Starwood Preferred Guest - Westin Times Square [Master Thread]

I was walking down in the Theater district over the past weekend and noticed a sign on a construction site for the Westin Times Square which is billed as an 800+ room hotel. I was a little suprised, as I didn't remember seeing any press on this property or information on this board.

From the construction progress, I would guess that the hotel will open in the late spring of 2002. This should be a great option for SPG people who like to stay in the Times square area but dislike the much lamented Sheraton NY.

Indeed there has been little mention and some confusion! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

In fact there will be a Westin eventually and a "W" Times Square opening sooner. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

"The W Times Square is at 1567 Broadway. The scheduled opening date is September 2001.

The Westin Times Square is another planned hotel scheduled to open December 2002.

Please be advised that any pre-opening information is subject to change at any time for reasons beyond our control. I have no information regarding an additional Sheraton location in Manhattan.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide "

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum74/HTML/001923.html

From Planet Hollywood to a Hotel W in Gray

One generation's Gotham is another's Peninsula. The Shelton and Americana of yesterday are the Marriott East Side and Sheraton New York of today. Hotels change all the time.

Few, however, have changed as much before opening day as the 57- story hotel at Broadway and 47th Street — an embryonic Planet Hollywood, prospective Sheraton and possible Radisson before it became the W New York-Times Square, which it now seems fairly certain to be when it makes its debut in December.

Everything is to open at once: Blue Fin, a 400-seat, seafood-sushi- and-jazz restaurant operated by Steve Hanson; the Whiskey, a basement bar, lounge and screening room operated by Rande Gerber; a lobby shop called Wish (or maybe Want), by the proprietors of Troy in SoHo; and 509 guest rooms that had to be redesigned and rebuilt to fit the W image — cool, spare and all gray.

"We're launching the most important hotel in our brand," said Guy Hensley, senior vice president of W, the three-year-old boutique hotel division of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. "It should be complete."

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/29/nyregion/29REAL.html

(Bolding of opening date is mine)

[This message has been edited by wigstheone (edited 08-29-2001).]

The rest of the article reveals that the rooms will average 280 square feet, and the design tricks used to make them seem bigger.

I'm not sure that you can maintain luxury-level pricing in New York City with rooms that small.

Does anyone (Mr. Luker!?) know when the new Westin Times Square hotel will be taking reservations? I am planning to be in NYC over Thanksgiving this year (2002) and would love to stay there--any word? (The website just says open 11/02)

My personal opinion is that no one really knows. I know that the Westin St. Louis' opening date was pushed back several times and ended up opening about 6 months behind. I would have stayed there during my travels at STL but they opened too late and all my stays went to Hilton.

snackyx, the last crystal ball I looked into in August said that the property would open on December 20, 2002, but it may have been delayed due to financial contstraints that were necessary because of the tragic events of September 11th.

I can try to get an update, but please realize that there are numerous factors that can delay an opening besides money. Whenever we release a projected opening date, it is subject to change, and often does.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

While I'm not a construction expert, I walked by the site recently in NYC. The building is still only a concrete shell...I wouldn't think that it would be fully finished by Thanksgiving.

A banner on the building implies that they will open in the fall of 2002...

From the lead story in the Arts and Leisure section of today's NY TImes
-------------------------------------

The redevelopment of Times Square has finally produced a building worth talking about: the new Westin Hotel on Eighth Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets. And people are talking about it for a welcome reason. The Westin has raised a flag over the issue of taste. Translation: many people find it ugly. Hideous. The very embodiment of beauty's evil twin.

Look up, people. This is New York. We live in one great ugly town. Not being too hung up on beauty is what makes life here possible, even thrilling. In exchange for surrendering refinement, we get a kind of urban poetry that is the envy of the world. Sometimes it takes outsiders to see it. Often, outsiders introduce new rhymes. The beauty resides, in some sense, in staying an outsider. The Westin is the consummate outsider's hotel....

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/20/arts/design/20MUSC.html
--------------------------------------------

I think it fits right in to the Vegas style 42nd Street. I walked by the hotel yesterday and it is open; however, it looks as though work is still in progress.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by landspeed:
many people find it ugly. Hideous. The very embodiment of beauty's evil twin.
</font>

I'll second that.

And contrary to what the article says, just because some other buildings are unattractive, that's no reason to waste money on a new ugly building.

d

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by landspeed:
...many people find it ugly. Hideous. The very embodiment of beauty's evil twin</font>

I will also be very surprised if it ages gracefully.

We visited the hotel on Saturday and had a drink in the Bar. We may have been the first paying customers in the bar. We also did a room tour, the rooms being typical Westin Heavenly Bed rooms. The public areas are more "W" than Westin. Since I am not a fan of "W" decor, I found the public areas cold to the visitor. There is a lot of work to be done to finish the property, only half of the rooms are open. I think I will pass on this property for at least a year and continue to stay at the St. Regis or Westin Essex.

We stayed at the Westin from October 30th-November 3rd. Karen, at the front desk checked us in. What a lovely staff. We checked in and went up to our room. The first night we were on a club floor, room #1209. The room was long and narrow, but there was more than enough space, too much space. The space on the other side of the bed was quite large. There was a padded bench, a small table and one arm chair. It was very stark.
We went down to the front desk to speak with Karen again as we realized that the wrong room rate was listed for our stay. It was listed at $269 for all four nights when we were supposed to be at the WARM rate of $209 for 2 nights and a AAA rate of $199 for the other 2 nights. Karen fixed it with no problem. We actually asked to have another chair brought up to the room so the two of us could sit together. There was only one bathrobe, so they brought us another one of those and the room safe didn’t work, so they sent someone up to fix that also. The bathroom door was a standard swing in door and the heavenly shower curtain bar curved out. Every time the door opened it hit the bar.
At 3am we called down to the front desk and got Karen again. We needed to change rooms as we are light sleepers and there were metal plates on the street below us due to construction. Every time a car went over them there was a loud metal clanking sound that prevented us from falling asleep.
George the bellman came up to help us. Again, he was great. They moved us to room 1524. The room was like a corner king at the W in Seattle. It was a very large corner room. Again, there was not enough furniture for the size of the room and only one bathrobe. We slept ok, but we could still hear the metal plates even though we were further around the corner. No problem with the bathroom door as this one was a slider. The TV was quite far away from the bed and would have been difficult to see if we had stayed in this room.
The next morning we moved again. (Thanks again to Karen) Sam, the manager showed us a couple of choices. We chose room 1036. This room was smaller and much quieter. It faced over another building instead of the street, but we didn’t realize that we were no longer on a club floor, no Molton Brown products and no turn-down service. Also, only one robe, but the fact that there was only one armchair wasn’t an issue as the furniture fit the room. The door to the bathroom was a slider here also. We slept fine the rest of the trip.
We were given breakfast vouchers for all 4 mornings. The buffet was good and again, the staff was great. We also sat in the bar one night and service was good there also. Whichever staff member we ran across more than once remembered who we were and asked how we were doing the whole stay.
There were a few discrepancies as to what was functioning at the hotel. I called before we left and asked if there was an open concierge lounge and was told it was open, but that was not the case. I also asked if the gym was open and was told yes, but not the spa yet, however, when we got there we were told if we wanted to work out that the gym was not ready yet and they were sending people over to a workout club if a gym was needed. Also we were told that there were 3 restaurants and 2 lounges, but there was only the buffet and one lounge open when we got there.
All in all it was a nice stay with a great staff.


------------------

I have 2 reservations at that hotel. Your report does not encourage me to keep them. Thanks for the warning.

I also have a reservation during the
Christmas holiday and another one with a
friend for this coming weekend along with a
stay I have at the Russell. I am going to
book another room for the Christmas holiday
just in case things do not improve. In
addition I am warning my friend to accept
nothing less than comfortable for this coming
weekend. This report is disappointing to me.
I just called the Hotel. The 1 and 2 calls
were disconnected. The 3 call I asked for
the duty manager, got voice mail. Called
back 4th time and no duty manager at front
desk so given voice mail again. I have my
doubts. I hope the Russell can accomodate us
one day earlier. Thank you for posting this
report for all of us. I appreciate.

Its not that bad I have stayed there and would go back again. The gym is now open (finally) and the rooms are great. The resteraunts are slowly comming on-line. The staff are truely great to deal with, none of that NYC attitude. I found the furnishings to
be nice in my rooms (a little W like).

I'd say that by Dec this should be the best SPG property after the St. Regis (beats the Sheraton sisters hands down anyway !)

As for the noise this is NYC after all.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by sunil:
As for the noise this is NYC after all. </font>

I disagree. A well-designed hotel should take soundproofing into consideration.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by schriste:
I disagree. A well-designed hotel should take soundproofing into consideration.</font>

Aye, aye - the illusive "soundproofing" - I've had some experience with that recently. I had a hard time falling asleep at the the Framingham, MA Sheraton the other night because of the snoring coming from the room next door. Last night I actually stayed at a hotel which boasts of its soundproofing - the Hyatt Harborside at Logan Airport. It does an excellent job blocking aircraft noise but the ferries docking down below can really shake your eyeteeth.

I didn't realize there were so many light sleepers out there! The hotel staff was great and bent over backwards to help out. There will be more than 40 floors by the time it is fully operational and I imagine the higher floors will be quieter. The heavenly beds were very comfortable and there was no hallway noise into the room, just the noise from the metal plates in the street. I would probably stay there again in a room on the side where there wasn't any street noise. There were some good restaurants in walking distance and we love to walk. It was only one block from Times Square. The quietest hotel we've stayed in is the Hilton NY, but the staff there is some of the worst I've ever encountered and they are poorly managed.

------------------

I just posted my "trip report" for this hotel. (see "Don't stay at the Westin New York...yet." Yes, the staff is great but you really should wait for the bugs to be ironed out before staying there.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Neal:
I just posted my "trip report" for this hotel. (see "Don't stay at the Westin New York...yet." Yes, the staff is great but you really should wait for the bugs to be ironed out before staying there. </font>


Which begs a question...if no one from Flyertalk stays at this hotel, when (how) will we know that the bugs have been worked out? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Sorry, Neal, just funnin'. I couldn't help playing devil's advocate here. I certainly don't want to make light of any deficiencies you experienced. Hopefully, you've already reported them to Customer Care. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I put the date since the property is
construction in motion. More floors were
opened this past week and all facilities are
now available. Arrived early and left
luggage with bell staff (in a rush to
meeting). Went back around 5:30 PM to check
in. Given very nice and spacious corner
junior suite on 15 with wrap around windows.
Chairs positioned to view the excitement of
Times Square below were already in position.
Bathroom was very nice and style was
minimalist modern. Given vouchers for
breakfest and drinks in lounge. Given all
access including gym. Noise low. As P given
choice of amenity. Based upon rate given
very good upgrade. I would definitely
return. In fact I am returning. Thanks and
regards

Sorry to dig up this old thread but I'm thinking of a stay here in March. Any more recent stays at this hotel? Advice?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by chad75:
Sorry to dig up this old thread but I'm thinking of a stay here in March. Any more recent stays at this hotel? Advice?</font>
I stayed there last week, and just made a reservation for this week. I think it's one of the best hotels in NY. Did not hear any noise (I stayed on the 33rd floor).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by IL-18:
Originally posted by chad75:
Sorry to dig up this old thread but I'm thinking of a stay here in March. Any more recent stays at this hotel? Advice?</font>
I stayed there last week, and just made a reservation for this week. I think it's one of the best hotels in NY. Did not hear any noise (I stayed on the 33rd floor).

Thanks for the info. I will be staying here at the end of the month and will report back also.now if I can only get a high floor.

Not a good report. I would say avoid this property until kinks like these are worked out. William, I know your stance is always that properties won't know unless guests report the problems (and guests should report problems). But, once again (based on my management expertise), good management helps insure that a quality product is being offered in the first place. Quality control is an important part of effective management.

Can anyone comment of the quality of the gym at this hotel? Is it just a "fitness room" or is it really a gym? Is there a fee for use?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by aceflyer2:
Not a good report. I would say avoid this property until kinks like these are worked out. William, I know your stance is always that properties won't know unless guests report the problems (and guests should report problems). But, once again (based on my management expertise), good management helps insure that a quality product is being offered in the first place. Quality control is an important part of effective management.</font>

The problems experienced earlier in this thread happened in November shortly after the hotel opened. Chances are very likely that they have the wheels on by now. In fact, I think there are some other threads that indicate that this is true, but I'm willing to let IL-18 and PETEFLYS be the best judge of that since they seem to be willing to give it a try. IL-18 even said it was one of the best hotels in NYC. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif Hopefully PETEFLYS will be able to give us a good report also after next week.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Cast your vote! Visit www.freddieawards.com (http://www.freddieawards.com) and choose your favorite frequent travel programs today.

....
mistake



[This message has been edited by dknn (edited 02-18-2003).]

I`ve stayed there 4 times and have no complaints. It has become my Starwood of choice in NYC.

Well given the thumbs up from recent visitors to this property I'm looking forward to my upcoming stay. Will be happy to report back on what I believe will be a great stay.

Stayed there in 11/02: water leaked from room above, had to move.

Stayed there 2/03: fire alarm went on and off for over 4 hours, 2AM to 6AM!!!! NO apology from hotel, no upgrade as a Plat (yet my assistant got a corner room on high floor). Catering staff & meeting space are top notch - cool decor.

It COULD be one of the best hotels in NYC, but lots of kinks to be worked out.

------------------

I prefer the Essex House, a Westin hotel on Central Park. Location is great and so is the staff.

Try them the next time!

The Westin Times Square now has a policy of stopping you when you enter downstairs, as you head up the escalator to the lobby. I was actually physically grabbed by the arm, while on the escalator, and pulled backwards by the person standing there. He apparently wanted to know where I was going, and wasn't going to let me "slip by".

When I arrived at the check-in desk, I was told quote/unquote "Your room's not ready right now. Come back later". The gentleman then stepped out from behind the counter, and actually waved me towards the down escalator, to leave.

When I returned again, at 5.30pm, I had to stand in a queue at the bottom of the escaltor to be questioned about what I wanted in the hotel again. At that point, I went upstairs, went to a payphone & called the Platinum concierge who got me a great room at the W Times Square.

When I informed the check-in staff at the Westin that I would not be staying, the manager was called over. He didn't even ask why I was leaving - just "Are you sure you won't stay?".

Bottom line - they don't make me feel like they want my business. I'm happy to give it to someone who does. W Times Square - my first choice for Manhattan.

[This message has been edited by jrk1998 (edited 03-14-2003).]

I just stayed at the hotel one night over the weekend and had a flawless stay. I was on the 35th floor (i think) in a junior suite. Room was decorated well with enough furniture, 2 tvs, etc.

Service was great as well. My room wasn't ready at 10am when I tried to check in, but I was offered a standard room instead of the junior suite. I opted to wait, and was called on my cell phone when the room was ready. I also ran out of towels, I called service express and towels arrived at my room within minutes.

I also stayed at this hotel a couple of weeks ago. As Platinum, I was upgraded to a very nice junior suite that was pre-assigned and keyed prior to my arrival at about 6 PM. I was advised about all the executive floor amenities and offered full access & then offered late check out if I needed it. Platinum amenity card was presented with a pen to mark my choice. Check-in was just what we all hope for.

I rather like this new Westin design. While I'm also a W fan, I find the new Westin motif ("modern luxury") to be modern with a little more emphasis on function & comfort – modern luxury, as it were. Nice.

My only problem with the stay was actually somewhat humorous. The junior suite is divided in the middle with a two-sided armoire that has a TV on each side -- one for the mini-living room and one for the bedroom. Whenever I tried to turn off the TV while lying in bed, the one on the other side of the room turned on. I'd get up and go over to the other side to turn it off and the other would come back on...and so on...and so on... Finally had to resort to dumping the remote and turning them off manually (gasp!)

Service was good throughout, including in the restaurant & bar. I, too, was asked to show a key upon entry but it was handled professionally so it just gave me an added sense of security.

I had a great stay here and wouldn't hesitate to go back. It's not the greatest of locations, but pretty central (especially for the Theater District) & all-in-all a very nice hotel with a great experience for me.

Stayed at this Westin on a weeknight (wednesday March 12) for a theatre night out. Got a great rate of $199 (and booked it to qualify for that multi night promo for thousands of points bonus.)

There were two agents at check-in and there was a wait of about 15 minutes. The people checking in had a LOT of questions and the guy in front of me, a Platinum, was getting annoyed no other agents were brought in.

Finally got to check-in and was told "Sorry no suites, no upgrades tonight because the hotel is sold out." Got a corner room on the 34th Floor, don't know if that was a club floor. Was going to call SPG to check if this was the case but had to get to my show. It's no big deal but strange that I still have not managed to get an upgrade at this property as a Platinum. (have a stay up March 21 and one later in the spring.)

The room was of decent size and all the furnishing were great. Did not get a chance to do the breakfast but it was a nice tough.

Have to check the club room next time. And almost did Shula's but didn't know if they were still serving at 11pm.

Curious about the spa though since it might make a nice treat for myself sometime.

I stayed here on Feb 8-9. The doorman was *very* friendly and efficient in organizing valet parking. Upon approaching the up escalator, I was greeted (rather than accosted, as was the case for jrk1988) and asked if I was checking in. I wasn't on the list as I had decided to come to NYC at the last minute, and had only made the reservation a couple of hours before--so the attendant politely indicated that I should proceed to the desk.

Check-in was smooth, but no upgrade (hey, you can't win them all). The room I had faced another building, so it was quiet (my room also overlooked an interior lounge area, where an event was going on, but I didn't notice any noise once I was in my room.) The shade/blind system did a good job of blocking out the bright city light from outside (I am a heavy sleeper, but I like it *dark*)

I don't have much else to report, as I really utilized the hotel only for sleeping.

One thing I will note is, when I came down the elevator to exit the hotel the first time, I mistakenly took a few steps in the wrong direction (toward Shula's rather than the lobby), and then stopped to consider if I was headed the right way. A hotel employee--maintenance type guy--noted my confusion, and immediately stopped to inquire if I needed help finding something. I think when your "back of the house" people are conscious of customer service/satisfaction, you are running a good operation.

Pros:

--Staff friendly and efficient.
--Comfortable Westin bed.
--Good design to keep out city light/noise.

Cons:

--The bathroom sink looked like it was some kind of prison fixture--kind of like a bowl on stilts. I travel light, but it would be nice if there was room to put my shaving kit down somewhere. *shrugs*

I'd stay there again.

Regards,

O/H

I just finished another stay at the Westin Times Square.

Again, when requesting a suite upgrade (and even requested it in my on line reservation) as a Platinum was told "the suites are still under construction." (Last stay was on a Wednesday night... this one on a Friday night/weekend.) Was somewhat disappointed and did mention that a number of other Platinums posted on this bulletin board on getting upgrades.

Told the agent I was sorry to hear about construction delays.

Got a deluxe room on the 33rd floor which was fine enough. It had a nice view of midtowna nd was high enough to block out noise. Don't need to go into the purrfect Heavenly bed and bathroom. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Did not get a chance to visit Shula's but plan to on my next visit.

Did visit Bar 10 which had a very frinedly staff over there. The bartender, Sal, was written up in "People Magazine" for his Apple Martini (which I did not try.) Sal is very frinedly and mentioend a lot of local residents come to that bar on weekends for a drink becuase most of the other area bars and clubs are too crowded and noisy.

FYI: Smoking is NOT allowed in the lobby or bar of hotel. One couple stormed out when learning of it.

The hotel also has problems with the escalators... at least one going up to the second floor/lobby was broken in my last few stays.

An agent on the main level was checking for room keys as a security measure, which was fine.

Overall it's a good hotel which has a few kinks to work out.

THREE PAWS UP. (but like to try the suites sometime http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif )

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Catman:
FYI: Smoking is NOT allowed in the lobby or bar of hotel. One couple stormed out when learning of it.
</font>

If only ALL hotels would do this!



------------------
AA Platinum, Delta Gold, Starwood Platinum, Fairmont President's Club Gold, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Catman:
[B]FYI: Smoking is NOT allowed in the lobby or bar of hotel. One couple stormed out when learning of it.

[B]</font>

OT, but isn't this slightly ahead of the complete ban of any smoking in all bars and restaurants in NYC? Only downside to this as I see it is that it is one less item on the long list of reasons why SF is better than NY.

Catman, we were there the same night (last Friday) and were also not given a platinum suite upgrade. We were told the suites were "all occupied" and given a deluxe room with club access.

For those who haven't been there yet, the hotel is okay as far as Westins go. Room service is very good, but the room itself wasn't exceptional.

That's what I forgot... the CLub Lounge access.

It's a nice club lounge with a continental breakfast. I was happy they had Kellogg's FROSTIES! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Bagels, fruits, yogert and coffee. I wish they had PEPSI http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

The lounge is also reopened from 5-8pm for drinks. The bar is on the honor system. Decent selection of beers. But no PEPSI! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Catman,

Do tell...where did you fo for dinner?

We missed you in Brooklyn.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by boolean64:
OT, but isn't this slightly ahead of the complete ban of any smoking in all bars and restaurants in NYC? Only downside to this as I see it is that it is one less item on the long list of reasons why SF is better than NY.</font>

Citywide smoking ban in all NYC public places goes into effect 3/29/03. Mayor Bloomberg better hire additional street/sidewalk cleaners for all the cigarette butts that will be all over the ground.

I'm heading to the Westin Times Square in June--any current reports on upgrade results for Platinums?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Catman:
The bartender, Sal, was written up in "People Magazine" for his Apple Martini (which I did not try.)</font>

What did they have to say about Apple Martinis? Those peaked out on the "cool" charts what, maybe two years before the Westin opened?

d

snackyx

I am at this moment in the Westin Times Sq.; this is my second stay in as many weeks (and I'll be back week after next, as well). I have not gotten a suite upgrade as a Platinum, but have had 2 lovely rooms. Tonight I am in a corner room on the 18th floor, I have 2 windows on 2 sides of the room, and the view is spectacular. I watched the sun set and it was amazing. The room is not huge, but good sized and very, very nice. There is a lounge for breakfast and evening drinks & appetizers. I've spent 2 years as a loyal customer of the Hilton TS around the corner, and I just switched to this one bc of the oh-so-heavenly bed and the better SPG program. As much as I liked the Hilton TS, I LOVE this hotel.

I had a not too bad experience there a little while ago. Biggest disappointment was that half of the desk was taken up by the TV. Have other people had rooms with too little desk space? Anyone have rooms that had lots of desk space? I was in the executive lounge section of the hotel...11th floor I believe.

I stayed at the Westin TS last week and the week prior. Note that the typical 'upgrade' (I'm Plat) is to a room on the club floors, which have upgraded toiletries and Bose clock-radios, AND are low enough to see and hear the traffic on 42nd St. all night long!(forget the exact floors, but they're something like 8-12). It was so bad that I had to call the manager and request a room change in the middle of the night to a higher floor.

There are much better SPG NYC properties for upgrades (as I type this from my suite at the W Court...)

-Zombie-

I've stayed at this property about10 times since becoming an SPG PLT and have had one upgrade to a junior suite (one large room wioth the TV acting asa divider). Other than that, I usually end-up on the Club Floors. I like the property and it is close to where I'm working.

Keep in mind that this hotel has a bad suite to room ratio of 26:837. If you get an upgrade to one of the 18 junior or 8 regular suites, you're lucky.

d

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Biggest disappointment was that half of the desk was taken up by the TV. Have other people had rooms with too little desk space? Anyone have rooms that had lots of desk space? [/B]</font>

I had plenty of desk space both times. The first time the TV was on a stand, this past time, it was on the desk, but the desk ran down one whole wall so it was huge. I think you're having bad luck!

Also, I've had no noise problems at all. I was facing 8th Avenue and could not hear a thing.

PresDC: On which floor is/was the Junior suite? Booked one end of may. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by joergi:
PresDC: On which floor is/was the Junior suite? Booked one end of may. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

I actually was upgraded to a junior suite a second time last week. I don't recall the exact floors, but they were both "10" rooms in the mid 30s. They have a southern exposure, but the view is somewhat blocked by Penn plaza a few blocks south. It is still a nice view. FYI, the suite I had the first time had a second window in the living area and the one I had on my most recent stay did not have a second window.

But 30th floor, right? That should be high enough not to hear every noise on the streets... ;-) But Junior Suite should be big enough to fit 2 TVs and a sitting area. Would you say it´s spacious? And, by the way, on which floor is the Club Lounge?

Looking forward to stay at the Westin, which looks very modern and nice.

The lounge is on the 8th floor.

It is a spacious room. The room is essentially an L-shape with the bathroom to the left when you walk in the door. There is a short corridor opening into the sitting area, which contains a couch, two chairs an end table and a coffee table. The couch faces the entertainment unit. There are two TVs. one faces the couch and the other faces the bed, which is on the other side of the entertainment unit. The bed and the couch essentially face each other with the entertainment center between them. If you are sitting on the bed, the closet is to your right and contains the minibar (be careful, it is one where you get charged if you move an item). The desk is along the back wall where the bed's headboard is located and is between the closet and the bed. There is a night stand with a Bose Wave Radio to the left of the bed. As I mentioned, there will be one window by the bed and maybe one in the living area. You will have a southern exposure view if you are in a -10 room.

Enjoy. It is a nice hotel and the staff really are service oriented.

Oh yeah, I never have had a problem with noise in this hotel, and I've stayed as low as the 8th floor.

[This message has been edited by PresRDC (edited 05-13-2003).]

PressRDC: That sound´s good... I am looking forward and will let you know how it was. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Spend 2 nights on weekend at the TS about 1 mounth ago. Got upgraded to one of the Junior suite on the 42nd floor without asking. We really enjoyed this hotel. The view was great! I found the staff very polite and professionnal. Also appreciated the additional security level at the entrance.

Only negative comments would be about the size of the sink in the bathroom (way too small) and the food served at breakfast (trays were often empty)

please disregard; started a new topic

[This message has been edited by ILUVCITIBANK (edited 06-14-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Catman:
It's no big deal but strange that I still have not managed to get an upgrade at this property as a Platinum.</font>

Don't forget that the hotel does have a bad suites to rooms ratio of 30-something to 800-something.

d

I just got back from a one-night stay here. Staff was incredibly friendly. I actually got to the hotel about 10 a.m. so I figured I would have to check my bags and come back later to check-in. Nope, my Club level room was already waiting for me. The decor is very nice (as others have said, very W-like). My room faced the Port Authority Bus Station across the street but noise was not a problem. They did have me down for the wrong room rate ($239 vs. $199) but that was quickly ironed out. Got free breakfast coupons and a free drink coupon for Bar 10 downstairs. I know others have complained about the surroundings, but I like the funkiness and grittiness of Times Square. Oh, three different maids came by to offer turn-down service (no problem, but it was a little bit of overkill). This hotel instantly becomes my Starwood destination of choice in NYC.

raisin,
did you happen to visit the club level lounge ? any comments regarding this lounge facility ? for starters, were your breakfast coupons related to your status (assume PLAT), or because the lounge was closed and this was the alternative ?

also, I did not see any mention of an indoor pool here, but for the record, do you or anyone know of pool facilities at this Westin ?

[This message has been edited by ILUVCITIBANK (edited 06-15-2003).]

Check into the Westin 10 days ago using Cash and Points. Well, I'm not that lucky this year. Neither suite nor club level for me as the hotel was fully booked that night. The checkin agent was very nice and tried for about 5 mins to get me an upgrade room but no dice. The lounge was under "construction" so coupons were given for drinks and breakfast. All in all, a steal for 4,000 points and $60.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by raisin:
I know others have complained about the surroundings, but I like the funkiness and grittiness of Times Square.</font>

i live about 20 blocks away and i can categorically say that this hotel isn't, in fact, located in Times Square. and, Times Square isn't gritty. it's Disney-like now.

the hotel in which you stayed is, as you correctly mentioned, caddy corner to Port Authority. PA is, on the other hand, very...."gritty." http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

if you want to stay in Times Squre, the W Hotel is your only Starwood option.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 06-16-2003).]

OnePassLover, based on your comment, I called today, 6/16, directly to Westin and was told the lounge opens "today" again after some sort of renovation/retrofit. Person I spoke to couldn't really explain what they did, and half-heartedly agreedwith my observation that it was odd to be doing any renovation since the property is less than 9mo old. But - presumably they *added* some feature, fixture, furniture, or whatever. I can understand *adding* something, maybe enhancing it based on early feedback. So, lounge should be open now.

FlyCo, I've figured out the Westin is a trek of "x" blocks to get to what I know true Times Sq (ie outside the front door of the "W") to be. Given this, can you confirm how many walking blocks, say, from the front door of the Westin to the ticket outlet in front of W and/or Starbucks ? My trip is shaping up to be a Westin stay more and more due to [now] open lounge, decent room space, better than average chance to get a mini-suite or suite upgrade, high-speed access, etc.

I also agree - Times Sq is not gritty like the 80s when I used to take weekend trips to NYC. *That* was not only gritty, but darned scary, especially at night. Now - I would describe it more as surreal and eclectic.

FlyCo, may I ask your thoughts about this property, and also re: Shulas specifically ?

ILUVCITIBANK, four (short) blocks from 43rd to 47th St.!


Kathy

the Westin is very close to the W. you can walk it in about five minutes.

its amazing how a five minute walk can put you in an area with a different feel.

try 2 am on a saturday night and compare port authority westin to the times square W.

i've never eaten at shulas or stepped foot inside of the westin. i just imagine that i will get the fifth degree interrogation if i go inside without being a registered guest. not worth the hassle.

enjoy the stay.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 06-16-2003).]

Fly Co correctly points out that the Westin is not "in" Times Square. But, here in Chicago we say the South Loop stretches a good 20 blocks south of the actual Loop. Still, I should have said the Times Square "vicinity." http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif

I did not visit the Club Lounge because it was under renovations I believe, although I received a nice note from the manager saying so. The lounge was supposed to re-open on June 16, though. The breakfast coupons did not seem to be because of the lounge being closed. However, the drink coupon for Bar 10 was because of the lounge being closed (mentioned in the manager's note).

[This message has been edited by raisin (edited 06-16-2003).]

I just completed another stay at this hotel and my room did not feature the usual dual-headed Heavenly Shower. They have a standard showerhead, that does not offer much in the way of water pressure.

Apparently, they were unable to secure enough of them and are waiting for the final few to complete the installation. I was told that all rooms on the 23rd floor do not have the Heavenly showerheads. There are some other rooms affected as well.

I was assured that all rooms will be properly equipped in a month.

On a positive note, they took $39 off my room rate for the inconvenience.

Also, I wouldn't expect much in the way of upgrades over the next few days as the NBA is using it to house those involved in the draft.

i will respectfully refrain from commenting....

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fly co to see the yanks:
i will respectfully refrain from commenting.... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif</font>

Ohhh. . . Why start now? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AZ Travels the World:
Ohhh. . . Why start now? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

oh...alright.

i don't even want to hear the argument that people don't like to wade through years of old posts to get to the new stuff.

the westin port authority is a new hotel. there couldn't possibly be two year old posts.

so, this should have been attached to an existing Westin Port Authority thread. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

okay, that's off my chest.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 06-25-2003).]

fly co, if you keep this up, you may be hired by Flyer Talk as an honorary moderator/study hall monitor. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fly co to see the yanks:
oh...alright.

i don't even want to hear the argument that people don't like to wade through years of old posts to get to the new stuff.

the westin port authority is a new hotel. there couldn't possibly be two year old posts.

so, this should have been attached to an existing Westin Port Authority thread. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

okay, that's off my chest. </font>

I like having different topics (about the same property) listed seperately. That way, when I do a search for 'Westin Times Square', I am able to see all of the different topics. I don't want to have to read about the shower if it is not an issue to me. If everything was in one thread, it would mean that one would have to sift through all sorts of different comments and feedback on a topic just to get to the point(s) that they are looking for.

If you look at the Hilton section of FT, you will find a thread that talks about Hampton Inns across the country. It is over 10 pages long, and a waste of time to try and sort through and read about a specific property that interests you. By seperating the topics out, we can avoid having run-on threads that become too cumbersome to navigate, thus losing their value.

-"The Closet Door at the W Seattle was Broken"
-"There were no Milk Duds in my Mini Bar at the W Union Square"
-"The Toilet Paper Scratched My Rear End at the Sheraton LunchMeat Kansas"

nahhh...i'll pass on that suggestion.

Fly CO - why the negativity on calling The Westin New York at Times Square the "Westin Port Authority"? I realize that the front doors don't open onto Times Square - isn't it located in the Times Square District?

I was upgraded to the Presidential Suite on Saturday (4533), which is really quite nice (another story). However, I will point out that the double-headed shower head was not fully screwed in, which resulted in it spraying water out of the top of the head, in addition to through the two heads. I screwed it completely in, which solved that problem, but left the two heads in a non-vertical orientation. Oh well.

Stayed there last week...as Platinum I was given a room on the 40th floor, but no suite. Room is OK size for NYC, but the one window gave a nice view of the city but not an expansive one. Bathrooms are small with very little counter space (a cart sat in the corner to make up for the lack thereof, I am assuming). Came back to the room about 5:30pm and the room was just being made up...had to wait 15 minutes to get in (this, after a four hour play).

Overall services was OK, but not spectacular. Location is not exactly "Times Square" but more 7th Avenue, which can border on the seedy real fast.

Actually Westin T.S. is right across the street of New York Times, where "Times Square" got its name. If Westin T.S. is not "in Times Square", neither is the Times. I guess if you want to be absolutely correct, "Times Square" should rename to "MTV Triangle" (It's really not a Square, either")

I finally stayed at this hotel. The style is more "W" than "Westin". The front desk staffs are professional and friendly. They are very eager to offer their help.

The room size is bigger than most other SPG hotels in NYC. I didn't get upgrade to a suite, but did appreciate the executive lounge open during the weekend.

My room is at the 10th floor (was told it’s the club floor) overlooking the 42nd street. The room is surprisingly quite. I couldn’t hear anything from the busy street. The bathroom is stocked with Molten Brown and the bathroom door really reminds me the W. The fitness center has decent weight equipment and nice view to look out. The Bar 10 downstairs is a bit disappointed. I tried the famous “Sour Apple Martini” ($13.50 including tip) but it tasted more like a wine cooler than a Martini.

Overall I will recommend this hotel, especially if you are platinum member and able to enjoy the executive lounge and fitness center.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Bookexp:
Actually Westin T.S. is right across the street of New York Times, where "Times Square" got its name. If Westin T.S. is not "in Times Square", neither is the Times.</font>

not to split hairs, but considering i have lived for the past six years about 20 blocks from the new Westin Times Square (TS), i might have a bit better perspective than someone from LA. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

the Westin TS is in the heart of the Port Authority (PA) area. PA is on 42nd and 8th, southwest corner. the Westin TS is on 42nd and 8th, northeast corner. during most periods, this is perfectly safe place to be. at night, it can be "gritty."

but, for sure, it is most certainly not in Times Square (which runs from 42nd and 7th/bway to 51st and bway/7th ave).

It's funny the differences in perspective. I just completed an absolutely incredible experience at the Westin Times Square. When you exit the hotel (on either 43rd or 42nd Street), you step out into the world of Broadway Shows, Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, etc. etc. I found it to be a great location. And, apparently they have the kinks worked out.

I checked in at a low promotional rate, was upgraded to a very large corner room on the executive level with great views. Very modern and comfortable rooms. Club Lounge is great, although it always amazes me that 4 Points Hotels typically have the best "refreshments." Spa is incredible. Price for exercise area sucks if you're not a platinum but they do offer a reduced rate of either $30 or $40 for up to seven days use of the exercise room (I can't remember the specifics since I didn't have to pay).

The only down side that I can give you is that I'm not a huge fan of Shula's Steakhouse - the hotel's restaurant and room service provider. But, service was excellent and food was predictably mediocre.

This was by far my best Starwood experience out of my last three (Sheraton Boston, W The Court NYC, and Westin Times Square).

Can anyone comment on the category

"junior suite high floor city view" at this hotel, especially with respect to the view?

Big Jim -

If I might be so bold - what was the promo rate and where did you find it ? Thanks for any info - Mister Nice

Any time. The rate is $159 per night. I've included the link before. Unless Starwood has updated, you can't book over internet.

Also, be sure and print out the Summer NYC promo card contained on the referenced website.

http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagepkey=948

There are also some other good coupons for shopping etc. (particularly Bloomingdales and Macy's.)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bigjim:
Any time. The rate is $159 per night. I've included the link before. Unless Starwood has updated, you can't book over internet.

Also, be sure and print out the Summer NYC promo card contained on the referenced website.

http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagepkey=948

There are also some other good coupons for shopping etc. (particularly Bloomingdales and Macy's.)

</font>

How do you make a reservation with this rate? Calling SPG?

Do them qualify for stays/nights and Starpoints ?

Calling central reservations just worked for me. It's a regular rate, so I'd be surprised if it didn't earn points.

Yeah, it qualifies for stays and points. Because you have to call to book, it doesn't qualify for the current promos. :-(

I've gotten a junior suite upgrade twice (as SPG Platinum). However it's been the same room 3410, which while it's very nicely configured, it has no window over the couch area and the room is dark.

For those of you who have stayed in other junior suites here, can you post the room # and whether there was a window over the couch?

It will help determine whether I switch from the W Court on a permanent basis (my wife loves the location becuase it's so close to theatres and TKTS). Thanks in advance.

Can't help you with room numbers, but I can confirm that some of teh junior suites do have a window over the couch area.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PresRDC:
Can't help you with room numbers, but I can confirm that some of teh junior suites do have a window over the couch area.</font>

Hard to determine a pattern. It seems like 3410 does, 3210 does not.

In the middle of a stay at the hotel. I must say that I am not very impressed with this property. Maybe becuase last week I stayed at the Sheraton Russell and had a great experience I am a bit spoiled. The Westin is a massive hotel.

I was surprised that the club lounge is on the 8th Floor and the club level rooms are in this courtyard type atrium area (reminds me of an Embassy Suites) on these lower levels. (For reference there are 2 elevator banks for floors 2 - 20 (or something like that) and then floors 20+). When at collegue and I checked (both Platinums) we were told that since the hotel was sold-out for the night, our room type was unavailable (never mind an upgrade) and that we could get 2 rooms with with 2 double beds on the club level. Well when I got up to the room and realized it was the 10th floor with a tiny window and a view of the bus terminal, I called the front desk to arrange another room for the rest of my stay.

I talked to a manager who assured me that he would change my room for the rest of the stay (my collegue also asked to switch rooms as well). The next night, we did get new rooms on high floors (I have the same view but since I am now above the port authority don't mind it). However, since we are in the second elevator bank we are away from the club lounge and no Molton-Brown products or bottled water. My collegue was put into a room behind the elevator. He is a light sleeper and was upset by the noise of the eleveator and its associated traffic. He talked to another manager. She was very nice (as has everyone been) and not only offered to move his room yet again but also gave him 5000 points too!

As for the rooms and the hotel in general:

*It's a very busy hotel with lots of traffic even at Midnight and later.

*Staff is very friendly and wants to correct problems

* Bathroom - little to no counter space

* Club Lounge - spartan breakfast. choice of cereal, 2 juices, tap water, bagels and limited pastry selection (No bottled water or coffee cups to go).

*Rooms - unimpressed. The few that I have seen are small.

-club level: Bose waveradio clock, molton brown, bottled water, heavenly shower

-other floors: standard alarm clock, westin soap, no water, heavenly shower

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by neo_781:
(No bottled water or coffee cups to go).</font>

at least the coffee cups to go seems like a no brainer. might be good to grab one of the manager's emails and send a suggestion list.

Im staying there Monday and Tuesday nights. First night got a decent $199 rate, second night I burned 10K points. Im wondering if I can get some feedback on the following:

1) overall specs of the hotel
2) suite upgrade batting average for Platinums
3) service, etc.?

Thanks!!

------------------
Gaucho100K

I suggest you use the SEARCH engine as there has been a lot of discussion on this hotel recently.

Thanks, but no thanks. I kinds like to have my questions answered in my thread... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif (hope you have no hard feelings http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif)

1) Its a great design and you'll love the interior and the furnishings. In my view the exterior is quite remarkable too. Its very convenient to get to/from, specially with Port Authority being right there

2) No suite for me so far as Platinum. But then again all my stays have been on weekdays where the probability of an upgrade goes down in NYC. I am 0-9. If you cannot score a suite, I would suggest a corner room on floors 35 and above (some of them end in xx19). I prefer these too the Executive floors rooms since they are somewhat larger and with a great view. Of course you don't get the water, but then you'll have lounge access.

3) Never had any issues with service. In fact, the front desk folks are amongst the best I have encountered. Everyone seems to on top of it.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AAEXP:
I suggest you use the SEARCH engine as there has been a lot of discussion on this hotel recently.</font>

AMEN

We stayed at the hotel last week. Our corner room on the 20th floor had wonderful views even from the bathroom. The lobby bar has a great sushi bar. The drinks were very good and the menu did include some selections from Shula's. The service for our food from that part of the menu was very slow.
Both the front desk and the conciege staff were very pleasant and helpful.
Fresh towels and chocolates were provided when we requested turn down service.
Enjoy your stay!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaucho100K:
Thanks, but no thanks. I kinds like to have my questions answered in my thread... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif (hope you have no hard feelings http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif)</font>

No hard feelings at all, but why re-invent the deep dish?

The promotion codes on other threads don't seem to work in December. Any good ideas?

I'm in the middle of my stay right now, and we booked the "Superior" room and got upgraded to a "Deluxe" room. When I looked online the day of arrival, they had changed my room from 2DB to 1K and since I'm traveling with a friend really wanted 2DB and so I had to call and fix that. But upon arrival, it was all good and we are on the 41st floor with a decent view.

Of course without getting into too much detail, it's quite a nice room and a decent location. Any complaints about the adult shops are crazy, there are just a few and overall it's a fine area to be.

I was in the business center shipping something and I noted some type of report that showed there were 92 platinum's in house on Friday and 11 arriving that day. Yikes! If there are only 800 or so rooms, that's more than 10% of the guests being platinum. That's not so elite!

Overall, a big thumbs up. Not my favorite area to be (I prefer the park), but my friend was taking her first visit and wanted to be by Times Square.

Updated to add: There were a few problems. It took 3 calls to the concierge's desk (leaving messages all 3 times) before someone would call me back about where and how a business could leave theater tickets for me. Also, sound insulation between rooms is not great (especially when opening the lovely window coverings...we heard it every morning).

[This message has been edited by bergamini (edited Dec 14, 2003).]

I just enjoyed a nice corner room on the 42nd floor. Upgraded as a Plat from a Superior room. The view was great and the staff tried its very best. Only real complaint is the Club - way too busy & noisy, food wasn't quite what I expected. I ended up visiting delis in the area for bfast.

Just stayed at the Westin Times Square for 2 weeks (well, two consecutive 5-day stays anyway). Maybe I'm not used to staying in such high-end properties as you all are, but this was the nicest room I've stayed in over the past few years. My travel agency usually puts me in Marriott or Hilton properties, but somehow I ended up here this time, and wasn't disappointed in the least.

The first week I was in a club-level on 14, the second week was a regular room on 36. Main differences were that the club level had a Bose wave radio, a larger sitting area, and Molton Brown toiletries rather than the standard issue Westin toiletries (which I got the second week). No complaints at all about the noise -- you can't expect complete sound proofing when you're in the heart of midtown Manhattan. The staff was extremely friendly and I never had to wait at the check-in desk (both times, around 8 PM on Sunday night).

The high-speed Internet was kind of flaky. A couple days, it would completely cut out for half an hour at a time. I did call Service Express and they connected me to Unisys, who apparently is in charge of the hotel connectivity, and they weren't able to do much other than confirm that there had been reports of problems earlier that day. Also, the second week I was there, instead of being prompted to authorize the $14.95 charge each day, it came up with a screen saying "Please enjoy high-speed Internet free of charge for the time being while we upgrade our service". But I got charged on my bill anyway. Didn't have the time to complain about it.

Used room service once, it was so-so. I ordered a pizza which arrived a little bit soggy, but the creme brulee I had for dessert wasn't bad at all.

The week I stayed on the club level, I took advantage of the free breakfast only once. It was a nice selection of muffins, bagels, juices, cereal, etc. that you'd expect from a continental breakfast. Never made it back to the hotel in time to check out the hors d'oeuvres between 6 and 8 PM.

Good sushi at the Bar 10 Lounge downstairs. Not a huge selection, of course, but what do you expect, it's a bar. Beats chicken fingers or nachos any day.

Overall, a very good experience. At $249/night and $209/night respectively for each of the two stays, it's a little too expensive for me if I had been in NYC on leisure travel. However, if all Starwood properties are this nice, I have been missing out on a lot!

-chris


[This message has been edited by chriseng (edited Feb 04, 2004).]

The Westin is the most visible and appears to be closest hotel to Port Authority Bus Terminal. As much as they have cleaned up 42nd St, the area around the Westin is still a little rough as it borders 8th Ave.

Was expecting grand lobby but found out they had 2 or 3 small door entrances that seemed to be more like entering a hallway or subway. Very disappointed with first impression that I called Starwood on my cell and canceled that evening's stay. Booked Marriott Grand Marquis for $40 less with more security, grand lobby, large room (with 2 chairs!) and better situated to Times Square.

I guess Las Vegas and New York are two cities on my not stay list for Westin.

------------------
Please click daily and help those less fortunate at www.thehungersite.com (http://www.thehungersite.com)

My wife and I stayed at the Westin Times Square last October when I attended a conference there. While nothing too special, it was a decent property in an OK location.

The lobby is somewhat strange - the entrance is quite small on the ground floor and you have to take an elevator or escalator up to the lobby floor. It can get quite crowded in the ground floor area if a lot of people arrive at the same time.

When I was there there always seemed to be a lineup at reception. There were never more than 2 clerks on duty, and at least 2 or 3 times I heard front desk managers frantically calling for more clerks to come to try to reduce the lineups. Perhaps they are trying to have people do double duty elsewhere in the hotel. The concierge staff was very helpful.

Our room was a corner on a high floor facing south and west - it was unusual for NY in that we were high enough that there were no other tall buildings in front of us and we could see quite a long way in both directions. We got an upgrade due to Gold status, but I don't remember what room level was we eventually got.

The room was OK, with one major problem. The only chair in the room was the one at the desk. The TV was in the corner, and the only place that anyone could sit and read a book, etc. was on the bed. I found this quite strange, as there was plenty of room to have a chair or two. We called to ask about this and the staff were genuinely confused that we would even want somewhere to sit. The bathroom was nicely appointed, although, as noted elsewhere, there is a shortage of counter space.

All in all, I think there are better situated and appointed properties in the Times Square area that could be had for about the same price. While I wouldn't avoid the Westin in the future, I wouldn't be hurrying back.

------------------
Oh Canada!
Standing on guard for thee...

Stayed there last night. Hotel was fully booked so no upgrade, which I expected, since I couldn't book a third room for a co-worker. This was probably due to the storm and upcoming parade. Had decent size room on 24th floor overlooking the roof of the bus terminal and part of 42nd street. Several issues:

Bathroom had no tub but only a stand up shower with a shower curtain and a loose shower head. Needless to say, when I stepped out of the shower the entire bathroom floor was flooded and flowing out onto the carpet. Service Express sent an engineer (at midnight) who changed the shower head, but no one to mop up the water. I threw towels on the floor to at least protect the carpeting.

Read the phone rate card, but did not notice the access charge. Got billed $1.75 each for two calling card calls (front desk removed one)

Final bill had a $22.00 charge for Cash and Points, with associated taxes. Had no idea what this was, but I did use the club lounge and the gym, both of which you have to sign in for, but are supposed to be free for Plats. Front desk gave no explanation for the charge and removed it without question.

The service promise was never mentioned and I was never asked about the problem with the shower. I used the club lounge again in the morning so I'm waiting to see if I get billed for that as well. On the plus side, the club lounge was well stocked in the evening (the hours could be longer rather then 6 - 8) and in the morning. I was very impressed with the gym. All of the aerobic equipment had personal LCD tv's that worked with headphones they give you. There was a good variety of weight machines as well.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by intwrite:
...The service promise was never mentioned...</font>

Just an FYI...there is no service promise at Westin hotels. The only Starwood brand that has a service promise is Sheraton, ergo, it is called the Sheraton Service Promise.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
Just an FYI...there is no service promise at Westin hotels. The only Starwood brand that has a service promise is Sheraton, ergo, it is called the Sheraton Service Promise.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com </font>

They look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.

I am guilty as charged.


[This message has been edited by intwrite (edited Mar 18, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by intwrite:
They look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.

Guilty as charged. </font>

I guess I have to plead guilty to not understanding then. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

You referenced a service promise and there isn't one in effect at Westin hotels. Simple as that.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
I guess I have to plead guilty to not understanding then. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

</font>

William, I'm sorry for being too vague. You understood perfectly, I was referring to myself. I've looked at the words "Sheraton Service Promise" hundreds of times but saw "Starwood Service Promise". The same thing with the phone rate card. I saw only what I wanted, rather than what it actually said.
This lack of attention to detail constantly gets me in trouble, especially at home when my wife gets a hair cut that I do not notice, or I trip over the couch that she rearranged.

We are staying at the Westin Times Square next month; can anyone comment on whether it is worth the $40 (a night) to upgrade to an Executive King Room, which for use of the club lounge for continental breakfast and appetizers, as well as use of the fitness center and a larger room? Any comments are appreciative.

If you are a Platinum member, you are entitled to lounge and gym access and upgrade possibility.

If you are not Platinum, I think it's worth $40.00. Breakfast in New York City easily costs you $10.00 per person. The afternon appetizer is another $10.00. That's $40.00 for 2 people. The gym at this hotel is decent and the view is nice. It's worth paying for it if you do work out at the hotel gym.

When I called to make my reservation, I was told that I needed to do this upgrade upon check-in. Is this your experience?

I was at the Westin this past weekend. I upgraded my room. They charged me 30.00. I got an email about the offer. I went to the lounge which is on the 8th floor. Anyone could of walked in and they probably did. Nobody askedfor proof of room or whatever. This is the first time I used the Westin lounge so I dont know how they do it in other locations.

THe room was nice and seemed very new. Probably worth the 40.00. I saw in the daily news using rate code sun10. There are room nights avail at 99 per until july as part of the times square 100 anniversary.

Rob

I saw in the daily news using rate code sun10. There are room nights avail at 99 per until july as part of the times square 100 anniversary.

Rob

any more details on this $99 rate? I didn't see it on the SPG site or the Times Square (www.timessquare.com) site.

Rob,
Where did you find the $ 99 rate, best I found was $ 249 with club floor upgrade.

Yes, please provide details on this rate. I have a friend coming to town in May with his family and I was trying to move them in *wood's direction but the best I can find on the Westin TS is $275. I tried putting the Daily News code in but the website says it does not give a special rate for that promo code. The W claims to have a $199 special rate in TS but of course no availability and cheapest rates at $279 a night.

I mean, I live here and just can't believe the rates on decent hotels in Manhattan!

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I believe the rate code (Sun100) is only good for Sunday nights through August and is only bookable over the phone. I booked 5/9 for $100 by calling Starwood reservations, and told the agent that I got the code from the New York Daily News.

Cancellation Policy Cancel By 4Pm Hotel Time 1 Days Prior To Avoid 1 Night Penalty

Rate Plan Description Guest Has To Request This Rate Plan

Valid Only Sundays 1.Night Stays, Celebrating 100 Years Of Times Square.

Superior Rooms Only.Valid Beginning April - August Of 2004.

Room Tax Information Occupancy Tax 2.00 Usd Per room per night Not in the rate, State Tax 8.63 Percent Per room per night Not in the rate, City Tax 5.00 Percent Per room per night Not in the rate,

Thanks guys, just did a reservation.

I guess the Daily News had bad info in last weeks paper. They did not note the 99.00 rate was Sunday only. They mentioned it to be available on any day for the next 100 days. I never was able to price any nights online at 99.00. Sunday nights are probably extremely slow, so they are not losing much.

Rob

http://dir.travelzoo.com/Lodging.asp?intCategory=23&id=145638

I just booked through the starwood link on travelzoo - it automatically puts in the special rate code. You might give this a try if the Daily News code is not working.

I am staying at this hotel this Friday and actually booked a junior suite as I really needed one and couldn't hope on the chance of getting upgraded. I was told that I was assigned room 3110. Has anyone ever stayed in this room? I was hoping for some sort of upgrade (full suite?) but considering I already booked a junior suite, there is not much to upgrade to....

Any experience with room 3110??

I am a Platinum Starwood Preferred Guest and a Hilton Honors Diamond Member, so I do more than my share of traveling for both business and pleasure.

I just returned from a long weekend stay at the Westin NY Times Square. I was traveling with my partner and 16 year old daughter.

We booked a junior suite and did not receive an upgrade beyond that. The room certainly was large enough for the 3 of us, but really was nothing spectacular. The web site described the junior suite rooms as having "stunning city views". I think this was an exageration. Looking out the window, you saw 8th Avenue and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Not a tremendous problem, just an observation.

Clearly the hotel was aware that the sofa bed was to be used, yet there was no blanket for the bed. I called service express, and they delievered one in a reasonable amount of time. The following day, the maid took it, which made no sense to me. The second morning, I just put the blanket in the closet so it didnt disappear again.

What I really didn't understand is why a high end hotel like the Westin that commands some pretty hefty room rates doesn't provide twice daily maid service. Again, every day I called service express and asked for fresh towels. It was never a problem, but when you pay $350+ a night, I don't think you should have to ask for something so basic.

There is a executive lounge in the hotel, but again I have to say, for a hotel of this caliber there should have been more staff to take care of wiping tables down and replenishing the basic food that they had there. You are suppossed to fill out a form when you arrive at the lounge, but there was NEVER anybody up at the desk. Cocktails in the evening are suppossed to be on the "honor System" but again, nobody is collecting the slips that they ask you to fill out. Virtually nobody was leaving the slips with the number of cocktails consumed. In short, the lounge is just totally mis-mananged.

The concierge was also less than knowledgeable. I asked about the best way to get to EWR. The guy told me that the bus that was $12 coming to manhattan was $20 when you bought a one way ticket back to EWR at the port authority. This didnt make any sense to me and turns out to be totally inaccurate. (The concierge suggested a taxi or car service which would cost the "the same" as the bus). The bus at the port authority was very convenient...less than a block away from the hotel.

These are just observations....the bed, as usual was awesome....and NY, as always was spectacular. the weather for the most part was fabulous...great weather for touring....

I also had a recent stay at the Westin Times Square. On a scale on 1-10, I would generously give it a 3.

Our circumstances surrounded the room door which would not open with the keys provided by the front desk. So, over a two day period, we had to contact security five (5) times to gain access to our room. Each occasion included an approximately 20 minute wait. This made very little sense as the property had availability, why were we simply not given another room when requested?

:confused:

The lounge was fairly nice if you could see past the tables full of glasses and dishes. It is in great need of better staffing, even if just to pick up items and periodically re-stock the breakfast items. I spent considerable time and did not ever see a staff member. The breakfast items were tasty; but, as mentioned was rarely stocked.

When I addressed the room issue with the front desk, I was informed that this would need to be addressed by a front desk manager. The agent politely excused herself and upon return state that nobody was available to speak with me.

The Westin Times Square is billed as a premier property and honestly did not impress. Problems happen, how they are handled is the measure of a business. As an Incentive and Convention Services Manager, I would hesitate before recommending this property to a client.

Overall - The rooms are nice and well appointed, Shula's is excellent for a steak, the location is good when the sun is out (dicey after sunset), the lounge is like a cheap diner; and, the decision making process / customer service on property is marginal to poor.

We were also very non-plussed about Platinum recognition at this property recently.

Nothing mentioned of status at check-in. Had to ask for Platinum amenity after I was discharged from check-in with our keys. No mention of upgrade and when I asked if one was available was curtly told "We don't have any upgrades!" Not "Sorry, I'm afraid we don't have any upgrades available today, even for Platinums." Had to beg for Exec Lounge access. Room was nothing extraordinary for a Westin.

We certainly know and accept that upgrades are not always available, but as far as general Platinum recognition goes, our front desk clerk never mentioned one word about Starwood, our status or even expressed any general friendliness or appreciation of our patronage.

Came back downstairs about an hour afterwords to formally express our displeasure at the check-in process to a Front Desk Manager and he immediately went on the defensive so much, that he kept missing the whole point of my complaint. We weren't miffed they couldn't upgrade us. That's not unusual. We were upset with the fact that neither SPG or our Platinum status was not even remotely mentioned and that the agent was just curt when we inquired about upgrade possibilities. The Front Desk Manager kept repeating that there were no upgrades available. I kept repeating we accepted that and that wasn't my point! Ugh. I really got the feeling he thought that we (and perhaps all Plats) were just in the business of complaining when we didn't get upgraded all the time and perhaps we were just looking for some dollars off or something. We were not. We were just trying to inform him of surly service. Perhaps he finally got the point but then just said "We're very sorry and is there anything else I can do for you?" And that was it.

In probably close to 100 stays (much more actually in you add in other shared room stays where we used the other party's Starwood number, and also many free stays) at various Starwoods in my 2½ years as a Platinum, this hotel gets the "Coldest Shoulder Award" for service provided that day. We would have considered it sub-standard in terms of friendless even if I wasn't a member of Starwood Preferred Guest at all. :(

The Westin at Times Square is a joke! I wasn't Platinum but Gold when I checked in several months ago they gave me a "handicap room". The shower had no door or curtain so water would drip all over the toilet and the whole bathroom. I thought I was in China or something! I asked for a different room and I was accomodated with the additional rate which I did not mind. When I checked out and ask for transportation to EWR, they recommended the car services which they said were $55 total. I thought that the car service is reliable because it was recommended by the bell service people and it was right outside the hotel. Anyhow, after the car is on the way, the driver then told me it was $70. That's for the Westin at Times Square.

This is for SPG Customer Service.

I had 24 stays when I checked in to the Westin at Morristown in NJ, which would made me platinum. Then the next night I stay at the Sheraton at Parsippany which mean I would get 500 platinum amenity. I know that the system is not updated. so I am not registered as Platinum when I check in on the 2nd night, thus I did not say anything. I then emailed to SPG customer service and requested my amenity. They replied back as to say I did not become platinum at the time of check in therefore the amenity did not applied. Maybe I am not reading the policy right, but doesn't it make sense that 25 stays get yout o Platinum so anything after that you should get the 500 amenity? My account online shows 29 stays as of now, and yet I only get 3 (500pts) amenity! The customer service also replied back with some idiotic comment such as " The Sheraton also posted for you 2500 points, blah blah blah". The reason I got the 2500 points from the Sheraton at Parsippany on that night is because the AC leak on the top floor and soak the ceiling to the point where the whole chunk of the ceiling falled off. It happened in the middle of the night. Seriously speaking, I like Starwood properties because I do believe they are superior over others, but with customer services as such I am seriously thinking about going back to the Marriot!


We were also very non-plussed about Platinum recognition at this property recently.

Nothing mentioned of status at check-in. Had to ask for Platinum amenity after I was discharged from check-in with our keys. No mention of upgrade and when I asked if one was available was curtly told "We don't have any upgrades!" Not "Sorry, I'm afraid we don't have any upgrades available today, even for Platinums." Had to beg for Exec Lounge access. Room was nothing extraordinary for a Westin.

We certainly know and accept that upgrades are not always available, but as far as general Platinum recognition goes, our front desk clerk never mentioned one word about Starwood, our status or even expressed any general friendliness or appreciation of our patronage.

Came back downstairs about an hour afterwords to formally express our displeasure at the check-in process to a Front Desk Manager and he immediately went on the defensive so much, that he kept missing the whole point of my complaint. We weren't miffed they couldn't upgrade us. That's not unusual. We were upset with the fact that neither SPG or our Platinum status was not even remotely mentioned and that the agent was just curt when we inquired about upgrade possibilities. The Front Desk Manager kept repeating that there were no upgrades available. I kept repeating we accepted that and that wasn't my point! Ugh. I really got the feeling he thought that we (and perhaps all Plats) were just in the business of complaining when we didn't get upgraded all the time and perhaps we were just looking for some dollars off or something. We were not. We were just trying to inform him of surly service. Perhaps he finally got the point but then just said "We're very sorry and is there anything else I can do for you?" And that was it.

In probably close to 100 stays (much more actually in you add in other shared room stays where we used the other party's Starwood number, and also many free stays) at various Starwoods in my 2½ years as a Platinum, this hotel gets the "Coldest Shoulder Award" for service provided that day. We would have considered it sub-standard in terms of friendless even if I wasn't a member of Starwood Preferred Guest at all. :(

Might be a little OT, but I was looking at the W/Westin Times Square for the last week of Sept but prices are sky high! ($300+)

Anyone know what's going on at that time? Most other hotels I've checked also have pretty high rates.

you can get it a little cheaper if you book a month in advance.

As a gold I stayed there and got a corner room that had a distant view of the statue of liberty. But I think this property is overhyped. I don't like the fact that the lobby is on the 2nd floor and its located an entire avenue over from Time Square. It doesnt' really feel like its in Time Square.

Its a fine hotel but for the hype I expected more. I wouldn't pay a premium for this hotel, and there are others I would prefer for their location.

I had a two night stay at the Westin NY Times Square this past weekend. The rate was $245, for an "Club Weekends" package.

A couple of days prior to arrival, I received an email from the conceirge offering any assistance prior to my arrival. They were able to book and co-ordinate a car service for pick up at JFK on my arrival.

Check in was quick and effecient, with immediate recognition of my platinum status and an offer of three amenities.

The room was a corner location, xx24, with views over 43rd street and back over 8th. Large room, with a couch, 2 single seats and desk. Standard Heavenly king size bed. The room was quite noisy, and the block out curtains were very ineffective. Heavenly shower lacked pressure.

I found the "Executive Lounge" to be little more than a low level cafeteria. Very messy, with low quality fittings and no magazines or newspapers. The breakfast offering was very basic, cereals and pastries. One toaster for the 40 odd people in the lounge on both mornings was ridiculous.

It certainly does have a very cold feel to it. Would probably look elsewhere next time.

I was there during hte blackout, and I will say that they performed excellently under trying circumstances. Other hotels in the area fared far more poorly. Marriott turned everyone out on the street, gave them sheets and pillows and they slept on the cement.

As far as location, I don't like being in Time square. The location of the Westin is better. Nothing dicey about after sunset in my opinion. Much better taxi availability, far better to breeze up 8th avenue to get to the hotel rather than try to get back through TS.

As far as rooms, I pretty much agree with the other posters. Nothing special. I usually get it around $225, but I prefer other properties in NYC that have more suites and upgrade more often. What ticks me is some of the junior suites have windows only by the bed, others over the couch as well, but the front desk doesn't know which ones, so even when I get an upgrade, it could be blah. (The corner rooms, while small, do have great views, if you are high up. Much more than the Port Authority, the entire Hudson River).

It doesnt' really feel like its in Time Square.


there's a good reason why it doesn't feel like Times Square...because it's not in Times Square (as you pointed out). a correct name for this hotel would have been Westin Port Authority.

file this one under: "starwood takes creative license."

the comments on this property are pretty brutal...wonder if someone from HOT is lurking? :)

file this one under: "starwood takes creative license."

You mean like the Sheraton Park Lane, which is not on Park Lane but one block away on Piccadilly? ;)

My wife and I stayed over Mem W/E. Since we are not used to frequenting hotels (above and beyond the Dolphin and Swan), we were relatively more satisfied. Standard Plus Member. They offered me Club Level for an additional 30.00 per night getting us into the lounge and fitness center. Yay! They never charged me the 90.00 for the upgrade, so it was all gravy to me. Room 1412. Nice room overall, except that we learned (via the knock on the door at 4:30am by security) that our door did not automatically close! Yikes! Pathetic Naive Floridians! Twice daily maid service, good shower pressure, UGLY view, great bed. Shula's awesome, spa treatments good. Seemed worth the 30K Starpoints spent. I was surprised to find that my spa treatments were NOT eligible for points. I was bummed as I was hoping for 600 points for 300 bucks of facial crap and rub downs. I was told by SPG tonite that in NY, spa and room service are not eligible. Is this true, folks? Anyway, thanks to all who helped with my Westin vs. W debate and assistance to/from LGA. GO SOX!

Have been to the Westin NY Time Square twice - once for business and once for pleasure.

The hotel always seems understaffed - long waits for valet, check-in, or concierge. Also was not offered an upgrade although being Platinum. Had to ask and was told nothing available.

Rooms are fine for NYC size-wise but rates can be high for what you get.

All in all, would pass on returning unless I hear things have improved significantly.

Also had a so-so stay there a few months ago... Just go a few blocks and stay at the W Times square, in my eyes much superior in service and overall experience.

I had a three-night Cash and Points stay a year ago (each night cost $60 plus tax plus 4000 Starpoints). Pity that none of the Manhattan hotels have participated in Cash and Points of late!

I agree that the service was somewhat less than top-notch, but I didn't mind that much because of being on a special rate (and in NYC to boot).

On Sunday June 6 I will be at this hotel again for one night; I managed to grab one of the Sunday $100 special rates commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Times Square (the Travelzoo version of this promo). This time around I am a Platinum rather than a mere Gold as I was last year, so I'll see how it goes with the Platinum benefits (upgrade, amenity, lounge access).

I, too, got the $100 Sun. night Travelzoo promo 2 weeks ago. Was upgraded to the 42nd floor, not a suite but a very nice room with a wonderful view. No problem with club access. Food was okay/standard fare. Platinum amenity card given at check-in. Good service and friendly staff. Concierge printed out online boarding passes for us. However, I will say the Westin was not at all crowded as evidenced by this super low rate on a Sunday night. Location was fine and didn't bother us at all. Requested late check-out and they gave me until 3:00. The only problem was both the elevator and escaltor were not working, so we had to climb up the escalator to the lobby on the 2nd floor. At checkout we called the bellhop for the luggage. I think you will enjoy your stay, Kathy!

Requested late check-out and they gave me until 3:00.

i thought late checkout for platinums was 4 PM. ;)

Just got this promotion e-mail from the Westin. Rates start at $169 per night for a traditional king room. Relevant details are as follows:


Stay with us any night from June 30 - July 11 or weekends July 15 - August 8, 2004 to take advantage of this special summer rate.


It might be targetted, but the promotion code to use is: FORTH1.

Enjoy!

I have called the hotel twice. Once told the wireless in the lobby is free- second told no- paid.

Anyone know for sure?

When I was there in January it was $9.99 plus tax. I wasn't a guest though if that matters...just day in for a meeting and out.

There's free wi-fi almost everywhere in New York. You just need the software to find it.

I'll be staying at the Westin TS and the Westin Essex House-are there known free wi-fi is those areas (will be in TS more) that you could steer me towards? It's a little awkward walking around with my laptop looking for the "bars" to light up :D I don't have time to buy any special "sniffer" stuff since I'm leaving in about 12 hours.

Unfortunately, I don't know which ones specifically are good in that area. The sites below may help you find some free hotspots in New York. They also probably can give you some advice about which program you can get to war-walk if you decide to do that. I only do that with my Palm so I'm not sure about software for a PC.

http://www.wifinder.com
http://www.nycwireless.net
http://www.nodedb.com/unitedstates/ny/newyork/?

I've been thinking that one of these wifi seekers might be handy

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1581966,00.asp

* Club Lounge - spartan breakfast. choice of cereal, 2 juices, tap water, bagels and limited pastry selection (No bottled water or coffee cups to go).

*Rooms - unimpressed. The few that I have seen are small.

-club level: Bose waveradio clock, molton brown, bottled water, heavenly shower

-other floors: standard alarm clock, westin soap, no water, heavenly shower

Planning an upcoming stay here. Is it worth an extra $20 for Club Floor--sounds like club floors are on lower floors (more noise), but are slightly larger and have nicer amenities. The breakfast doesn't sound too promising. Club Floor also includes free health club access. I am a lowly corporate preferred at *wood--how much would they charge for gym?

Planning an upcoming stay here. Is it worth an extra $20 for Club Floor--sounds like club floors are on lower floors (more noise), but are slightly larger and have nicer amenities. The breakfast doesn't sound too promising. Club Floor also includes free health club access. I am a lowly corporate preferred at *wood--how much would they charge for gym?

I had a 5 night stay there last week.

The CLub Floor/Starwood Preferred Guest Floors are not all low level. I was on the 39th and 41st floors, which were both SPG level.

The breakfast and evening snacks are satisfactory. Alcohol is on a "honour system" and limited to one red and one white wine.

Breakfast is bagels and cereal, along with juices, Starbucks coffee and pastries. THe lounge is open all day and your are able to help yourself to bottles water and a variety of soft drinks.

Would recommend paying an extra $20 for these benefits, plus the gym.

As a Platinum, don't they upgrade you to the club floor if available?

:confused: :confused: :confused:

Yes, they upgrade platinums to the club level if available.

Hello. I searched and found much info on this hotel but I have a unique question. Staying there one night (Oct. 29) for my wife and my 9th anniversary. We are Gold Preferred and are using points for the free night. Normal room is 10K in points but we upgraded to the club level for an additional 1500 points. We requested a higher club level floor and a corner room.

Now I hear that the club level is between floors 10-16 (or something like that) yet this is a 40+ story hotel. My wife and I always like to stay on a higher floor...especially in a loud city like NYC!

Is it worth it to redeem 11.500 for the lower, yet club level, floor? Or should we redeem 10K for a regular upper floor room. Anyone have any thoughts?

Also anyone had sushi at their Bar 10?

THANKS!

I had a lower level club floor room when I stayed there (Room 1126) and had no problems with noise. It is a new building and is well insulated. The only noise I ever heard was the guy snoring in bed next to me ;)

I think it is worth the additional points to have club level access. The breakfast spread was nice in the morning and the evening appetizers were decent. I also liked that the alcoholic beverages were only $5 (beer/wine) in the club lounge verses much steeper prices in the bar downstairs. The bar downstairs is vey nice and you should at least stop by for a cocktail.

I don't mind the lower level rooms because in lots of high rise buildings my cell phone seems not to work on the higer floors.

We stayed there this past summer and opted for a higher floor instead of the club level. For the life of me I can imagine what they were thinking when they put the club level so low. :confused: With all of the amazing views in NYC, you would think that they would understand that the Club level customers want to be higher. If you are on the club level, dont expect to see anything outside your window except other buildings. In any event, you need to make a personal choice between club access perks (breakfast etc) and views of the city, the rivers and even NJ. We took a high floor, corner room (on 8th ave and 42 street) with views of down town and NJ and didn't regret it for a minute :D The corner rooms give you double views and are very nice.

Just stayed a there and was upg to a club level room on the 16th floor. Had reserved a room "with breathtaking views". Now the view of that upgraded room consisted of an A/C exhaust pipe and a gigantic vent in front of the Reuters building through 2 tiny windows. As they were "oversold" they told me there was nothing they could do but would move me the next day.

Next day our room was on the 34th floor with a nice view of the Empire State (but only if you stand right next to the tiny window) but half the size of the club room (one of the smallest hotel rooms I've ever stayed in) and with a connecting door to the next room (the Mrs hates connecting doors). Got what I wanted but wasnt too sure if it was smart trade (lost the free breakfast and water).

Maybe the W TS next time?

Howdy,

Was just there two weeks ago. All I can say was that it was an "amazing" experience. (I am being sarcastic)

Room 1: Got put in an accessible room as hotel was full - even though I had booked over a month earlier. Could not upgrade/change room.. But they had to when the door lock failed on day 3 - so badly we were waiting outside when a guy was trying to break into the room after all of their unlocking contraptions had failed - using stiff wire under the door. (was quite impressed that the door systems are that secure).

Also had no heavenly shower - actually it had been replaced with something else - which was quite funny, yet the instructions for the heavenly shower were still hanging on the other shower head.. :-)

Complained to Manager.. No suites Available

Room 2: Got moved to a Corner Room (well was meant to anyway after complaining about the accessible room). - It was GREAT - and had Moulton Brown goodies rather than the dull new Heavenly Shampoo etc.

Logged onto Net - so thought I would find out if any suites Available - Yes there was. Rang Plat Number to complain - got fobbed off, were meant to call me back, didn't - called back again - said that they could do nothing except call the hotel, but they could not get through... Just totally useless, makes you wonder why you bother. Asked to speak to someone who could do something at Plat - said that no one was available or could do anything..

Went to front desk, and they found suite. (Ha - that is a good one eh! - when there are none available)

Room 3: JNR Suite. Smaller than the corner room, small windows, little light, low floor. Then Went back to Room 2.. (No Moulton Brown either)

Anyway - would I stay there again.. If they would guarentee me a Corner Room, other than that - not on your life! .. Did not try the Bar or any of the food places.

Then moved onto W San Fran - no problems, nice, friendly, and good sized rooms, and great food and bar.

Then onto Tokyo Westin - and all I can say is the service was fantastic, room was Acceptable, but the Plat/Club floor included Breakfast at their restraunts (or room service!), and unlimited drinks (yes, including good wine, champagne and spirits and cocktails) b/w 5pm and 7pm. Will be back there in a few weeks..

Just my thoughts, hope they help.

Stuart

I had a lower level club floor room when I stayed there (Room 1126) and had no problems with noise. It is a new building and is well insulated. The only noise I ever heard was the guy snoring in bed next to me ;)

I think it is worth the additional points to have club level access. The breakfast spread was nice in the morning and the evening appetizers were decent. I also liked that the alcoholic beverages were only $5 (beer/wine) in the club lounge verses much steeper prices in the bar downstairs. The bar downstairs is vey nice and you should at least stop by for a cocktail.

I don't mind the lower level rooms because in lots of high rise buildings my cell phone seems not to work on the higer floors.

I stayed at TS Westin for several times. Noise isn't a problem at the lower floors. I was staying there during the Columbus weekend. They put me on the 40th Floor. The cellular phone didn't work.

If you like to use the health club, the club level room includes it.

My favorite rooms are the corner rooms that end with 09.

From an email I just received:

Sunday Stays in New York for just $125!

To reserve your stay, simply book online!

In honor of Daylight Savings, we are giving you one extra hour to book your Sunday night stay! Book a hotel room at The Westin New York at Times Square beginning at 9:00 a.m. (EST) on October 28, 2004 and pay only $125 per room for Sunday night only.

Rooms must be booked before 10:00 a.m. (EST) on October 29, 2004 for Sunday night stays between November 7 - January 30, 2005.

May be booked for 25 hours only. Click on "BOOK NOW" or mention rate plan SUNDAY when calling 888-627-7149.

The "Book Now" button goes to a URL with my SPG number in it, so I'm hesitant to post it. The booking screen says "DAYSAV" for "Special rate plan." Booking over the phone should be fine, however, and there's no mention of this being a targeted offer.

(By the way, I just stayed in this hotel a couple weeks ago and had a great time!) :) Hope this helps someone.

It definitely won't let you book the rate now, so I will post when it starts becoming available on 10/28 and see if it works. I wouldn't mind a few Sundays there instead of the Hilton.

Westin has probably made a grevious error, especially since it's a Daylight Savings promotion: EST doesn't start until Oct. 31 :p , except in 85% of Indiana, which uses EST year-round. Surely they mean EDT :rolleyes: .

When looking under "promotional rates" at SPG.com for a Feb stay at Westin TS, there was a rate available called "Slumber Party Package". The rate details were as follows:

Slumber Party Package Includes: Welcome Amenity Is A Bottle.Of Wine On Arrival, Deluxe Snack Box For 4 People Per Stay,.And 1 Complimentary In-Room Movie Per Night...Web Booking Bonus** 25% Discount Off Additional Rooms Up To 2.Rooms Booked At Best Available Rate. Gst Must Present.Certificate Upon

But there is no information on how to book these additional rooms at the discount. I tried booking two rooms, but it just multiplied the original promo rate X2. I booked the first room and called the Platinum concierge and they had no idea, transferred me to web help desk. They couldn't figure it out either and just said to book the additional room, print out the rate details, show it at check-in and they would give me the discount at check-in.

So my questions are:

-Is this reliable? Can I count on getting the discount? Obviously booking at BAR is more expensive than the promo rates available but if you take 25% off it's much cheaper.

-The second room I'm booking is for one day more than the room booked at promo rates. There are no T&C's that I can find, so don't know if they have to be booked for the same length or if there are any other restrictions.

Anyone have any knowledge of these type of promo rates?

Hi All,

I'm staying at the Westin Times Square over Christmas, and have upgraded to the Club Level. A friend is also coming along, but not decided whether to also upgrade to the Club Level.

His questions are;

- Is breakfast served on the Club Level and only accessible by Club guests, or is it in the main dining room where Club guests have their continental breakfast effectively, 'pre paid'.

- Can you 'upgrade' a continental breakfast on those occassions you fancy the full works, or are you effectively throwing away the continental and paying for the full breakfast?

- Can someone staying in Club room bring a guest into the Club Lounge?

- If he decides not to upgrade himself to a Club room, is this going to exclude him from Club areas, and are there things (like the Gym, etc) he wouldn't be able to pay for as and when wanted rather than part of the club deal?

- And finally, are there any compelling reasons which might convince him to upgrade to the Club level anyway?

Thanks,

Pix

Hi All,

I'm staying at the Westin Times Square over Christmas, and have upgraded to the Club Level. A friend is also coming along, but not decided whether to also upgrade to the Club Level.

His questions are;

- Is breakfast served on the Club Level and only accessible by Club guests, or is it in the main dining room where Club guests have their continental breakfast effectively, 'pre paid'.

No, it's served on the Club Level Only

- Can you 'upgrade' a continental breakfast on those occassions you fancy the full works, or are you effectively throwing away the continental and paying for the full breakfast?

No, there is no full breakfast served on the Club Level to upgrade to.

- Can someone staying in Club room bring a guest into the Club Lounge?

You can bring a guest but there is a charge for the guest unless you included an extra person in your room reservation.

- If he decides not to upgrade himself to a Club room, is this going to exclude him from Club areas, and are there things (like the Gym, etc) he wouldn't be able to pay for as and when wanted rather than part of the club deal?

I don't know the answer to this one. As a platinum, the gym, etc. was provided.

- And finally, are there any compelling reasons which might convince him to upgrade to the Club level anyway?

I personally would not pay for the club level - but the free upgrade to Club Level is nice. :D

Thanks,

Pix

I personally would not pay for the club level - but the free upgrade to Club Level is nice. :D

I completely agree. In the Club level rooms, I believe you get the Molton Brown toiletries instead of the regular "Westin" stuff. As for the food in the lounge, I wouldn't actually pay for it.

When I last stayed at the Westin Times Sq. (last March) I was with my family, and NO ONE was at the door of the club lounge, or otherwise asked who we were and what room we were from. Unless things have really changed, don't bother overpaying for extra people per room (in EVERY hotel I have stayed in, so far, I NEVER put more than 2 people--the limit without the rate increasing in almost all hotels--when I'm traveling with my family, and I have never been asked ANYTHING at any club lounge/check-in...etc.)

So I'd say don't get them on the lounge, unless you really want to be close to them and/or it's cheap to do so.....but I don't see a reason at ALL why they couldn't get in the club lounge.

(For the record, I am a plat. though...so maybe that's part of the reason I have gotten away with it...?)

Don't count on walking in the lounge "unnoticed". I was there a week ago (going again next week), the workers in the lounge was very attentive and paying quite a bit attn. to the door (closed or not). They make sure you sign in with your name & room# (& guests if you had any). Food is so-so in the lounge, morning is nicer than evening IMHO. Gym also has a sign-in sheet, pay-per-use unless u r plat.

TS is in the heart everything, go out and experiement with what's out there, no need to worry about the hotel that much.

We stayed at the Westin Times Square 2 years ago and were placed in a standard rack room, but it was a corner room with fabulous views of NJ, the harbor, and downtown. The check-in associate told us that we should always request a room ending in SOME NUMBER to get such a great view again. I can't remember if it's the rooms ending in 9 or 7 or what. Does anyone know what I should ask for? :rolleyes: Would love to stay there again second weekend in February. Thanks.

We stayed at the Westin Times Square 2 years ago and were placed in a standard rack room, but it was a corner room with fabulous views of NJ, the harbor, and downtown. The check-in associate told us that we should always request a room ending in SOME NUMBER to get such a great view again. I can't remember if it's the rooms ending in 9 or 7 or what. Does anyone know what I should ask for? :rolleyes: Would love to stay there again second weekend in February. Thanks.

Assuming that you do mean downtown when you say downtown (many NYC visitors confuse midtown with downtown), then asking for a room on the Southwest corner should work.

I'm now on the 32nd floor, so no street noises. Unobstructed view of some city scene (well, the next building is like a block away, and I do get a view of the top part of the Empire State).
Poor sound insulation INSIDE the hotel. All night long (till around 3 am) someone somewhere was playing music or their TV loud, and I could hear the noise in my room. And every time some walks by, I heard it. Door closing? Hear that too. So far this morning, as people go out for breakfast or whatever, it's a continuous chorus of doors closing and opening, etc. Why pay to attend the symphony?
As a lowly gold, I was given a nice gold-coloured folder at checkin, and assigned a very nice standard room sandwiched in the middle of the east side of the building, to make sure I get noises from both sides. Very nice. No coffee mugs in the room, perhaps to make sure I won't steal them or something. Nice touch. Has this nice Holiday Inn Express feel to it, you know. There's even a bathrobe in the room! Well, at least Mrs Choptliva gets to wear it. Reservation for two people. You'd think it'd be either no bathrobe or two bathrobes. But hey, better than none, eh?
If assigned a room ending with "5" don't take it!
Such a nice experience I want to make sure I never repeat it again.

I'm now on the 32nd floor, so no street noises. Unobstructed view of some city scene (well, the next building is like a block away, and I do get a view of the top part of the Empire State).
Poor sound insulation INSIDE the hotel. All night long (till around 3 am) someone somewhere was playing music or their TV loud, and I could hear the noise in my room. And every time some walks by, I heard it. Door closing? Hear that too. So far this morning, as people go out for breakfast or whatever, it's a continuous chorus of doors closing and opening, etc. Why pay to attend the symphony?
As a lowly gold, I was given a nice gold-coloured folder at checkin, and assigned a very nice standard room sandwiched in the middle of the east side of the building, to make sure I get noises from both sides. Very nice. No coffee mugs in the room, perhaps to make sure I won't steal them or something. Nice touch. Has this nice Holiday Inn Express feel to it, you know. There's even a bathrobe in the room! Well, at least Mrs Choptliva gets to wear it. Reservation for two people. You'd think it'd be either no bathrobe or two bathrobes. But hey, better than none, eh?
If assigned a room ending with "5" don't take it!
Such a nice experience I want to make sure I never repeat it again.

Front Desk and/or General Manager - try calling them and see what their response is. You need to try and resolve any issues that you have while you're in the hotel instead of just complaining about it afterwards - you lose some of your credibility with the hotel and with Starwood if you don't try to resolve your issue(s) while you are there. Good luck!

Thanks bigjim. I didn't plan to complain afterwards at all. All in all it's not a bad stay. I guess I just expected better due to the many positive posts I've seen on FT. I don't know what they can do about the noise insulation. And the coffee mugs, I ***** and moan, but it's not a battle I want to fight over. I posted to FT simply as my observations during my stay, that is all. I'm using one of last fall's Stay 5 Get 1 Free awards for this stay, so there's little out of pocket costs. And I'm checking out in a little while from now anyhow. But thank you for your advice. I have learned, too, to pick my battles with complaints, since if I get too critical and complain to *wood about every stay, they'll think I just like to complain or something. :)
But to be consistent with the original post to this thread, I personally don't think a room ending with a 5 facing east is a good room choice.

Great attitude. ^

I probably would have requested an additional robe. And, if it is a hotel that I frequent, I do tend to give needed (whether wanted or not) advice about noise/water/worn furniture/etc. so that hopefully the hotel will eventually address it if enough people bring it to their attention.

choptliva, the problem with the Westin TS is that it's always booked solid! The fantastic location and the newness of the hotel is a combination that makes more people wanting to stay there than there are good rooms to accommodate them.

Even thought I call the Westin TS my "home in Manhattan", and it is my first AND second choice as a place to stay in NYC, my own experience there is uneven, and that's being generous. I guess they are so busy that it's hard for them to pamper you, and may be Starwood management ought to be working with the Westin TS management to find a solution.

The uneveness of the reception to me as a Plat, as well as to other colleagues who have no status, are Gold, and are Plat, is astounding. Seems to me that the Westin staff could benefit from more training on the Westin hospitality, but then again, we're in New York City! ;)

Me, I just want my Heavenly Bed, with my Heavenly Bath, and the fantastic location of 8th ave and 43rd st! Anything else is gravy :D

A recent guest of the Westin TS and none too impressed.

Had a guaranteed non-smoking, king. It's in my preferences and it was the room type I booked on line. I called the 800# the day before to confirm it was duly noted and it was. I called the hotel directly that morning (forever to answer the phone and then forever for the front desk to answer the phone when transferred) and was acknowledged that I had a non-smoking, king. When I arrived at 4:30pm, they were out of just such rooms. GRRRRR. With a calm attitude and a calm tone of voice (how, when it's only 4:30...?), I was made to wait at the desk at least ten minutes while the clerk went in back.

Eventually, as with the aforementioned suite in another post, a non-smoking room was miraculously available (and the heavens opened up...) when none existed before. It was a horrible little room in some far off corner of the property, most likely a change in zip code by the time I got there. Never any apologies or appreciation for my patience and no recognition of my status whatsoever.

Downstairs bar is lovely with nice service and good drinks. Do not eat ANY of the food--was in a small group and we ordered about eight different appetizers to share around our table. Each was worse than the one before it and the shrimp cocktail was positively insulting.

Concierge was wonderful though--can't recall her name but great advice and pleasant, attentive, answers her phones and returns calls immediately.

My point--with apologies for having to read so long to get to it--you can ask here all you want and cover your bases as best you can (how stupid is that in the first place?) and you still may not get what you wish from the Westin TS.

(I recommend the Sheraton Russell--quieter neighborhood, much smaller and intimate property, attentive staff.)

removed duplicate post

A recent guest of the Westin TS and none too impressed.

(I recommend the Sheraton Russell--quieter neighborhood, much smaller and intimate property, attentive staff.)


Sorry that you'va had all these problems with the Westin TS.

I too love The Sheraton Russell, which is my other choice in Manhattan, although that Murray Hill neighbordhood can be a bit "too" quiet for my taste :D

I concur that the staff at the Sheraton Russell is attentive and nice.

< deleted - a mistake >

Just finished a stay at the Westin TS for the first time, and I find the hotel to be excellent at its price point and type. Much better than some of the comments here suggested. As Plat I was not upgraded very much, but thanks to FT knew to ask for a corner room and that was promptly provided but only on request (it wasn't assigned even though requested in my reservation). The corner rooms are quite nice; I slept with the drapes open all night and it was gorgeous. Usually stay at Essex House which is the other end of NY hotel types (and double the price), but the Westin TS really does have a great location and nice touches like fast elevators with TV. The club had remarkably good food which was a nice touch (but no cappucino machine). For NY it is a really good choice as long as you are not expecting traditional luxury.

Although on lower floors, the club rooms are significantly larger than standard rooms.

It sounds like the corner rooms are the way to go. Any suggestion as to which corner of the hotel provides the best views? Are there rooms that actually have views of Times Square?

Are there rooms that actually have views of Times Square?

The hotel itself is on 8th Avenue, so Times Square is on the other end of the block. Doubt you'll get much of a view of Times Square itself from any of the rooms. I'd think southeast corners should give you a decent view of Empire State Bldg and points south. I did not have a corner room, but still managed to see a bit of the top of the Empire State Bldg. At least it kept the kids excited. :)

I had a xx29 room, which is SE corner and has nice views, but not of Times Square itself. Probably the best view is the SW corner, xx09 rooms. You need to be above 20th floor to have a view (not sure what floor is the cutoff, I was near the top). The club rooms are on low floors partially because of their larger size, and partially because the club is on 8 and you have to change elevator banks from higher floors to get to the club. The other advantage of corner rooms is that they are quiet (relatively, after all this is NY). I went to this hotel with low expectations, picked for convenience as I had a meeting nearby, and was impressed. Will be my first choice for quick trips (when I really don't have much use for a traditional hotel). The room style is competitive with W while being bigger and more practical.

Just stayed again this week at the Westin TS. Was checked in by Anna from Poland, who was pleasant and acknowledged my Plat status. Jokingly asked "am I in a corner room?" and she looked and looked and said that there are no more corner room available. So I said "OK, any suite available?" at which point she looked down on a computer print out, circled something, and asked me to wait a second. She disappeared behind into the office behind the front desk (presumably to check with a supervisor?), and tah dah, I was upgraded to a Junior Suite!

So I had to ask for my upgrade, but got it.

The Junior Suite is above the 35th floor and is room number xx10, which gave me a fantastic view of 8th Ave and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, all in all, a nice view of NYC, so ask for rooms ending with 10 if you want a decent view. The suite itself is one big room, with the bedroom separated by a large TV armoire from the living room, which has comfy couches and chairs. Not bad at all. Bathroom was fairly large but unremarkable, and came with the Luxury Bath dual shower heads and wide out curtain.

Again, the Westin TS's location cannot be beat.

I'll be back there next week, and will see if I will once again have to ask for my suite upgrade or not ;)

Just stayed again this week at the Westin TS. Was checked in by Anna from Poland, who was pleasant and acknowledged my Plat status. Jokingly asked "am I in a corner room?" and she looked and looked and said that there are no more corner room available. So I said "OK, any suite available?" at which point she looked down on a computer print out, circled something, and asked me to wait a second. She disappeared behind into the office behind the front desk (presumably to check with a supervisor?), and tah dah, I was upgraded to a Junior Suite!

So I had to ask for my upgrade, but got it.

The Junior Suite is above the 35th floor and is room number xx10, which gave me a fantastic view of 8th Ave and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, all in all, a nice view of NYC, so ask for rooms ending with 10 if you want a decent view. The suite itself is one big room, with the bedroom separated by a large TV armoire from the living room, which has comfy couches and chairs. Not bad at all. Bathroom was fairly large but unremarkable, and came with the Luxury Bath dual shower heads and wide out curtain.

Again, the Westin TS's location cannot be beat.

I'll be back there next week, and will see if I will once again have to ask for my suite upgrade or not ;)

Actually Junior Suite on the 45th floor (top floor) has an even better view - that's where I am now. Although they did not give it to me right away - I had to twist their arm. ;)

I am booking two rooms as a Plat. If I do not stay on the Executive Floors, will I have access to the lounge? Gaining access, do they program the keys to allow you on the floor or is there some other method? Obviously, I want all in the party to have access, which they would if on the Exec. Floor?

No key required unless something has changed. Last time I was there, there was a desk right at the entrance to the lounge and you had to sign in with the attendant.

No key required unless something has changed. Last time I was there, there was a desk right at the entrance to the lounge and you had to sign in with the attendant.Last week there was a card key to the lounge provided (separate from room key and on different design card stock). The lounge looks to be attended at all times and you do get to sign in at the counter, after you get through the locked door using the card key. Lounge access is provided to all Plats regardless of floor, but from the upper floors you have to change elevators so it is a bit less convenient.

Rather not start a new thread, but I'd like to hear from Plats that have stayed here on an award night or points and what type of upgrade you were given. I'll be staying on a Fri/Sat later this month using the 301 promo.
Thanks!

Rather not start a new thread, but I'd like to hear from Plats that have stayed here on an award night or points and what type of upgrade you were given. I'll be staying on a Fri/Sat later this month using the 301 promo.
Thanks!

Just checked out of the Westin Times Square today, and have been staying there almost every week since January.

Depending on how busy they are (the Westin TS is often sold out), as a Plat you can expect an upgrade to either a corner room, a Club room, or a Junior Suite (I got the JS about 4 times this year already). The key is to check in fairly early, since they do the upgrade based on availabilty.

I noted that many in this thread did not like the Westin TS - well to each its own, as I consider this hotel my home in Manhattan, and that's after staying at many Starwood, Hilton and Marriott properties in NYC. The location can't be beat, the subway is at the front door, the Shula steakhouse is fabulous, and the Club Lounge and gym are both more than adequate ^ :D

Checked in recently at 4pm on a Thursday, and got a room on the 39th floor, facing Jersey. Didn't seem much different from a regular room, though high floor helped the view. This was some kind of bulk corporate rate prepaid by a client, so probably similar treatment to an award stay. Didn't earn any starpoints except the plat bonus, or stay credit, but did get plat benefits.

I noticed an old post saying that there were no coffee to go cups. Now it's the opposite: no ceramic coffee cups. (Noticed the same thing at Westin River North last month -- they said people kept stealing them).

Can't say I love the place. The Heavenly Bed seems softer than usual, and I don't sleep as well in it. Some kind of extra padding? Club very crowded at breakfast time, and pretty full in the evening. Ate for the first time in the Shula's restaurant for a dinner meeting. Very noisy, expensive and absudly huge portions -- the Creme Brulee would feed a familiy but tasted average at best. (I don't like football and am indifferent to steak, so your mileage may vary). The bar has no particular view, charges a lot even for NYC, and is nothing special in terms of decor.

Not much competition in New York at Cat 4 with recent rises, though I do like the Four Points Chelsea. Don't let the name put you off.

Stayed there recently. I am SPG Gold and was upgraded to acorner room on the 43rd floor. Nice view facing Central Park and Times Square.

For Christmas, I cashed in points to give two friends a room at the Westin. (They ended up using my gift in February, a night on the town to see Billy Crystal's show.)

They have NO status. I have the Platinum. Before they arrived I checked them in telling the front desk person if possible could I use my Platinum status to give them benefits (upgrade, access to club, breakfast.)

My friends ended up in a nice Deleux room on the 42nd floor, excellent view. They had access to the club, breakfast, etc. They said they were treated well (they got the same treatment for the same "gift from Catman" last year as well.)

The only thing I did not get was the 500 point amenity. Maybe award stays do not earn the amenity.

It's a good hotel. I've stayed there about six or seven times. Maybe that helped my friends.

For Christmas, I cashed in points to give two friends a room at the Westin. (They ended up using my gift in February, a night on the town to see Billy Crystal's show.)

They have NO status. I have the Platinum. Before they arrived I checked them in telling the front desk person if possible could I use my Platinum status to give them benefits (upgrade, access to club, breakfast.)

My friends ended up in a nice Deleux room on the 42nd floor, excellent view. They had access to the club, breakfast, etc. They said they were treated well (they got the same treatment for the same "gift from Catman" last year as well.)

The only thing I did not get was the 500 point amenity. Maybe award stays do not earn the amenity.

It's a good hotel. I've stayed there about six or seven times. Maybe that helped my friends.

In order to get a welcome amenity, you have to actually be staying in the room. Sounds like they already allowed a bunch of stuff that they didn't have to anyway. Curious that they would exclude this one other thing.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Cast your vote! Visit www.freddieawards.com and choose your favorite frequent travel programs today.

Stayed at Westin Time Square this New Year's eve for 2 nights at club level. Room is nice, but club lounge is disappointing. It is way too small and noisy, with bad food selection to boot (only 1 hot item). Lounge looks to the porn shops on 8th avenue, and no drinks served due to police ban on alchohol.

Not worth the extra for the upgrade.

I just checked out yesterday as well! I was there for 2 nights and have probably been there for 15 nights over the 2 years as a mere SPG gold. I've always been treated well. I had a nice room on 37 with a north/west view. You are right about the mugs...but when I requested them 2 were delivered to my room in minutes.

I tried Shula's for the first time on Tuesday night (rather than leave the hotel during that wild weather night). It's in a strange little space on a mezz floor in the corner of the bldg. The bar is cramped and claustrophobic, though the bartender was a good guy. The main room had no particular ambience other than pictures of the Dolphins from 30 years ago!

My steak was fine though it had an awful wine-by-the-glass list. Very expensive, with nothing to offer besides the convenience of being in the hotel. Next time I'll brave the elements! There are too many great steak places in NY to waste the money there.

Totally agree with PChang about the lounge. I would not recommend it either.

Just back from using my last free weekend in NYC at the Westin Times Square, and I doubt that I will ever return to this property again.

1. Poor "upgrade" treatment for Plats. Was offered an "upgrade" to the SPG floor, despite the confirmed availability of Jr Suites for the weekend stay. Front desk claimed that no suites were available; call to Plat Concierge indicated otherwise.

2. Lousy hotel layout. Since it is a 42-story high-rise, there are banks of elevators for the higher and lower floors. The SPG floors are on the higher stories, while the club lounge is on the 8th floor. This requires a change of elevator to reach the club lounge. What were they thinking?

3. Very noisy rooms. For a new hotel, this is one of the noisiest properties that I have ever stayed in. Every time a door was closed on our side of the hotel, it seemed like the whole building was shaking. I hate to imagine how bad the rooms on the lower floors were with the street noise coming in.

4. Shakedown for tips at the club lounge. OK, upon checkin I was given a key to the club lounge. Yet on every visit the door was propped open, and we were asked to fill out a form listing room number, number of guests, and how much of a tip we wanted to leave. Why issue the key card if one must register in the lounge? Unless the entire plan is to shake down the guests for extra tips. I'm a very good tipper while traveling, but not when it's treated like an entitlement by the staff.

5. 4 pm late check out not honored. After the previous treatment, I have to say I was not surprised. My request to speak with the duty manager on this subject didn't result in a call back. Needless to say, I left a scathing comment card...we'll see if it produces any contact.

It will be back to the Essex House for me on any future trips to NYC.

These are all interesting and valid observations. I have a weekend booked here for the last weekend of March. Please update this thread if you hear anything from hotel management. The lounge sign-in procedure does seem weird since you were already given a card with which to access the lounge with. I'm wondering if I should switch to a different hotel now... and still very annoyed that every single W hotel in NYC is a Cat. 5 (except the one in midtown east--but who wants to stay in their shoebox sized rooms anyway)...

4) Shakedown for tips...

We noticed that they leave completed forms out which show a tip, but take ones that don't show tips or small tips behind the counter right away. On the weekend we were there, during breakfast and in the evening, the lounge was really packed and there was almost never any food available. The tables were always dirty and not cleared off very often. We had to share a table almost every time we went.

I wonder why people don't clear their own tables. There are trays for this purpose at several places in the room.


Essex House...

We spent one night at the Essex House, and will never go back there again. Very poor platinum treatment. Overall I've been dissatisfied with SPG lately.

3. Very noisy rooms. For a new hotel, this is one of the noisiest properties that I have ever stayed in. Every time a door was closed on our side of the hotel, it seemed like the whole building was shaking. I hate to imagine how bad the rooms on the lower floors were with the street noise coming in.
.



Can't agree more with the paper-thin walls. I was amazed how noisy it was.

Did get our late checkout with no problems, though.

But like DFW DL, I don't think I'll be returning to this hotel again.

Hasn't it been established that the free weekend nights should not expect an upgrade to a suite??

any spg eligible spg rate or award stay is suppose to be elig for upgrade. why wouldnt it?

I agree with most comments. I stayed there last year for my birthday celebrations on an award and could have kicked myself for not choosing the W instead.

I have to say however that even if Jr Suites are available, the hotel has every right to retain a certain number for revenue guests instead of just upgrading people who might have paid the lowest rate.

Yes I coudln't understand why the lounge is located on a lower floor! Which I feel isn't really a lounge at all. Feels more like a breakfast cafeteria.

I was told to vacate the room by 12noon as they had a huge group coming in. My complaints to SPG's hotline fell on deaf ears. They said that each property had their right not to honor the 4pm checkout if they are overbooked.

So I've never been back to that hotel since.

I agree with the "Shakedown" tip cards in the lounge. I put a big fat zero on mine, as I don't support tip hustling. They don't clear the tables fast enough, and the place is self serve anyway. I'm as apt to tip in this situation as much as I would at Starbucks (in other words I don't).

I don't have a problem otherwise with this hotel so far in my last two stays. I normally stay at a W, but had a free weekend night to burn, and the W's are all cat 5 now (save the one that I wouldn't stay at anyway).

The Westin Times Square is an excellent NY hotel, and the criticisms in this thread are ludicrous -- I suppose they make sense if you aren't familiar with large hotels in congested areas. The elevator bank criticism, for example: the club lounge is located on the same bank of elevators as the club floors -- very convenient for those paying for club rooms and the intended users of the club lounge. To complain that *wood allows elites in non-club rooms to also use the lounge, and they have to change elevator banks, is a bit much. I've found the hotel quiet compared to other NY hotels (and noisy compared to other cities, but that is NY). The construction quality is much better than average for this type of building in NY. I was very skeptical about this hotel before my first stay here, and have been converted to its charms; if others stay away, so much the better (less competition for room availability).

The Westin Times Square is an excellent NY hotel, and the criticisms in this thread are ludicrous -- I suppose they make sense if you aren't familiar with large hotels in congested areas. The elevator bank criticism, for example: the club lounge is located on the same bank of elevators as the club floors -- very convenient for those paying for club rooms and the intended users of the club lounge. To complain that *wood allows elites in non-club rooms to also use the lounge, and they have to change elevator banks, is a bit much. I've found the hotel quiet compared to other NY hotels (and noisy compared to other cities, but that is NY). The construction quality is much better than average for this type of building in NY. I was very skeptical about this hotel before my first stay here, and have been converted to its charms; if others stay away, so much the better (less competition for room availability).

Thank you for pointing out the ludicrousness of those who, like me, didn't express praise for the Westin TS. I can't speak for the others, but I'm but a country bumpkins who is unfamiliar with major urban centers, I'm glad to have this highly intelligent lecture on NYC hotels. Thank you so very much! :)

Thank you for pointing out the ludicrousness of those who, like me, didn't express praise for the Westin TS. I can't speak for the others, but I'm but a country bumpkins who is unfamiliar with major urban centers, I'm glad to have this highly intelligent lecture on NYC hotels. Thank you so very much! :)You had trouble with the Atlantic as well, if I recall correctly, so maybe Luxury Collection isn't your style either. Or is it that *wood just can't do enough to please you?

Seriously, I don't dispute your points about noise in the hotel, but my own experience from several stays at the Westin TS is that it is significantly quieter than other NY hotels that I have stayed in. Not as quiet as the Four Seasons, but also 1/3 the price of the FS. And I did note several construction details designed to minimize noise -- details that many NY buildings do not have. If you criticize the Westin TS for this, the same would apply for 90% of all hotels in NY and it isn't a distinguishing feature. I have no vested interest in the Westin TS but do feel they deserve praise based on my limited experience with them (a few stays over the past 3 months). Whereas this thread makes it seem as one of the worst *woods in NYC instead of one of the best.

Having just returned from a free weekend stay also, let me point out something that I think is ludicrous - the door handle of the sliding bathroom door. From the outside, the door handle is made/positioned for sliding the door open. Inside the bathroom, the door handle is positioned for closing the door only!!! Every time I use the bathroom, I cannot open the door with ease to get out!!! Shouldn't the door handle be made for both opening and closing the door with ease?

.....

Having just returned from a free weekend stay also, let me point out something that I think is ludicrous - the door handle of the sliding bathroom door. From the outside, the door handle is made/positioned for sliding the door open. Inside the bathroom, the door handle is positioned for closing the door only!!! Every time I use the bathroom, I cannot open the door with ease to get out!!! Shouldn't the door handle be made for both opening and closing the door with ease?

We don't like sliding bathroom doors, especially translucent ones. While they look cool, and probably take up less space, the ones at the Westin (and the Ws I've been too) don't lock. I have this, probably unfounded, fear that someone will come in while I'm doing something in there.

The Westin Times Square is an excellent NY hotel, and the criticisms in this thread are ludicrous -- I suppose they make sense if you aren't familiar with large hotels in congested areas. The elevator bank criticism, for example: the club lounge is located on the same bank of elevators as the club floors -- very convenient for those paying for club rooms and the intended users of the club lounge. To complain that *wood allows elites in non-club rooms to also use the lounge, and they have to change elevator banks, is a bit much. I've found the hotel quiet compared to other NY hotels (and noisy compared to other cities, but that is NY). The construction quality is much better than average for this type of building in NY. I was very skeptical about this hotel before my first stay here, and have been converted to its charms; if others stay away, so much the better (less competition for room availability).
Club level...

Aren't club level rooms suppose to be better than normal rooms? Why would they be on a lower floor with an obstructed view?

When we were there, we could have had a club level room, but instead choose a room on a high floor with a view. I don't get why someone would want to have a view of the peep show store across the street and pay more for it.


Construction quality...

It would have been nice if they made the doors close gently instead of slamming shut. Otherwise, we didn't have a problem with street noise on the 40th floor.

I suppose it's to each its own. I'm with Number_6, and I have repeatedly praised the Westin TS in other threads.

The hotel is far from perfect (bathroom door is but one thing), and the Club lounge tip shake down is annoying, but if I get good service, I will tip; and if I have to share a dirty table with others then I won't. Club lounge attendants deserve tips too!

But the Westin TS is better than many other NY properties, Starwood and non-Starwood - it is my "home" in Manhattan, along with the Sheraton Russell.

To those who wow to never come back to this hotel, I say VERY GOOD, since the Westin TS is always sold out anyhow, and if less Plats show up, then my chance of getting the Junior Suite has just gotten better ^

Hi all -

Just back from using my last few 311 promo nights in NYC, thought I would write a quick update:

We arrived Friday afternoon at 1PM to a very busy lobby - very typical for this hotel from my impression. Dropped the bags with the bell staff and assumed our two rooms wouldn't be ready, but thought we would check.

Louis was staffing the Plat desk and was excellent. One of the best I have dealt with. Both our rooms were ready - 3802 and 3829 - both corner rooms with amazing views of the river and downtown respectively. The rooms were great, not sure if they were the "best available", but they were some of the nicest I have seen! Louis said the hotel has been sold out for 5 weeks straight, so if this is what they do for their Plats, thats pretty damn good. Only flaw was no bottled water in the room, but we stocked up in the lounge, so no worries there. Only thing to watch with the room is that if you have the DND sign on the door, it had a tendancy to get stuck in the lock area, causing the door not to be closed properly (as we found out when a friend came to visit and just walked right in!)

As both rooms were under my name, we were given two keys to the Executive lounge, which is open for breakfast from 7 - 11am and for snacks from 6-8pm ALL WEEKEND! This was a very nice feature for us, as the breakfast was a very nice spread (bagels, croissants, cereal, fresh fruit, starbucks coffee) and the evening fare was even better (a nice pasta dish, cold pasta salads, etc). Bottled water, coke, juice all available.

The concierge staff was quite useful, with maps for the subway, dinner recommendations, and a list of performers at the local comedy clubs - we choice the laugh factory, fun night! - A 3 PM Late checkout for both rooms were accepted without problems, and the bell staff was at the door right at 3 to grab our bags.

Only draw back is if you are looking for a quiet hotel - you are in the wrong a) city b) hotel. There was some sort of cheerleading competition in town, so lots of 10 - 16 year old girls (and crazy chearleading parents) in the lobby and elevators at all times. I personally don't mind the chaos - thats why I come to NYC! - but others may. Times square is busy at all times of the day, so if you are looking for something more quiet, Essex et al might be a better choice.

All and all, amazing stay! Thank you once again *wood! PM me if you have any questions!

T.

I am reserved for tomorrow and Thursday nights. Can I expect an upgrade? Do I get admission to the Concierge Lounge being a gold? Will I have to pay to use the gym or is the fee waived for gold members?

Availability is as tight as I've ever seen for the coming two weeks (I've been here pretty much weekly last four months), hence upgrades at this property will be probably be tight as well, and fyi, they definitely get their share of plats.

Doubtful you'll get free lounge access ($16/day if inclined to pay), you might talk your way into free gym as the girls there manning the desk are usually very nice.

How would you rate the hotel?

Judging by my experience at Westin Essex House and all the W's as a gold don't expect any special treatment, I got nothing multiple times.

Although I'd reserved and was guaranteed one and was only checking in at 4pm, this Gold was told by the Westin Times Square that there were no non-smoking, king beds left. They could not have cared less about me. I have been treated quite nicely by the W-Tuscany. Their service is marginal but their rooms are big and they've treated me well.

Forget about upgrades. I have stayed there multiple times, and the most they will do for Gold is give you your preference of rooms and late checkout.
The club lounge at this hotel is pretty lousy anyway, so you are not missing much.

The corner rooms are pretty nice, depending on your rate it may not be considered an upgrade. Usually I get a corner room as a Plat in preference over the Club floor. Hotel has an excellent location for transit and is pretty well run, nicer than most in Manhattan in this price range. Schula's has great steak, worth the price.

We stayed there once on our way back from our honeymoon. Our award stay was upgraded to a corner room, as a gold SPG.

No upgrade for a gold today, not even a room with a queen or king bed, but rather two double beds because say they are really busy.

We're thinking about going to NYC in June. Is this a better or worse time to be coming as far as avalibilty and "business" of the various Starwoods. My gut feel would be worse.

This really ticks me off. A coworker and I were chatting about this horrible practice at the Westin TS. Many guests pay extra for the privilege of staying on the club floor with lounge access. When you enter the lounge you are expected to fill out a small slip of paper listing your name, signature and room number. There is also a line for tip. In and of itself I don't find this to be a bad thing. However right next to the blank slips are what appears to be slips that people have filled out. They are actually decoy slips because they are the same everyday. These slips contain tip amounts of $10 and $20!!! I see many tourist type people standing at the counter bewildered and believe that these slips are actually from staying guests and then feel obliged to tip that much as well. in the morning it is continental breakfast and if you just want a bagel and coffee it would be cheaper to eat in the restaurant than feel obligated to tip $20.

Has anyone else noticed this salacious practice at the Westin TS?

I noticed the same practice at Sheraton Commander in Boston. I did not fill out anything, I was so surprised by it! On our final bill, there was a 2$ charge (I think it said restaurant, but we did not go to rest.), I did not question it, because it was a small amount. I do not like being asked to tip!

I am not a person who is against tipping but no way am I tipping $10 or $20 at a club lounge.

I am not a person who is against tipping but no way am I tipping $10 or $20 at a club lounge.


I noticed the same thing. I typically tip and tip well. But I am against the decoys (which are obvious because they are all written using the same handwriting), and I am also against pre-tipping. I think tipping should occur after good service.. And I just came back from this property and was not impressed (probably my 4th stay). They didn't replenish things in the lounge frequently, were not extraordinarily pleasant, not to mention that the concierge didn't answer and called back 2 hour two late on both occasions. I'm still looking for a good NYC hotel!

Sheraton Centre Toronto does this as well.

They are even kind enough to hand deliver this tip-slip to your table once you sit down in the lounge!

$10 or $20 might be appropriate for an FT Bar Bill. :)

However, for normal people, those "bait" slips are just greedy re:the amount.

This really ticks me off. A coworker and I were chatting about this horrible practice at the Westin TS. Many guests pay extra for the privilege of staying on the club floor with lounge access. When you enter the lounge you are expected to fill out a small slip of paper listing your name, signature and room number. There is also a line for tip. In and of itself I don't find this to be a bad thing. However right next to the blank slips are what appears to be slips that people have filled out. They are actually decoy slips because they are the same everyday. These slips contain tip amounts of $10 and $20!!! I see many tourist type people standing at the counter bewildered and believe that these slips are actually from staying guests and then feel obliged to tip that much as well. in the morning it is continental breakfast and if you just want a bagel and coffee it would be cheaper to eat in the restaurant than feel obligated to tip $20.

Has anyone else noticed this salacious practice at the Westin TS?

Yeah, I noticed that.

First of all, I was annoyed with the stupid form that I had to fill out at the entrance every single time I go to the lounge - just wanted to pick up a bagel and coffee. Why can't these attendants ask our room # instead? Then the tip thing! Why do I need to decide the tip amount even before receiving any service?

I would not mind leaving a few bucks after using the lounge - depends on the lounge service level. But $20, and asking up front? I don't think so. I even thought about leaving a memo to the GM about this practice, but I did not have a chance. Hope no one was trapped...

Slightly OT: A QA inspector of a hotel company I used to work for in Canada came across a bartender with a cup and sign saying: "Tipping is not just a city in China" .... I dont think the GM did to well on his inspection :D !

This is why I love always Asia in particular Japan, you have 10% service charge for your room and then you are off the hook everywhere. They treat you extremely well, are polite and heck if somebody is really providing an extraordinary service then you can still tip something extra, but nobody is expecting anything.

My feeling is that placing a few dollars in a jar is just fine since it demonstrates that should you wish to leave a tip, you may do so in the big jar with the dollars in it.

However, to have a pattern of employees' placing paper scrips with $10 - $20 tips on it for everyone to see is in very poor taste. I would hope that a dedicated GM of any quality property would catch this at once and disallow it.

Most recently, I was a guest in the Towers portion of the Sheraton Maria Isabel in Mexico City. The Towers Lounge there really is well done and the attentive service was extrordinary. Shortly after sitting, an attendant would pass by and ask that each guest sign a paper form so that the hotel could track who was in the lounge (essentially guaranteeing that no "outsiders" slipped in). On this sheet was a space for leaving tips that would then be charged to the room. I liked this format.

No wonder my international friends complain about the tipping mentality in the States. I have never seen this at any club I have used worldwide. To me, it takes away the serenity of the lounge and the feeling of it being an exclusive experience. It's bad enough that the US lounges rarely hold a candle to international ones; this reduces the experience still further.

Hi, Can anyone help me please? I have booked this hotel for my husbands 40th birthday. It is going to be a suprise so cant discuss hotels etc with him. However I have read some disturbing facts recently about this hotel from previous sites and just wondering if I should try and change my hotel?

I'm from London and have stayed there on five separate occasions this year, and it's been fine. I wouldn't worry if I were you - just enjoy your time there in NY for your celebration!

Steve

The rooms are fine with Heavenly Beds/Showers. All brand new.

Stayed there about 3 months ago and it is nice. Got a High corner room uprade as I am Platinum. Had dinner at Shulas but wouldnt recommend it as there are much better steak places near by. Sparks being my personal favorite.
I like the Sheraton NY Towers better. Normally upgraded to a suite as a platinum and it has a much nicer club.

Hi, Can anyone help me please? I have booked this hotel for my husbands 40th birthday. It is going to be a suprise so cant discuss hotels etc with him. However I have read some disturbing facts recently about this hotel from previous sites and just wondering if I should try and change my hotel?

Hi caz, welcome to FlyerTalk! How exciting to have a surprise 40th birthday party for your husband in NYC at the Westin Times Square. Good luck pulling it off!

There are a number of threads about this hotel, as it is quite popular. When you are in the Starwood forum, if you look toward the upper right-hand corner of the thread list you will see a blue box titled "Search This Forum." Click on that and you can search exclusively within the Starwood forum for info about anything. I typed in "Westin Times Square" and came up with the threads below to help get you started. Good luck!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175935

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413554

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=411942

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=410689

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=406457

I live near this Westin and have had my parents stay there a couple of times. They're always pleased with it -- especially the fact that they seem to have triple-pane glass in there so even though it's in Times Square, it's not noisy AT ALL.

My fiance's father prefers the W Times Square, however.

Welcome to FT caz! As AZ Travels the World mentioned, search is a useful function on FT (at the top of the screen click on Search and then This Forum - enter your keywords e.g., Westin Times Square, and you will be able to see what has been written about this hotel.

I hope that youhave a great time on yourtrip. If you need further information, the list of moderators is at the bottom of the screen, we are always available to assist you regarding FT. Again, welcome!

ldsant
*wood Moderator

As I stated in a post that mysteriously vanished, I've stayed at this hotel a few times and enjoyed my stays there.

I'm curious to know what the "disturbing facts" about the hotel were (mentioned in the OP). Were they anything the rest of us would need to know, or merely someone's opinions and/or disappointed expectations? :confused:

I am unaware of what the disturbing facts might be other than the hotel is not technically located in Times Square. With that said, it is on the corner of 42nd Street (across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal) but is a very nice, quiet, and comfortable property.

The only Starwood property actually located in Times Square is the W -Times Square.

Enjoy your stay and kudo's on the 40th b-day to your husband.

Not sure what you mean by "disturbing facts". I have stayed at the Westin Time Square 3 times this year, and the hotel is fine for what it is - a stylish, relatively luxurious property with great location, nice rooms, good service..... and a lousy club lounge.

For my money, I will take this over the Sheraton Towers. The club at the Sheraton may be better, but the room is not as nice.

I would debate the good service part. The staff are known to lie often.

I would debate the good service part. The staff are known to lie often.

I would like to ask folks that you don't make "broad" statements e.g., the staff are known to lie often without SPECIFIC examples of what YOU have experienced.

The reason for this request is that through the examples it a) gives your post credence and b) assists future travellers when making plans and c) enables *wood to know if there are issues with a particular property.

ldsant
*wood Moderator