50 Park Pl, Newark, New Jersey, United States | (888) 576-2577
Well located in downtown Newark, across the street from NJPAC; minutes from the Prudential Center and Newark Penn Station
Rooms are clean with updated furniture and large windows
Airport shuttles to all major NY airports and Newark Penn Station
On-site restaurant and lounge, Maize, serves New American/Portuguese cuisine
Free Wi-Fi and free continental breakfast
Small lobby shop sells snacks and small toiletries
Modern fitness center with top-of-the-line Life Fitness equipment
Large ballroom/event space
Free parking in gated lot
Newark is not the safest city, especially at night
Some non-smoking rooms have faint smell of smoke
Fee for all hotel shuttles
Charge to use computers and printers in the business center
On-site parking lot is small and valet process is confusing
Historic hotel, but no historic charm
Built in 1916, the BEST WESTERN PLUS Robert Treat Hotel is a Newark landmark, whose past guests have included the likes of Woodrow Wilson and Albert Einstein. Today, the 170-room mid-range property sees mostly business travelers, and the occasional sports fans or concert goers, thanks to the nearby Prudential Center and NJPAC. Rooms at the Robert Treat are pretty standard, with modern decor that's mostly bland and chain-like. Guests will appreciate the hotel’s host of amenities, such free Wi-Fi and breakfast, a modern fitness center, shuttles to and from all of New York’s major airports, and an upscale restaurant and bar on-site. However, potential visitors should note that Newark is not the country’s safest city, and it can be dangerous for anyone to walk around -- especially at night.
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Scene
Buzzing with activity and business-people, but lacking historic charm
A cursory glance is all it takes to see that the Robert Treat Hotel caters to business travelers. At any given moment, men and women in suits roll suitcases across the lobby, groups host conference calls in the business center, and power lunchers rendezvous in the hotel’s restaurant. There is a constant flurry of activity here, which only multiplies when the Devils are playing or there’s a concert in town. However, this is not to say that the hotel feels crowded or congested. In fact, the constant ebb and flow of guests through the lobby doors looks and feels more like a well oiled machine than a three ring circus. It’s a shame however, that such a historic hotel lacks any kind of historic detailing. Besides a painting of Robert Treat-- the colonial governor who is considered the founder of Newark-- hanging in the lobby, there are no real signs of the hotel’s historical significance anywhere throughout the property. Instead modern furniture and chain-like decor make the lobby, and the rest of the hotel, feel like a bland office building with little charm or personality. Built-in wooden bookshelves hold magazines and wooden chairs surround circular glass tables.
Location
Downtown Newark across the street from NJPAC
Well located in downtown Newark, the Robert Treat Hotel is within walking distance to several area businesses and attractions. The only caveat here is that Newark is not the safest place to walk around. While driving or taking a cab is usually the safer option, if walking is unavoidable, pedestrians are advised to stay in large groups in well-lit areas. The beautiful New Jersey Performing Arts Center is across the street from the hotel, while the Prudential Center is about a three-minute drive. Other nearby areas of interest include: - Panasonic (two-minute drive)
Rooms
Modern rooms that lack original character, and small, clean bathrooms
With bland, chain-like decor and typical amenities, rooms at the Robert Treat are fairly standard…this is a Best Western after all. Crisp lines and earth tones make rooms warm and inviting, and most get lots of light from floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city streets. Classic chain-hotel artwork, in this case a picture of a budding flower, hangs from the walls in each room. It's a shame that rooms lack character, considering the historic significance of the property. Flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges are the main in-room amenities; and the well-lit desk space, with a comfortable chair and multiple outlets, might be an added bonus for business travelers. The barebones bathrooms are in no way luxurious, but they’re clean, with plenty of towels, basic toiletries, and shower/tub combos. Guests can request either smoking or non-smoking rooms, but unfortunately even some of the non-smoking variety smell faintly of stale cigarettes.
Features
Geared towards business travelers, popular on-site restaurant
For a mid-range hotel, the Robert Treat features a surprising amount of thoughtful amenities. First off, continuously running airport shuttles are a nice feature -- and though rides aren’t free, they’re certainly cheaper than renting a car. Guests who are traveling with cars, however, can park for free in the on-site, gated lot. It should be noted that the parking lot is located on Mulberry Street (at the rear of the hotel), not on Park Place (the hotel's entrance). There is no sign indicating that the lot on Mulberry Street is for hotel guests, so be sure to confirm with the valet upon arrival. The fitness center, business center, and breakfast room, all of which are located one floor below the lobby level, are nicer than one might expect at this price point. The fitness center is relatively large with state of the art Life Fitness equipment. The business center is well equipped with multiple computers, printers, and fax machines, but guests have to pay per use. The breakfast room, with its dark wood tones and sleek light fixtures, feels like a cozy library. Besides a large breakfast display, the well stocked magazine racks and TV monitors with flight information are nice touches. The hotel also has a large ballroom, which is often used for corporate functions and private events.
All-Inclusive / Food
New American/Portuguese fare in a sophisticated setting
The hotel’s on-site restaurant and lounge, Maize, serves New American/Portuguese cuisine in an upscale setting. Maize offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but sees its largest crowd in the evenings, especially prior to NJPAC performances. There is a pre-theatre menu available, and pre-theatre diners are strongly encouraged to make reservations. Guests should note that the free continental breakfast offered by the hotel is not served here. Instead, it can be found in the hotel's breakfast room, one floor below lobby level.
