The Grand Hyatt New York at Grand Central Station closed during the pandemic and re-opened November 1 as the Hyatt Grand Central. The best feature of the hotel, its club lounge with indoor and outdoor seating, did not re-open.

This was a property that wasn’t supposed to re-open. It was going to be demolished. Its 40 year tax abatement expired last year. But the city passed a law that meant that if the hotel didn’t re-employ at least 25% of workers it would have to pay out $15,000 per worker. The tear-down will still happen, it’s just not clear when.

In the meantime, the hotel is often available at relatively low prices (I’ve seen it as low as $149, and a few months ago even less). And it was literally next door to where I’d need to be, and as a general principle I try to stay as close to where I’m going in New York City as possible.

So while it’s never been ‘the hotel I look forward to staying at’ it’s occasionally been ‘the hotel that makes the most sense for where to stay.’

I checked in and there were two staff members at the desk and a largely empty lobby. I walked right up. I saw online that I’d been pre-upgraded to a suite.

The hotel charges a $39.99 plus tax Destination Fee that is mostly useless but does include a $15 beverage credit in the market.

As a Globalist elite member I don’t pay the destination fee on paid stays (no one does on award redemptions) but the $15 daily credit still applies.

Globalists also pick up their two bottles of water per day in the market and turn in a card given at check-in there for an amenity which is a bag containing snack mix, two bottles of water, and a welcome note.

I was told that the Globalist breakfast benefit is one premade microwaved sandwich from the market and a drink. Others have been told it’s a $28 credit per person (so $56 for two). It’s among the worst Globalist breakfasts at any ostensibly full service brand in the chain. $28 seems like it might go along way, but breakfast sandwiches are $13++. There are pastry items to choose from as well.

The hotel, Donald Trump’s first big re-development in Manhattan, has many odd-shaped rooms. In general rooms are small, and the larger ones have odd footprints. I was upgraded to what’s called a corner suite but it was still quite small, and wasn’t a true suite just a larger room with furniture separating the living and bedroom areas.

A few things in the room are a bit rough around the edges, this was loose and bent:

And the toilet was so tightly placed between sink and shower that some people will find it uncomfortable sitting.

Ultimately the hotel is well-located. It is quiet, as they seem not to have the entire property open. My room was clean and comfortable. It used to be one of the best for elite treatment, but with the club closed no restaurant for breakfast it no longer is. Still, when this is where you need to be in the city and the price is right – it was less than 1/3 the cost of the nearby Andaz 5th Avenue for instance – it can be the right choice.