Starwood Preferred Guest - Recommendation for a family stay in NYC

I know there are lots of threads out there for New York properties but I couldnt find much that dealt with a family stay...while I frequent the city on business, my wife and two kids have never been so I'm taking them for an extended weekend in December...I'm a platinum member and plan on using points for the stay if possible....This will be a true tourist weekend so I was thinking that mid-town and the times square area would work best....Anyone with recomendations on where i should try and stay? Any chance of an upgrade if I use points? Any and all help greatly appreciated..really want this to be a special treat for them....

Thanks in advance for your comments

BigO

We often do a family of 4 in the room in NYC. The W Times Square has rooms with two beds; keep in mind you will not be upgraded to a suite here, as they do not have 2 beds. Location is great at the W for a family doing the "tourist" thing. If you are into getting show tickets at TKTS, its right outside the door. Lots of fun touristy restaurants nearby as well (and a great rest on site as well, the Blue Fin). Only downside to family time at the W was the glass wall bathrooms: sometimes a little embarassing for a Dad with two teenage daughters! (He was asked to leave the room during shower time, although there was really no significant need, lol). BTW, I don't know how old your kids are, but my two teens LOVE the W's style and decor.

The Essex House has some rooms with two queens. These are considered higher rate rooms (much larger than standard, but nothing special), but I have called the Plat concierge to be "upgraded" to these after booking a lower rate room. Have done the Sheratons, not recommended when there are better hotels nearby. Haven't tried the Westin Times Square, maybe someone else can advise you on that (I am interested as well, may try it next month myself).

Have fun!

Robin

[This message has been edited by Fishbait (edited Nov 13, 2003).]

I second the recommendation for Blue Fin. It's one of our favorites.

Keep away from the Essex House. Very small rooms, no plat upgrade, had to fight for a late check out ( 3.30 pm) and overall not a property I would stay at again.

Essex House has junior suites that they often upgrade me to. It doesn't have a view, though. They have a King with a pull out sofa. Plenty of room.

The park view rooms are mostly small rooms with just enough space for a queen, or VERY large suites that are not normally in the upgrade pool unless they are real slow.
I, unlike many, think this is a real nice property and I've never had a problem with the 4pm checkout.

But, keep in mind, any hotel you go to in Dec. will be hard to get an upgrade since it is THE busiest month of the year for hotels. You might bite the bullet and use points in advance or pay the extra $$$ to be assured the space.

I also recommend the W times square, great location and great style...