Experience New York Style Luxury at Trump Tower

The pleasant aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as I organized papers for my meeting. Sun streamed through windows that let in an idyllic view of springtime Central Park: bikers, joggers, and happy folks making their way through paths bordered with blooming daffodils and cherry trees. The doorbell rang. Gloria, my project partner, stepped into the sitting room of my suite at the Trump International Hotel and Tower and sighed, “It’s perfect. Let’s get to work.”

Gloria “got it” just as I had when I’d checked in the day before. The hotel’s blend of Cosmopolitan chic with homey touches made it a perfect choice of digs for my working vacation in New York last April.

I’d passed by the impressive glass and steel, 52-story Philip Johnson designed building often on previous visits. I’d chosen to stay there primarily for its excellent location. I knew I’d be busy with work, but a fantastic variety of leisure activities were close by to dash to for play times: Fifth Avenue shopping, Central Park, and the West Side highlights of Lincoln Center and the Time Warner Building. With the Columbus Circle subway stop around the corner and curbside taxis always available, I figured it would be tres convenient to get around town.

What I didn’t know was what a comfortable home away from home The Trump could be. From the moment the cab dropped me off and I was met by the crisply uniformed bellman, I was taken in by Trump’s signature “Focus on the customer” philosophy at work. Check-in at the chic small lobby, styled in light marble, polished brass and wood, was friendly and quick – in no time I was entering my 5th floor park view suite.

“Not too frou-frou,” was how my husband would have described the spacious one bedroom, two bath, sitting room set up. Traditional modern furnishings, accented with cinnamon and paprika colored fabrics created a soothing ambience. Highlights were fantastic floor to ceiling windows that let in lots of light and a stunning view, a brass telescope for city gazing, loads of closet space and a fully equipped kitchen. Add to that the 42” plasma TV, fax machine, VCR/DVD and CD players, plus free internet access and I was in heavenly business.

Like all guests, I was welcomed with a fruit and goodies basket, personalized stationery and business cards, and complimentary water labeled “Trump Ice.” As a fan of “The Apprentice” I recognized the bottle with Donald’s mug on it from a first season episode. In fact his presence was apparent throughout: there were “T”’s on everything from the gold seal on the toilet paper rolls to the monograms on the bathrobes and slippers. Complimentary perks also included daily newspaper delivery, overnight shoeshine, garment pressing (one upon arrival), and local phone calls under half an hour. Fresh flowers, Godiva coffee, chocolates at turndown, and a CD player on my night table were welcome homey touches.

The phone rang as I was unpacking. Who knew I’d just checked in? Why, my “Personal Attaché” of course. Trump’s commitment to customer satisfaction plays out with this unique service that’s on hand for any request – from booking theatre tickets, to grocery shopping, to arranging activities for families with kids. Guest preferences are kept on file so their needs are anticipated on return visits.

Though I didn’t have time to use it, I did check out the 6,000 square foot fitness center. It includes a 55-foot lap pool along with personal trainers who can assist with the many choices of cardiovascular equipment and free weights. Guests can even book yoga instructors or pros to guide them on bike rides and jogs in the park. The Trump Spa offers extensive services including facials and body glow treatments along with herbal wraps and massages, which can also be booked in-room.

Jean Georges, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, had just been given a Four Star review from the New York Times, so it was a no-brainer where I’d take my mid-day meeting. For such a critically acclaimed spot, I was pleased to see that a Fix Prixe lunch is always available for a bargain – two courses for $28.00. The wait staff in chic black attire glided about the airy minimalist dining room like fashion models, dropping us off a crab amuse bouche. With one bite, the tone was set for a meal of sensational flavors. “Yums” and “aaahs” punctuated our conversation as we savored rich dishes from a spicy tuna tartar to a warm chocolate cake with a heavenly gooey center. In-suite dining is available, whereby guests can book a chef from the restaurant to come up to their room, cook and serve a meal. Note to self: next time.

As a surprise treat to end our lunch, the waiter brought over a plate of picture perfect homemade chocolates, macaroons and merinques. There it was -- another exquisite perk that blended with the Trump Hotel style. It’s a place I’ll come back to: a sophisticated urban oasis that’s a perfect base for work and play in Manhattan.