I visited several times in 80's and early 90's. I was different then...I had good friends there and it was fun. Disco dancing, dinner at the WTC, trip to UN...it was really fun.
But I was in NY for business with a bunch of JW's a few years ago who wanted to visit Bethel. I did NOT want to go, didn't bring a skirt...I tried everything, but the kicker is we had to leave on the same plane that afternoon and a storm was coming in...it was getting complicated. So, reluctantly I went.
Man...has it changed. They were sooo grumpy!! Being there in the past and staying at the Standish, at that time in my life was fun, and the Bethelites were fun. But now, they were somber, did not even acknowledge you when they walked by...it was very strange. We were toured by an exceptionally bright upper eschalon Bethelite "star", very nice, I guess. It was strange looking at the sister trying to keep her knees together as she washed the glass doors in the entrance way in a skirt.
Then I overheard the desk clerk talking to a gal that I think was there on temporary assignment...and he said he never ever thought in a million years he would still be there. (Duh!!) The mood and attitude was so different. Obviously, they are facing changes and that sure would affect the way you felt about things, "am I going to be let go?
For somebody who has never been, they would still be excited to see it I think. But it has truly changed. (Yeah!!!!!)