u/NickD1228

I know that this topic has been discussed in the past, but looking for a current perspective.

Which would you choose and why?

Maybourne definitely seems covered with common area options and spa, yet the rooms seem somewhat underwhelming. Also, are there any street noise issues (given proximity to well-trafficked streets).

L'Ermitage is hard for me to gauge. I can't tell if the rooms are dated, yet it gets great reviews. Also, cost/benefit ratio seems solid. Assuming rooms are quiet, given the location of hotel.

Thanks!

I am curious if anyone else has experienced issues with receiving cash back (Amex points) in relation to a Sixt car rental.

I booked a Sixt car rental (via Rakuten) earlier this week, as to take advantage of the 15x promo week offered by Rakuten. Timing worked out perfectly because I am currently planning a trip to Europe in the Fall.

I thoroughly read the relevant 'terms and conditions' and adhered to all stipulations. Primarily, I utilized the 'Pay Now' option on the Sixt website. For reference, I made the booking 7 days ago.

All seemed well and fine, until I realized that there is still no documentation or acknowledgment of the transaction on my Rakuten profile. Within the 'Shopping Trips' section, it indicates that I visited the Sixt website, but the 'Order Placed' column is still blank.

I reached out to the Rakuten Member Services team, via e-mail, explaining my concerns, but have admittedly, received little, if any, reassurances. After going back-and-forth (three e-mail exchanges) with two different team members, neither would even confirm that the transaction will qualify for 15x and/or that a transaction even occurred. They simply kept repeating to me that I have to wait until 6 weeks after my trip ends before I can inquire about the related points. The trip is 6 months away. And I have no Rakuten confirmation whatsoever that I will receive 15x points (let alone that a transaction even occurred).

And, quite frankly, both team members seemed very careful not to provide a concrete answer to my specific inquiries. (i.e.: Please confirm that the Sixt transaction occurred? Please confirm that the transaction will qualify for the 15x points?)

So I have to wait 7 months to then write them back? Clearly, something seems amiss here. I only utilized the 'Pay Now' option to qualify for the 15x promotion. Now I am stuck with a rental that I can't cancel without a penalty fee. And I still don't have any confirmation or reassurances that the transaction will qualify.

Anyone experience similar issues?

Curious as to the preference for those that have stayed at both properties. And why.

While I used to reside in NYC, I have since moved away several years ago, but still visit the city fairly often. During my visits, I basically default to utilizing the Crosby for accommodations. At least initially, it checked all of my primary boxes: (1) Location (I have always been a 'Downtown' person); (2) Proximity to preferred subway lines (the '6' is right around the corner); (3) Quiet (I have never once experienced a noise issue throughout my stays); (4) Service (while not perfect, they are generally on point).

Yet, I am starting to wonder if I have fallen complacent. I now find myself listing what is less than ideal about the property: (1) Square footage (comparatively, for the price point, the rooms provide some of the least square footage for a luxury hotel); (2) Lack of in-house spa (for the price point, this should be standard); (3) Sub-par food & beverage (breakfast is consistently mediocre and slow / cocktails are hit-or-miss); (4) Gym (a shoebox of a room); (5) Service (while generally competent, there have been a few moments: doorman not to be found; inconsistent room service; occasional coldness from front desk).

While I am aware of most other hotel options in the Downtown area, the Greenwich seems to be the only other option that appeals to me. I have utilized their spa several times, but have never stayed there (so not too familiar at all with much else). My curiosities: How are the room layouts?; Are the rooms quiet (street noise)?; How are the 'guests only' common areas?; How would you rate service?; Food and beverage quality?

Thanks!

I know that this topic has been exhausted, but haven't seen a new thread in 8 months, so thought I'd seek a fresh update.

My wife and I will be spending 4 nights in Chicago in August. No kids. Will probably cap room choice at $1,300 per night. Preferences: quiet rooms; good view; newest (modern) hard product. We will not be dining at hotel, but may use the spa.

We are FS loyalists, but read that only certain room categories have been updated (not sure which). Input on this would be great. Appreciate the high floors (quiet). Would probably aim for Lake-View Executive Suite (or) One-Bedroom Suite.

The Peninsula seems appealing and potentially more bang-for-your-buck. Not sure how high floors are (noise issues). Would probably aim for Deluxe Suite (or) Premier Deluxe Suite.

I would have added The Langham, of which there seem to be loyalists, but have read recent reviews stating that it has since gone downhill.

All thoughts and advice appreciated!