh berries to start (though the second morning I ordered it without the syrup, since it was a bit much for me).
Hyatt Herald Square Globalist breakfast
Then I had scrambled eggs with avocado. Yum!
Hyatt Herald Square Globalist breakfast
Hyatt Herald Square bottom line
I think the Hyatt Herald Square is fantastic for what it is. The rooms are small and cozy, the staff are friendly, and the Globalist breakfast is filling and tasty. If traveling alone and the price is right, I think this is a great option in NYC.
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