Thompson Central Park New York Launches “Upper Stories” Concept

Prior to the opening of the Thompson Central Park New York it was known as the Le Meridien New York.

Reservations have just opened for the new "Upper Stories" concept, which is a significant expansion of the hotel. Some World of Hyatt members won't be happy about what this means for elite recognition, but they will be interested in this.

Thompson Central Park Upper Stories open for reservations

Reservations for the Upper Stories accommodations at the Thompson New York can be made by early September 2022. There are 174 additional guest rooms and suites on the hotel's highest floors.

The views of Central Park and Manhattan will be better since these rooms are on the highest floors. The benefits of staying in these rooms go much further.

The rooms at the Thompson Central Park will be more expensive.

• The rooms will feature upgraded finishes with dark oak casework, walnut floors, and marble bathrooms and tables
• Rooms will have upgraded in-room amenities, including Knours beauty products, in-room coffee from a Nespresso Vertuo, and a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

The Upper Stories Lounge will be on the third floor. It looks like a scaled down version of a club lounge.

The Upper Stories Lounge has a varied menu of light bites and sips throughout the day with new additions daily. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are available at the lounge.

Upper Stories guests have access to priority seating at the hotel's most popular restaurant, as well as a more private check-in experience in the lounge. The fitness studio that is typically for residents is also accessible to guests.

Globalist members won’t get Upper Stories upgrades

The first question that OMAAT readers may have is whether or not the World of Hyatt Globalist members will be able to upgrade to Upper Stories rooms. I was able to get a definitive answer after reaching out to a contact.

This will most likely be a hotel within a hotel concept. The World of Hyatt Globalist members won't be able to upgrade from the standard rooms to the Upper Stories and also won't be able to access the Upper Stories lounge.

Given the challenging economics of hotel club lounges, this seems to be the way that the industry is heading. It is disappointing that it is not within the spirit of how loyalty programs are supposed to work.

Globalist members can still get a full hot breakfast in the restaurant. They would get continental breakfast in the lounge if they had club access. I don't like the idea of an evening spread with just an honor bar.

Thompson Central Park Upper Stories pricing & how to book

How are the rooms priced?

• For standard rooms, there’s a consistent $200 premium for booking the Upper Stories vs. the non-Upper Stories
• For the studio suite, there’s a consistent $350 premium for booking the Upper Stories vs. the non-Upper Stories; in fairness, the Upper Stories studio suite is also larger (unlike the Upper Stories standard king room)

The best way to book a cash stay at the Thompson New York is through the Hyatt Privé program. Hyatt Privé rates are the same as standard flexible rates and include perks, like daily complimentary breakfast, a $100 property credit, a one-category room upgrade, and more.

Bottom line

The Upper Stories are the newest addition to the Thompson Central Park. There are 174 rooms on the top floors that offer better views, upgraded finishes, and access to a club lounge. Globalist members won't be upgraded from standard rooms to Upper Stories rooms despite the hotel adding capacity.

What do you think about the idea of New York Upper Stories?