Women’s National Republican Club

I was here for some kind of panel presentation and must admit, it was not my favorite venue but no one mistreated me .In fact, they were understanding. I felt rather underdressed .It’s interesting going to these places. The world of urban clubs is a bit of a mystery to me.

One should never let politics get in the way of a TERRIFIC VALUE! My stay at 3 West was outstanding and I cannot recommend it enough to all my friends, regardless of political affiliation.
The best thing is the value v. the location. Across from Radio City, 5 Blocks from Central Park, Times Sq., etc. For under $ 250 a nite, you would figure there would be a catch. Nope, not here. Staff was courteous and very helpful. Room was small as expected (it is midtown, folks) but clean, charming in a 19^th century sorta way, and most importantly, really quiet. That’s what struck me the most. I could actually sleep in comfortably in the city that never sleeps. Really nice bed and the shower and hot water were also really great!
Only one problem: the elevator. There’s only one and considering all the banquet work, it can take a really long time because staff and patrons share. If that’s the worst thing about the place, you know it’s a winner.
I didn’t check out the lounge as I am from SF and don’t consider things like dress code when traveling. Ba-​dup-​bum!
Seriously tho’, great place and will definitely be back!

This review is primarily of the hotel, where we have stayed from time to time when our normal places are overbooked.
Bottom line, it’s old. Very run down. Hot and sticky, if you follow. Not fun.
On the other hand, it’s much cheaper than most of the decent places nearby.
Now, as to the dining, it’s just fine; and the building is beautiful, historic, elegant. The whole place needs a massive renovation that the Club cannot afford, but for now, it is not so much shabby as aging gracefully, which is fine.
I cannot speak to the Club itself: I’m sure the ladies are delightful, and I hope they don’t take offense at my review. They simply need to find a patron who appreciates them adequately and will help them renovate. Perhaps the Donald? You never know…

I’ve only been here once but that was enough.
Old money is the backbone of this place but they’re welcoming and gracious (unlike another club down the block which I will not bother to review).
I really was a bit nervous and had visions of being judged and not welcomed because I love my social liberal/​fiscal conservative politics. Good that I was just had some naïve and stupid fears because that didn’t happen.
I was promptly directed to the right location. The buffet they had was excellent and had lots of variety. Honestly, the portraits of Republican First-​Ladies was comforting because that’s history.
The facilities are immaculate. Honestly, I wasn’t surprised about that. It earns it’s 5-​stars and then some.

Note: review for hotel only
Rules are meant to be broken, no? I didn’t discover until day two of my stay that I’d broken about…5 of the RNWC’s rules when I walked through the door. No cell phone usage in the public corridor? Check. No denim? Check. No photos? Check. No outside food inside the hotel? Check. I forget what my other indiscretion was, but I’m sure I did something to offend the Republican Women.
The upsides:
–Reasonable rates for being within a stone’s throw of Rockefeller Plaza.
–Everyone working the front desk seemed to love my pink winter coat. I love compliments.
–Rooms have that «staying at grandma’s» feel with antiquey furniture.
The downsides:
–Unless you like to look disheveled, bring your own travel iron. There’s not too many frills to these rooms. (no coffee maker, although they had a mostly-​functioning hairdryer in my room.)
–Don’t sleep in. Housekeeping bugged me three times while I was trying to catch some z’s, even with the «do not disturb» sign on the door. They even called my room! Jeez.
–Expect to eat elsewhere if you’re up early in the morning, their café doesn’t open until after 8 a.m.
Don’t get busted taking photos. I think you get demerits.

I would have to agree with JB, the only other person who has reviewed the WNRC aka Women’s National Republican Club. I am not a member of this club, but I have been here several times. Pretty much, my friend Mike would take us here quite often.
His mother is a member and had an apartment here. Even though his family lived upstate, anytime they were in the city, they would stay at the WNRC. Me & my crew of zany characters would crash here after a hearty night of Tunnel, Limelight or Palladium. This place is old money and having minority 20 somethings showing up at 3am to crash was always a sight I’m sure.
The 9^th floor solarium is awesome like JB says. You can look down over Rockerfeller Center and see across the way, 30 Rock and the Fashion Café. Wow… what an elegant restaurant (choking back vomit)…
…Anyway, the WNRC is extremely classy. Very upscale and very old money. I’m talking Emily Gilmore money. There have been times where we’ve shown up around 6pm on a Friday to drop stuff off and there would be débutante balls going on! Really crazy stuff (well, if you’re poor like me).
This building was very beautiful to walk around and just look at all the old school décor. I miss you WNRC! Since Mike and his family moved to Florida, if I come to you, I might get kicked out like Bobcat Goldthwait in Scrooged. I can’t go for that… say no go.
***P.S. I almost forgot that we bet Mike one night while we were there that he couldn’t get an escort past the doorman downstairs. We won! They wouldn’t let her up!!! LOL… There was a little bit of a scandal, but nothing large. It IS really funny trying to get an escort inside the Women’s National Republican Club. Had to be there, you really did.***