This is definitely not a 4.5-star hotel (except maybe when it comes to the price). I would rate it a 3.5 at best.
We booked a premium bedroom expecting more space (33 m² vs 28 m²), but instead got a small room plus a large L-shaped entrance corridor... essentially an expensive hallway, not usable living space. There were also no complimentary water bottles in the room... you have to request them.
The hotel is called Grand Central because it’s close to the station, but it also feels like it. With 41 floors and about 25 rooms per floor, it’s extremely crowded. In the morning, it can take up to 10 minutes just to reach the lobby because elevators are always full. Breakfast is another challenge: unless you arrive very early, getting a table is difficult, so we often chose to eat elsewhere.
Service was disappointing. It took multiple requests to get basic things done: the sofa bed wasn’t prepared on arrival, and when it was, only a tiny blanket was provided. Pillows arrived in stages, and water bottles required several reminders. With over 770 rooms, the hotel clearly struggles to deliver attentive service.
Finally, don’t forget the $40/day destination fee. And if you have a car, park elsewhere... $140/day for parking is bonkers. We parked two blocks away for $50/day.
We will definitely choose another hotel next time we visit Manhattan.