While I was truly impressed by the beauty of the space and the high-end design, I regret to say that my overall experience was deeply impacted by the way I was treated throughout my stay.
From the moment I checked in, I was met with unwelcoming attitudes and cold stares from front desk staff. Their demeanor was noticeably dismissive, and I felt as though my presence was treated as an inconvenience rather than a guest arriving for a luxury experience.
This feeling only intensified when I dined at the Nobu rooftop restaurant. I waited an unusually long time for my food, and not once during the evening was I checked on by staff. Meanwhile, guests around me—who were not people of color—were consistently receiving attentive and timely service. It was hard not to feel the stark contrast in treatment, and frankly, it was disheartening.
The most telling moment came when another guest—also a person of color—approached me outside the elevator to ask how my experience had been. When I replied that it felt discriminatory and disrespectful, he immediately agreed and shared that he’d been feeling the exact same way. That exchange confirmed that what I experienced wasn’t isolated.
As someone who travels often and values quality hospitality, I chose Nobu with high expectations. Unfortunately, the lack of inclusive and equitable customer service left me with the impression that my race played a role in how I was treated.