This was a tough review to write because parts of my stay were incredible, but there were definitely some challenges.
In terms of the reservation, a week after I had booked my 7-week stay, I was contacted by the host that there was a mistake on the listing and it was underpriced. They said I could either cancel my booking and go directly to their site, or pay an extra $1k. Since I wanted the Airbnb protection, I paid the extra fee. About a month before my stay, I contacted the host to make sure everything was in order (there had been a bunch of paperwork to fill out for Marriott) and was told that the owner now wanted the apartment for the first two weeks of my stay. They had arranged for the studio apt next door to be available and then I could move over. Since I didn't have visitors coming yet and it was less expensive, I agreed, but this definitely would have been a huge issue if I hadn't been alone during that time.
The check-in process went smoothly. Essex House is in a perfect location, close to everything, and it's a beautiful building. The staff and doormen are all friendly and responsive. The studio apt was small, but useable. The apt was relatively quiet, other than the week where the owner's families took over the floor and there was constant door banging and children running everywhere. Two weeks in I moved next door to 2915. I was in a rush because check-in was at 3 and my husband was arriving at 4. I was horrified to find a filthy apartment. There was food on the floor, it wasn't vacuumed, there were dirty towels/robes, the bathrooms were gross, grimy windows (a shame because the views were incredible), the couch had used sheets on it, and I found garbage under the bed. I contacted the host and someone from the hotel came up to vacuum and give me clean towels. Even worse, after my husband left and I changed the linens, I found a sheet stained with pee under the fitted sheet. I seriously was in shock that a housekeeper would leave an apt in that condition. I was also disappointed to have to order my own coffee maker and toaster and there were very few dishes in the apt. It was nice to have a washer/dryer, especially for that long of a stay. The apt itself definitely needs some care - saggy floors, holes and scuffs on the walls, etc. The apt is on a corner with incredible views. But, be aware that there is construction happening on a building across from the Essex House and the jackhammering starts at 7 a.m. I bought a noise machine which helped.
On a happier note, the apartment is on the 29th floor in a wonderful building and it's in an incredible location for easily getting around the city. Since I was mostly there alone, I felt very safe. The hotel gym was nice and I loved being able to pick up a Sunday Times. It was also nice to be able to order in food, Amazon deliveries, etc. and they would bring it right to the door. The staff at the hotel are amazing and made my stay feel like a home.