Location, location, location.  Add in a lot of class, over-the-top amenities, art, excellent service, and some bling and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what this great hotel in the middle of the Big Apple has to offer.  Kongo and Mrs. Kongo stayed here five nights the week after Thanksgiving and met up with Mrs. Kongo’s brother and sister-in-law who stayed at a nearby hotel.  This was their first visit to New York so everything had to be perfect.  Which, of course, it was.

The Grand Hyatt is located at Lexington and East 42nd Street next to Grand Central Station.  It’s a short walk to the Theater District, Times Square, Bryant Park, and all the other cool things to do in Midtown Manhattan.

Now we all know that hotel rooms in New York don’t come cheaply.  Kongo’s suite on the top floor of the Hyatt was actually free.  Well, free if you consider that he used his points and award perks from being a very, very frequent guest at Hyatt hotels.  Since he stays several months a year in various Hyatt rooms around the country on his business travels, Kongo loves nothing more than to treat Mrs. Kongo to over-the-top getaways using just points, which allows her that many more bananas for all the stores on 5th Avenue!  Kongo always recommends that if you’re a frequent traveler that you pick a hotel chain and stay with it then use your reward points for getaways like this!

One surprise was a giant monkey made from Legos that was in the dining room.  Who knew?  Another cool feature was the Apple computer iMac setup in the bedroom which allowed Kongo to easily keep in touch with his blog.

Along with the room came access to the Regency Club on the 16th Floor that included free breakfast, evening snacks, and a fully stocked honors bar.

The trip was really made special by the advance communications from Hyatt’s VIP Operations Manager, Silvia Zese, who checked with Kongo before arrival to make sure his slightest whims were addressed then followed up after arrival to make sure everything was perfect.  Of course everything was perfect!  The front desk, VIP Services, housekeeping, laundry, room service, and bellmen were all outstanding and professional.  They make you feel at home.

The next time you’re in New York, Kongo recommends staying at the Grand Hyatt.  You won’t regret it.  Tell them the monkey sent you!

Check out more about the Grand Hyatt here.

Travel safe.  Have fun.