The Garden City Hotel is legendary for its exemplary reputation, accommodations, service and style.
The Hotel celebrates 150 years in business this year and although it has moved a few times during that time, there are certain qualities that have remained consistent throughout their history. Chief among those are location, decor, style, service, amenities and quality, as well as a commitment to guest satisfaction from the time you arrive until the time you leave.
So it was that my childhood BFF and I decided to stay here on the weekend of our 50th High School Reunion this past September. Although our reunion did not take place at the hotel, it was an easy drive for us to get to and from the Baldwin catering hall where it was held.
Suzy flew in from Florida that Saturday. I drove the two hours it took me from Shelter Island. Although she would have liked to check in early, she was informed that the rooms would not be ready until 3:30pm or 4pm as the housekeeping staff was hard at work turning over rooms following a busy night.
I arrived at 3pm and was told the room was ready. I waited for Suzy to arrive. She and another friend, who picked her up at the airport, had spent a few hours in town having coffee and lunch before arriving at the hotel around 3:30pm.
We checked into the first room they gave us on the third floor. The blinds in this room were closed, darkening the space, and when we opened them, we could see why. The view was of the hotel rooftops where the air conditioning units were located, which was less than desirable. We requested a room change, which was quickly accommodated (and much appreciated), despite a sold out weekend.
Our second room was on the seventh floor, sunnier, with the blinds open to a beautiful view of The Patio Bar and grounds outside. The space was clean and spacious enough to accommodate both of us comfortably. It was well-appointed with two queen beds, a sofa and coffee table, desk and chair, dresser, nightstands and flat screen television. Additional amenities included: a full-length mirror, mini-fridge, coffee service, water bottles, docking station with charging outlets, safe, slippers and robes for both of us.
The bathroom was clean and well-appointed, although we quickly noticed there were no air vents or fans, which seemed unusual for a hotel of this caliber.
That said, Suzy made a quick run to the library sale in town to pick up some reading material for her flight home, while I settled into the space.
The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the library, railroad and downtown business area offering an array of fashionable shops and trendy restaurants.
It is a short drive to many other area attractions, highways and shopping malls. Not to mention close to New York City and the NYC airports.
We relaxed outdoors at The Patio Bar, catching up with each other over cold drinks and hors d’oeuvres, before getting ready for our event.
By 6pm, we had both showered and changed and were ready for our reunion. We decided to take an Uber to the event and back, which also proved to be a great decision. No stress in getting lost navigating the traffic and roads at night, and risking a late arrival. The Uber was quick and efficient, with the bonus that it provided a tour of our old neighborhood haunts as it navigated its way to our destination before safely arriving at our venue.
Our event went well. We Ubered back to the hotel afterward. And we both slept well that night.
Sunday morning we had an 11:30am reservation for Brunch at The Red Salt Room, which I have also read is legendary for the experience. (Separate review on that forthcoming).
This was followed by a walk downtown. And some lounging back at the hotel before meeting up with friends that evening.
We had plenty of time throughout our stay to take walks through the hotel and take note of the spa, gym, pool, market, party rooms and grounds, all of which were well-designed and in line with the overall ambiance.
Staff was nicely uniformed, lovely and accommodating, answering questions, offering historical information about the hotel and many of its famous guests, as well as offering information about the area, there again making a pleasant stay that much more enjoyable throughout.
Given more time, we would have loved to experience cocktails and/or dinner at The King Bar. The Red Salt Room also hosts an Afternoon Tea on Saturdays. As well, I recently heard about The Rose Room, which I hope to explore at another time. So many options! With even more special events upcoming for the Holidays!
We requested a late check-out on Monday, which we received, allowing Suzy more time to prepare for her flight home. Suzy ubered it to the airport, as I prepared for my drive home, allowing some time for breakfast and shopping stops along the way.
All-in-all, we both really enjoyed the time we had to spend together in this beautiful setting for this memorable weekend. It was a weekend I know we will both have fond memories of for years to come. We could not have planned it any better than we did and The Garden City Hotel proved to be a major part of its success, so we are grateful for the experience. I would definitely return here for another occasion and I would highly recommend it to others.
45 Seventh Street
Garden City, NY 11530
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