
I headed out of PSP, always a great airport to use, for a luxury getaway to New York City. My plan was to visit both Trump hotel properties, to experience their luxury and see if it was any different to stay there during the current political climate.

I found both properties still worthy of their best-in-the-city status, both filled with attentive, professional staff members focused on delivering the ultimate guest experience. I encountered hotels filled with happy guests and the only difference was a constant, low-key police presence outside the Central Park property.

In case you didn’t know, there are two Trump hotel properties in the city. Open seven years, the Trump SoHo is of course in SoHo, with Tribeca on one side and the West Village on the other. Open 20 years, the Trump International Hotel and Tower is on Central Park, next to Columbus (for now) Circle.

My first stop was downtown, at the Trump SoHo. This stylish high-rise, between Tribeca and the West Village offers wonderful views south to Wall Street and the Financial District and sweeping northern views all the way to Central Park.

After a few nights at the SoHo property, it was time to head Uptown to experience the other Trump hotel. First impressions are everything, and I felt the Trump International Hotel and Tower was more representative of the line-pushing luxury I expect from the Trump brand. My only other experience at a Trump hotel was the Trump Miami hotel, which I learned was a one-off, and not part of the Trump Hotels group that includes the Manhattan properties along with 10 other luxury properties around the world. I must add I had a great first impression of the SoHo property, very modern and luxurious, with a feel like one of my favorite hotels in the world, 45 Park Lane in London. Rich woods, dark tones and rich textures make it a nice place to be.

The Central Park hotel is perfectly located for exploring the Upper East and West Sides of the city, with a prime location right at 1 Central Park West. The hotel is next to Columbus Circle and steps away from Lincoln Center and the area’s upscale dining and shopping.

I had some great meals in the city, the highlight being an epic dinner at the legendary 21 Club. I also visited the 9/11 Memorial and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and will write more about those experiences later.


