Hilton Graduate NYC: The Ultimate Luxury Internship Experience?
Hilton Graduate NYC: Internship Dreams & Reality Bites (My Honestly Messy Review)
Alright, buckle up, because I just spent a whirlwind month at the Hilton Graduate NYC. Supposedly, it's the "Ultimate Luxury Internship Experience." Did it live up to the hype? Well, buckle up again, because it's complicated. It's like, the hotel equivalent of a confusing Tinder date – some amazing highs, followed by some serious WTF moments.
Metadata (because, you know, SEO): Hilton Graduate NYC, Internship, Luxury Hotel, NYC, Accessibility, Spa, Fitness Center, Restaurant Review, WiFi, Cleanliness, Safety, Dining, Services, Rooms, Things to do, Valet Parking, Car Charging, Business Facilities, Family-friendly, Babysitting, Meeting Rooms, New York City.
Let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility: (Because representation matters, and it's crucial to know!)
Okay, I don't personally need these features, But I still noticed a lot more than I hoped for! (in a good way) Access was surprisingly intuitive. Elevators, check. Wheelchair access? Seemed pretty solid throughout the main areas, as I could tell from the way the staff interacted with guests. They were super respectful and helpful about making sure everyone was comfortable. Even the restaurants looked good (I wanted to sit there, even if I wasn't eating). It's a big win, which is awesome.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: I didn't get a chance to explore every single corner, but the common areas and the main restaurant and lounge felt accessible. Again, this is a BIG thumbs up.
Internet - The Great WiFi Wrestle:
Listen, in this day and age, crappy WiFi is a cardinal sin. The Hilton Graduate NYC knows this. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hallelujah! And for the most part, it was pretty decent. But… and there’s always a but, isn't there? There were times, especially during peak hours, when the connection felt… shall we say… glacial. Seriously, I felt like I was back in the dial-up era, waiting for a cat video to load. Forget video conferencing; I was barely able to send a text. Internet [LAN] was also available, which I didn't bother with, because, hello, 2024? Wi-Fi in public areas was generally better, but still prone to hiccups. My advice? Bring a portable hotspot. Trust me.
A Quick Note on Internet Services: They did have some basic, like a business center with a Xerox/fax machine (again, who uses these anymore?!), which seemed helpful if you were, I don't know, time-traveling back to the 90s.
Cleanliness and Safety: (My Anxiety's Best Friend!)
Okay, this is where the Hilton Graduate NYC REALLY shines. They were serious about cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. My room, well, it was spotless. Rooms sanitized between stays? Pretty sure, they were all ready to go. I mean, I swear, I could eat off the floor (though I wouldn’t, because ewww). Hand sanitizer was everywhere, strategically placed. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it, and they were very friendly. They REALLY seemed to care about being safe and hygienic. Individual wrapped food options, as well as a ton of cashless payment options put my mind at ease, because let's face it, who carries cash anymore? They even had a doctor/nurse on call, though I hope I never have to use that.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (My Waistline's Worst Enemy!)
This is where things got… deliciously complicated. The Hilton Graduate NYC has a LOT of options. Let's start with the good: The Breakfast [buffet]? Pretty darn good. Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant options were available if you're into that. Western breakfast was also available, and while I didn't actually order that, I did find a ton of options to choose from! The coffee shop was a lifesaver, especially during those early morning meetings. The poolside bar was a dream, although I barely had time to use it. Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please! (Especially for those late-night snack attacks).
Now, for the not-so-good: The A la carte in restaurant was hit or miss. One night, the steak was perfect. The next, it was… let's just say, "well done" to the point of being shoe leather. The happy hour drinks were…okay, but nothing to write home about. The snack bar was convenient, but the options were a bit limited. Desserts in restaurant? I may have indulged a little too much. Let's just say I gained a few pounds.
And here's a quirky observation: They had a Vegetarian restaurant, although I could not find it! I was hoping to find some plant based options!
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things That Make a Difference)
They had a ton of these. Concierge service was great, always helpful with directions and recommendations. Daily housekeeping? My room was always spotless. Laundry service was a lifesaver for those inevitable internship-related wardrobe malfunctions. Luggage storage was convenient for those early check-in/late check-out days. There were also facilities for disabled guests, again, showing they are trying to be accommodating towards everyone. The doorman was always there with a smile. Cash withdrawal? Easy peasy. Dry cleaning? Yep, got my suits looking sharp. It’s the little things, people.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (Because You Can't Just Work!)
This is where the "luxury" part really kicked in, so that "Ultimate Luxury Internship Experience" tagline wasn't just smoke and mirrors. The Fitness center was well-equipped, and the pool with a view was absolutely stunning – a total Instagram moment. Then there was the Spa. Pure, unadulterated bliss. A massage was essential after those 12-hour workdays. I got a Body scrub! After all that work, it was a necessary dose of pampering (and the staff was amazing). I didn't get a Body wrap or use the Sauna, but they were both available. Everything about the spa area was designed to melt your stress away.
For the Kids: (Even Though I Don't Have Any!)
They were very Family/child friendly. They offered a babysitting service and Kids facilities, which would be really cool for parents. I saw a few kids at breakfast, and everyone seemed really happy. I didn't get to see Kids meal, but I'm sure they are available.
Rooms, Rooms, Rooms: (My Home Away From Home)
Okay, the rooms themselves? Pretty fantastic. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Yes, please! Coffee/tea maker? Essential. Free bottled water? Always appreciated. Ironing facilities? Needed for those early morning meetings. Laptop workspace? Super convenient. Mini bar? Tempting (and I gave in, a few times). Non-smoking rooms? Of course, I’m not a monster!
I loved having a Seating area! And the Separate shower/bathtub was such a luxurious touch. The Window that opens was great when I needed some fresh air. The extra long bed. Well, let’s just say I slept like a baby.
Getting Around: (Navigating the Concrete Jungle)
Airport transfer was easy to organize. Car park [on-site]? I didn't use it, but it was there. Taxi service was readily available. Valet parking was also an option, though it felt a little… ostentatious for my intern budget.
The Bottom Line: (Would I Go Back?)
Look, the Hilton Graduate NYC is a great choice. The cleanliness and safety protocols are top-notch. The spa is to die for. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. The location is convenient. There’s plenty of dining and drinking options. Access is easier than it should be to a wide range of people!
However, it's not perfect. The WiFi can be spotty. The a la carte dining can be inconsistent. And it's probably not the cheapest option in town.
But overall? I'd say the good outweighs the bad. It’s a solid choice for an intern looking for a touch of luxury (and a little pampering) in the Big Apple. Just pack a portable hotspot and maybe a spare pair of pants, because those desserts are tempting! It's a solid 4/5 stars from me. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be back.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Villa in Alghero, Italy Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving HEADFIRST into my planned assault on the Graduate New York. This isn’t your meticulously crafted, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is… well, let’s just say it’s me. And I'm pretty sure it'll involve a lot of coffee and questionable decision-making.
Day 1: Arrival, Overwhelm, and a Pizza Pilgrimage
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at JFK. Sigh. The airport is a living, breathing monster. Trying to navigate that endless maze after a red-eye is basically an Olympic sport. Praying my luggage actually makes it this time. Last time I flew, my bag decided to take a solo vacation to… I think it was Reykjavik? My passport and fresh underwear were not impressed.
- 10:30 AM: Taxi (or Uber – whatever survives the chaotic pickup zone) to the Graduate New York. Oh, the excitement! I'm expecting a charming, quirky hotel experience, you know, the kind where they leave a hand-written note, not just a generic ‘welcome’ in the auto-generated email. Praying for a corner room! Double points if it has a decent coffee machine. (Because let's be real, a grumpy tourist needs a caffeine intervention.)
- 11:30 AM: Check-in. Praying for a smooth check-in. I'm generally a disaster when confronted with technology. If that lovely front-desk person actually smiles at me after I inevitably stumble over my name, I might weep with joy.
- 12:00 PM: Unpack, Briefly. I always underestimate how long unpacking takes. I'll probably leave most of my stuff strewn around the room, because let's be honest how can I put my stuff away knowing that I'm going to be leaving in a couple of days?
- 1:30 PM: Pizza Time! Okay, I have a burning desire. I have to have a slice of New York pizza. I'm thinking a place near the hotel because after the flight I'm probably going to be delirious.
- 3:00 PM: Nap. It's non-negotiable. This red-eye has taken its toll. I will set three alarms, because I have an alarming tendency to sleep through them.
- 5:00 PM: Errands and Exploration. I'll try and make this a fun sightseeing. I'm talking maybe a quick walk around the neighborhood. I'll try to find a bookstore, and window shop, and soak in the energy, you know?
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a neighborhood restaurant. I'm going to try and be spontaneous and just pick somewhere, I don't care if that place is good or bad! I am just in it for the experience! I might go back to the hotel and cry. Or maybe I'll meet the love of my life. Who knows!
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Before I crash.
Day 2: Museums, Meltdowns (Possible), and Massive Food Adventures
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Ideally. Coffee, coffee, coffee. And pray the hotel coffee is decent.
- 9:00 AM: Museum Hopping! The Met, the MoMA, the Guggenheim… Okay, maybe not all of them. I hate rushing! Maybe the Met. And I'll probably get completely and utterly lost on the way. That's part of the fun, right? I'm already dreading navigating the subway.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch… Where and What? Ah, the eternal travel question. Maybe something cheap, something quick, because my feet will probably be screaming by now. A hot dog? A New York deli sandwich? Ugh.. I love food.
- 2:00 PM: The afternoon's the thing… Whatever I do it will probably be a disaster or amazing. I love this journey!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. A nicer dinner. Something that will wash away the possible despair that might have come from yesterday's exploration. Something more exciting than just the local deli. I'll be making reservations.
- 8:00 PM: Maybe a Broadway show. Maybe a jazz club. Maybe just collapsing in a chair with a really good book. I haven't decided yet. Probably going to decide at the last minute.
Day 3: Shopping, Sentimental Goodbyes, and a Last-Ditch Pizza Run
- 9:00 AM: Sleep In. I mean, I'm on vacation, right?
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast. Maybe I'll find a charming little breakfast place somewhere, or more realistically, grab a bagel and beeline it for shopping.
- 11:00 AM: Shopping! Because I am so good at spending money and finding things I didn't know I needed.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I have a feeling I will be incredibly hungry. And tired. It hasn't even started yet. Why am I doing this?
- 2:00 PM: Packing, Sighs, and the Slow Realization of Heading Home. I'll probably be a mess. I'm not good with goodbyes.
- 4:00 PM: One Last Pizza Run. I could die without another slice.
- 6:00 PM: Head to the airport. Saying goodbye to the Graduate, and New York. Until next time!
- 7:00 PM: Wait in the airport.
- 8:00 PM: The longest flight home.
Notes and Ramblings:
- The Weather: Pray for sunshine. Seriously. Rain is my enemy.
- The Subway: I will probably get hopelessly lost in the subway. Embrace the chaos.
- The Food: I will eat everything. And feel no shame.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect highs. Expect lows. Expect me to burst into tears at least once. (Probably over a stray dog.)
- The Quirks: This is New York. Embrace the quirks.
I am in it for it and even though it's not going to be perfect, but that is how I am supposed to do it! I can't wait.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Spain's Hidden Gem, Hotel Pago del Olivo!
So, what *even* is all of this? Seriously, I'm lost.
Ugh, *right*? Okay, deep breaths. Basically, we're trying to figure out...stuff. Life-stuff, the universe-stuff, probably some existential dread-stuff thrown in for good measure. Think of it like… a therapy session, but with Q&A. Or maybe just me loudly pondering while you silently judge. Either works.
Why are you doing this? (Please tell me it involves a large inheritance.)
Hahaha! I WISH. No, it's because... well, I've been *thinking*. Too much. And then thought, "Hey, maybe I should just spill all this brain-garbage onto the internet and see if anyone cares." So, here we are. It's a desperate cry for validation, probably. And a way to procrastinate on, you know, adulting.
Are you qualified to talk about... anything?
Define "qualified." I have a pretty decent collection of life scars. Does that count? I also have a degree in... well, let's just say it's not *directly* related to any of this. But I've got opinions! And that's the internet currency, isn't it? So, judge away. But keep in mind, you're gonna get my raw, unfiltered inner monologue. Be warned.
"This" Seems a Bit Vague. Can You Be More Specific?
Okay, look, I'm trying to be intentionally broad here. Think of it as... exploration. Like, me poking around in the dark corners of my brain and occasionally stumbling upon something interesting. It *might* be about relationships. It *might* be about that time I tried to bake a cake and nearly set the kitchen on fire. Or it *might* just be my rant about the price of avocados. I honestly don't know until I start typing.
Okay, Let's Dig into some specifics - How about relationships? Are YOU in One?
Ugh, relationships. Bless 'em. I'm... complicated. Let's just go with complicated. Because, like, one minute you're all butterflies and roses and the next you're wondering if your partner *actually* appreciates your superior ability to fold fitted sheets. I *had* a boyfriend, once. His name was Kevin. He was… fine. We dated for like, three years. Three years of pretending I liked watching sports (I do not) and him pretending he wasn't secretly judging my questionable fashion choices. It ended, like most things, with a dramatic text message conversation and a LOT of ice cream. I'm *clearly* over it. *Cough*. Anyway, relationship advice? I'm probably the LAST person you should ask. Unless you want the harsh reality of how utterly, hilariously, imperfect love can be. Which, let's be honest, is probably more entertaining than the Hallmark version.
Speaking of Relationship Advice... What is the BEST advice you could give someone?
Okay, okay, fine. If I *had* to dispense advice, it would be this: Learn to laugh at your mistakes. And theirs. Because you WILL make mistakes. Loves will fall, friendships will be tested. Don't sweat it. And that fitted sheet thing? Yeah, perfect. It's ALWAYS them.
What makes you happy? (Besides the obvious ice cream.)
Oh, good question! Okay, here we go: A ridiculously good book I can't put down. Rain on a tin roof. A perfectly brewed cup of coffee (essential!). The look on my cat's face when I give him ALL the treats. The feeling of accomplishing something that seemed literally impossible. And the knowledge that, despite all the chaos, I'm still (barely) keeping it together. You know, the small things.
What are your biggest regrets?
Regrets? Oh, boy. Where do I even begin? Hmm... Probably not speaking up enough when I should have, and speaking WAY too much when I shouldn't have. That time I thought it was a good idea to dye my hair purple. That awful, *awful* haircut in the 8th grade. Saying yes to that job I knew was a bad fit. But mostly, time I wasted, not *living.*. It's a work in progress, though. Gotta learn from the messes, right?
What about your future plans? Like, what do you WANT to achieve?
Honestly? I have no freaking clue. I wish I had a grand plan, a five-year vision, some sweeping ambition. But the truth is, I'm making it up as I go. I want to be braver. To learn to love myself without reservation. To write something – anything – that someone, somewhere, might actually read and enjoy. I want to travel, see the world, and maybe, just maybe, find a way to make a positive impact, however small. And mostly? I hope I'll be able to look back on this hot mess and laugh. That's a good goal, right? I hope.
Do you ever worry about, you know, failing?
Oh, honey, failure is my *middle name*. I worry about it CONSTANTLY. It's like, my brain's default setting. Will I mess this up? Will people hate what I do? Will I embarrass myself so badly I have to move to a remote island and change my name? Probably. But you know what? Failure is also where the *good* stuff happens. It's where you learn, where you grow, where you discover that you can, in fact, survive even the most mortifying of situations. So, yeah, I worry. But I'm also kind of… okay with it. Maybe even grateful sometimes. It's messy. It's imperfect. It's, well, me.
So, what is the point of *all* of this?
God, IHotel Search Trek
