Robert Treat Hotel

The hotel, a historic building nestled in downtown Newark, is widely recognized for its central location, providing unparalleled access to major attractions and transportation networks. Its close proximity to the Prudential Center makes it an excellent choice for event-goers, while easy access to Newark Penn Station caters perfectly to travelers commuting to New York City. Furthermore, the complimentary airport shuttle service positions it as a convenient option for airport travelers seeking a comfortable overnight stay. Guests frequently commend the staff's helpfulness and the hotel's overall accessibility. To ensure a more comfortable experience, it is often recommended to verify specific room amenities upon arrival and consider requesting a room situated away from potential sources of noise or high-traffic areas.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several facilities and amenities to enhance guest convenience, though experiences can vary. A notable feature is the availability of laundry machines on-site, which guests appreciate for longer stays, despite some finding the laundry area to be excessively warm. A fitness center is provided, generally considered decent, though some visitors have noted issues with air circulation and the availability of water or cleaning wipes. The elevators are a frequent topic of discussion, often described as slow or insufficient for the hotel's size, leading to wait times, and some guests report issues with key card access. While Wi-Fi is available, a few guests experienced connectivity problems. Coffee service is not provided in individual rooms; instead, guests must utilize a Keurig machine located in the lobby. The hotel also features extensive conference rooms and a banquet hall, which are well-regarded for hosting events.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly mixed, with many expressing significant concerns. A pervasive issue reported by numerous guests is the strong smell of cigarettes and marijuana in rooms and hallways, even in designated non-smoking areas, which some found made it difficult to breathe or sleep. Many rooms are described as outdated and run-down, featuring peeling wallpaper, paint, and stains on carpets and sheets. Room sizes are often noted as small, with some bathrooms being particularly tiny. Bed comfort varies widely; while some found beds comfortable, others reported them as hard, saggy, or equipped with uncomfortable sheets and flat pillows. Noise is another common complaint, stemming from thin walls, loud neighbors, hallway activity, street noise, and the elevator shaft. Furthermore, many rooms lack basic amenities such as coffee makers, mini-fridges, microwaves, hangers, hairdryers, and cups. Issues with shower pressure, hot water availability, and drainage are also frequently mentioned. A significant number of guests reported problems with air conditioning or heating, with rooms often being too hot and lacking individual temperature control. Some serious concerns include reports of bed bugs and roaches.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive mixed but generally positive feedback for quality, though convenience and pricing are noted. While the hotel does not offer an on-site breakfast, guests are directed to a nearby hotel for a breakfast buffet, which some found to be expensive and not particularly noteworthy. For other meals, the hotel features an on-site restaurant, Medallion, which is frequently praised for its delicious food, including dishes like grilled sea bass and steak sandwiches. However, many guests consider the restaurant to be very pricey. Some guests also appreciated the convenience and quality of room service, describing it as reasonably priced and prompt. The bar area is also mentioned as a place to enjoy a meal, with one guest specifically highlighting the good salmon.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest attributes, making it highly convenient for various types of travelers. Guests appreciate its close proximity and walking distance to the Prudential Center, ideal for attending events, and Newark Penn Station, which provides easy and affordable train access to New York City. The surrounding area offers numerous restaurants and shopping options within easy reach. A significant draw is the complimentary airport shuttle service to and from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Newark Penn Station, though some guests have reported long wait times or unreliability. Parking is a recurring point of concern; it is described as expensive, difficult to find, and often involves tight spaces or a guarded alley, with some guests feeling surprised by the additional fees.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff and service is notably varied, reflecting a range of guest experiences. Many guests commend the hotel staff for being friendly, polite, and helpful, particularly highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to accommodate requests, such as extending stays or assisting with check-in. The check-in process is often described as seamless and quick by those who had positive interactions. However, a considerable number of reviews express dissatisfaction, characterizing some staff members as rude, unprofessional, unhelpful, or dismissive, especially when addressing guest complaints about room conditions or other issues. There are also recurring comments about slow responses to requests for basic amenities like extra blankets, hangers, or towels. While some shuttle drivers receive praise for their courtesy, others are noted for being unfriendly.

Additional Information
Several unique aspects of the hotel experience are frequently noted by guests. A recurring theme, particularly concerning for some, is the perception that the hotel accommodates long-term residents or functions as a shelter, which impacts the overall atmosphere and sense of security for transient guests. Many individuals staying at the hotel through airline vouchers, especially from United, report a disproportionately negative experience, suggesting potential differences in room assignment or service quality for these bookings. A specific hotel policy that causes significant discomfort is the lack of air conditioning during colder months, even when rooms become excessively hot, forcing guests to open windows and contend with outside noise. Furthermore, security concerns are raised by some, citing the presence of dubious individuals in common areas and perceived lax oversight at certain entrances.