The only travel I do is on biz - usually to attend conferences or to provide training to groups. Because I work in the meetings/hospitality industry, I am aware of what "should" or "can" be at hotels.
Ten days earlier I'd stayed at the historic and highly-rated US Grant Hotel in San Diego. My review, posted, speaks highly of the service; of the rooms, not at all.
Hiltons are generally good if not great. THIS Hilton I'd say was GREAT.
1. Service: Door and bell staff are on duty. That was a surprise. It is rare anymore for hotels to devote money to service staff that really assist guests. What I appreciated was also observing their assistance - helping guests understand the path to get across the highway to the Mall, ensuring that anyone who wanted help received it, etc.
The front desk was terrific as were the restaurant, bar, room service, banquet and meetings staff.
2. Guestroom: Oh how nice it was to be in a quiet room with lots of lamps! I do save energy and turn stuff off before I leave. When I am IN my room, I want to be able to read easily and have the warm ambience of light. The room faced the highway and not a sound from outside was heard.
The guest room also had my favorite bedside lamps: those with outlets on them!
I was upgraded ot the HHonors floor and loved that my room (729) was near the elevator and the HHonors lounge. Tho I didn't avail myself of the latter, it appeared comfortable and welcoming.
3. Bathroom: LARGE with good lighting, great sink faucet and shower pressure (see my review of US Grant and understand why this was important) and immaculate.
4. Cleanliness: Yes ... throughout the hotel. I met Annie, one of the housekeepers for the public areas, and was so taken with her kindness and her appreciation of me as a guest. It was easy to express my appreciation to and of her for her hard work.
5. Internet access: For HHonors members, there was no charge; for others, I think it was $9.95/day. The wifi worked well.
6. Shuttle: The hotel does have a shuttle to take guests to the Mall (Macy's, Nordstrom, and my guess is a ton of other shopping) and to the Newark Airport. I arrived and departed from Newark's Penn Station (train) and didn't use the shuttle so can't comment.
I DO recommend the car service that was used for me: www.broadway-elite.com - great and nice drivers. I especially appreciated the safe service back to the Station on Sat. a.m. during the snow and ice storm.
7. Food: Very good tho' I didn't try that much! I do not recommend the fish of the fish 'n' chips -- (yeah I know but it was a craving!) - a bit too bready; the potato chips tho were house-made and great. Their tomato-basil soup is wonderful and comforting!
8. TV: Of course it was flat screen and for me, that they had MSNBC was a good thing!
Yes, I would stay there again, and yes, I'd recommend it for meetings. Their in-house AV co. is excellent and easy to work with. Their banquet staff is excellent.
It was a good stay. My gratitude to the entire hotel and their staff.
- Short Hills Hilton
