We recently spent a delightful weekend at the Radisson Martinique on Broadway in New York City.
This hotel is part of the Club Carlson chain, and I was lucky enough to secure a two-night stay for 50,000 points with their “second night free” option for Club Carlson credit card holders.
I earned the points as a bonus when I opened the Club Carlson credit card, and paid the annual fee of $60 for the business card. Thus technically speaking, two free nights cost me $60.
Are the eStandby Upgrades Worth It?
When I booked my stay online, I was offered the option of several eStandby upgrades.
- High Floor: Enjoy your stay about the streets of NYC, $30 extra per night ($40 value);
- Martinque Club Level – 1 King bed, includes a complimentary breakfast and access to the Executive lounge, $0 extra per night ($75 value); or
- Executive Suite – 1 King bed, separate living room area with sofa bed, complementary buffet breakfast and access to the Executive lounge, $69 Extra per night ($100 value.)
The deal is that you find out at check-in if you are awarded any of the add-on offers, and if so, you are obligated to pay the up charge.
I chose option 2, which had no added cost. I didn’t particularly care about being on the Club Level, because I had heard they didn’t serve refreshments there like at many other hotels, but the notion of free breakfast seemed worth a try.
Free Breakfast Vouchers at the Hotel Martinque in NYC
Ad things turned out, I was not offered the upgrade when checking-in. But I had a back-up option: the Radisson Martinque App! The iPhone app contains a coupon that you can redeem for a free breakfast buffet.
I was surprised when the front desk clerk provided vouchers for the full breakfast buffet for two mornings. I was traveling with my sister and my daughter, so we received 6 free breakfast vouchers in total. The regular price of the breakfast buffet is $29.95 per person.
Because I had Gold status (a perk of holding the Club Carlson credit card) I received a welcome gift of a small box of Belgian chocolates.
The breakfast buffet offered lots of choices, including fresh fruit, tomatoes and cucumbers, cheese, bacon, omelets, home fries, french toast, pastries, cereals, juice and coffee. It wasn’t the best breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen — I certainly wouldn’t pay $30 for it — but it offered a nice selection, and it enabled us to get an early start on our day.
What I Loved About the Martinque on Broadway
- 1.5 block walk from Penn Station
- Clean, comfortable rooms, and fairly large for NYC
- Free wifi
- Literally on top of the Subway station and an easy walk to midtown or SoHo
- A park across the street
- Belgian chocolates on your pillow at night
- In Korea town, across the street from Macy’s, and near many cheap jewelry stores
- Beautifully preserved historic hotel with gorgeous mosaics in the lobby and a 15-story marble spiral staircase
- International clientele including many airline personnel
- Genuinely friendly staff and good service
- Free bottled water in your room and a Keurig coffeemaker
What I Didn’t Like
- It was quite crowded in the breakfast room, and there was a bit of a wait for a table and for coffee.
- The beds in our 2-bed room were on the small size, more like two full beds than two queens.
- Late check-in time of 4 p.m. and early checkout at 11 a.m.
Nevertheless, the Martinque graciously allowed my sister to check in at 12:30 p.m. and extended us a late checkout until 1 p.m. — due to my Gold status.
Where to Get Carryout if You Stay at the Martinique
We needed to grab something to eat on the train so we headed to the Asian Market about half a block from the Martinique. At the very back of the market, there is a case of fresh sashimi, nicely packaged and ready to go, as well as a delicious Korean maki roll with purplish rice. Highly recommended! We picked up some sliced fresh fruit as well.
Also, there is a nice Korean-run French bakery and cafe a few doors down.
What’s the Upshot?
I am already looking forward to my next points stay at the Martinique. You may need to book several months in advance to find availability for award stays.
If you are paying cash, you may find that the rate drops for close-in reservations. Also, be sure to take advantage of the discount rate for Facebook friends.
You may find special offers to earn extra points for your stay, such as the 3,000 point bonus currently being offered for stays booked via the Club Carlson mobile app. The hotel sometimes offers package rates that include double Club Carlson Points or a 10,000 point bonus for for an extra fee.
Comments From My Sister
Extra plus at breakfast: organic hardboiled eggs for those of us who are fussy about food.
Super extra plus at breakfast: sit at the window and look directly onto a lovely urban park–I think it is called Greeley Square Park.
My sister didn’t know this (because I ate ALL the chocolate) but we actually got three boxes of Belgian chocs. One when I checked in, one when she checked in, and one the second day! Whoopee!
Please Remember
When you get your entire stay — room and food — for free, you still should tip as if you’d paid full rate. The staff was excellent.