Starwood Preferred Guest - NYC Starwood properties [Master Thread]

I can give you some background info on all the NY hotels. So depending on what you want, you can decide.

First of all, my favorite hotel is W Times Square in NYC. Their price might be a bit higher (but has come down a lot due to the economy), but its worth it. I have had several stays and I consistently have received nice upgrades, platinum recognition, and excellent customer service. It's a W, so no lounge, but their room service menu is one of the best I've had anywhere ^ Nice newly renovated rooms, though can be a bit small if you have more than 2 people in the room (except for suites) It's at Times Square. Most people think Times Square, tourist trap. But it doesn't have to be. The trick is to NOT walk along Broadway and go towards 8th instead. DO NOT get off at the Times Square subway station, but try to take 50th street instead. It's only 3 blocks away, but if you are on 8th, you seriously don't feel like you are in Times Square. It's my personal secret.

W Court and Tuscany-- Old rooms, dark, but very quiet. It's in a residential area near Grand Central. I personally find them a bit depressing, but some people like the quiet feeling. Personally, when I go to NYC, I want to see the lights, I want to hear the syren, I want to see the people. So, I try not to stay here. Consistently good Platinum upgrades. No view whatsoever. you will most likely get a view of adjacent buildings or shared apartment courtyards.

W Union Square--Older rooms but larger. Popular restaurant area in Union Square. Lots of shops too. A good area to stay. Decent view.

W New York Lexington--It has been newly renovated, I havn't stayed there, but I've heard positive things since the renovation. Expect very small rooms. Similar to W Court and Tuscany, its in a less action pack area.

Sheraton NY/Manhattan--Very small and typical Sheraton rooms. Service is spotty. I've had really good agents personally, but I've heard horrible stories. The rooms are alright. It's a typical Sheraton. They do have a lounge, but I believe is closed on weekends. It has your typical Sheraton amenities, nothing to write home about. Rates are typically lower. I find it acceptable but I prefer not to stay here unless the rates are extremely low. Platinum upgrade is a hit or miss. Some of the rooms have good views.

FP Chelsea--Very small hotel. Nice staff, but very small and simple room. Extremely small bathroom. The room is acceptable for a typical FP. It's actually nicer than most, but afterall, it's a four points, so expect four points service and amenity. I don't like the area. It's near Penn Station. I find it pretty dead. Most rooms have no view whatsoever.

FP SOHO--New, decent rooms, still in a relatively quiet area. It's not really in SOHO, but close enough I guess. Again, just expect four points service and amenity. If you typically don't like four points, you won't like it here either. Free internet is nice, however.

/mod note

I was struck by what an up to date, terrific summary this post is of all the Starwood properties in NYC, less the St Regis and Parker Meridien. BlissWorld posted it in the Westin Times Square master thread. I was concerned as time went on, no one would remember to look there for it. I first copied the W hotel summaries into the Which W in NYC thread. Then I decided it would make a great summary for a NYC overview thread.

Here are the master threads we currently have on New York Starwood hotels:

New York - St Regis ( http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=489052)
Sheraton Manhattan or New York Hotel & Towers (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=400160)
Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers 2007 onward (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=845813)
Sheraton Manhattan (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=542067)
W New York - The Court (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=677402)
W New York Tuscany (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175287)
W New York Lexington Ave (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=755763)
W Times Square 2007 – present (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=832060)
W Union Square (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=167383)
Which W in NYC? (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=645235)
Westin Times Square 2007 onward (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=854996)
Parker Meridien (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=816095)
Chelsea Four Points (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=578363)
Soho Four Points (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=864424)
LaGuardia (Flushing) Sheraton (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=619397)
JFK Sheraton (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=667994)

/mod note off

Hi All,

I'm planning on taking the wife to NYC for a long weekend getaway and cannot make up my mind on which Starwood Hotel to choose.

I've done nearly all the Sheratons and am looking for something a bit nicer/hipper -- am leaning towards Westin's, W's or Meridien Parker but cannot decide on one - which would you choose?.

I'm looking for:
- something fun/hipper than a Sheraton
- suited for couple
- not insanely priced
- comfortable (doesn't have to be a big room, but nothing claustrophobic)
- reasonably central location (cab ride or subway is no big deal)

I cannot count on upgrades as I've recently lost all my status with SPG (you have no idea how hard it is to go from multi-year platinum to nothing ;)

Thanks!

I haven't stayed at the Le Parker Meridien, but I assume it's a nice property. Pretty much anything is going to be an improvement over the 2 Sheratons on the island.

My preferred W is the W Union Square - best condition rooms of any of the W's, good staff, great part of town with both up / down and cross town trains easily accessible. You have a good shot of getting a large room (by NYC standards) at the W The Tuscany or W The Court, plus the Murray Hill area is really nice and both properties are convinent to Grand Central.

Both the W Times Square and Westin Times Square are very nice properties, especially if you prefer to be in the heart of the 'touristy' part of NYC.

Really, if you want to make it special, I'd avoid any of the Sheratons, the W New York (original one on Lexington) and the Four Points in Chelsea which may or may not still have a regular picket line out front.

If you want fun;)...stay at a W
Times Square is a little noisy but who cares;)
Above Floor 50 and you will be fine..
Recently i was at The W on Lexington and was upgraded to a great suite, recently renovated.Very impressed and location is good as I had business on 3rd Ave.
Avoid the Westin TS "full stop"
Wish Big , Dream Great , Find more,go far.

W Times Square - by a long shot.

W Times Square - by a long shot.

+1. I've always had an excellent stay there. It does not disappoint, except for the spa.

IMHO, avoid the Sheraton Manhattan at all costs.

+1. I've always had an excellent stay there. It does not disappoint, except for the spa.

IMHO, avoid the Sheraton Manhattan at all costs.

I agree, Sheraton New York is definitely better than Sheraton Manhattan--both have fairly cramped rooms, but NY at least is much taller with a chance of an okay view.

Delightful, what's wrong with the Westin? Other than, arguably, the location?

Nasta, it all depends on what kind of location you want . . . if you have been to New York before and have done the touristy stuff, the W Union Square is probably your best bet; it's closer to the downtown areas where many of the cooler bars, restaurants, and shopping are. If you fall into this category but the W US is too pricey, the Four Points SoHo is not a terrible option; it's a bit out of the way but walkable to a lot of cool areas. Though of course it won't be as posh as a W.

If it's your first time (or not) and you want to really feel like you're in the thick of it, lights, crowds, all that, or if you plan to go to a Broadway show, the W Times Square is by far the best option. Le Parker Meridien is close to Times Square but far enough away to be out of the crowds; it would be a great location if you plan to go to anything at Lincoln Center or Carnegie Hall. LePM is also close to the MoMA.

The W New York on Lexington would be good if you plan to focus on museums--it's a reasonable walk to the MoMA and the most convenient location (by cab or subway) for getting to the Met, Whitney, and the other museums on the Upper East Side. The Ws Court and Tuscany are also relatively easy by subway to the Upper East Side museums but otherwise aren't really close to anything in particular.

It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I personally love the Parker Meridien NYC over every other Starwood property in NYC.

There is more info in the property master thread, but the key reasons are:
-Location
-Norma's breakfasts
-the burger joint
-the staff: incredibly good and no attitude (unlike a lot of NYC hotel staff!)
-the high floor tower rooms with the central park view
-fab thai restaurant about two doors down from the hotel

The hotel is good to Plats, but it is even better when they realise you are a Parker NYC regular and treat their hotel as your home in NYC. Most proactive and friendly service I have seen from any hotel in NYC. And their guest relations manager is an absolute gem.

Hi All,

I'm planning on taking the wife to NYC for a long weekend getaway and cannot make up my mind on which Starwood Hotel to choose.

I've done nearly all the Sheratons and am looking for something a bit nicer/hipper -- am leaning towards Westin's, W's or Meridien Parker but cannot decide on one - which would you choose?.

I'm looking for:
- something fun/hipper than a Sheraton
- suited for couple
- not insanely priced
- comfortable (doesn't have to be a big room, but nothing claustrophobic)
- reasonably central location (cab ride or subway is no big deal)

I cannot count on upgrades as I've recently lost all my status with SPG (you have no idea how hard it is to go from multi-year platinum to nothing ;)

Thanks!

I'd go with the Parker Meridien. Stayed there on their mistake rate a while back.. tasteful room, nice bathroom, nice property. I was most impressed by the morning newspaper -- I think it was either WSJ or NYT, not USA Today. ^

I'd go with the Parker Meridien. Stayed there on their mistake rate a while back.. tasteful room, nice bathroom, nice property. I was most impressed by the morning newspaper -- I think it was either WSJ or NYT, not USA Today. ^
Its usually always NYT.

It's the Parker Meridien for me. I love the location, enough away from Times Square, but easy walking distance. They are treating plats very nicely. They have a wealth of junior suites/suites and are doing their best to ensure an upgrade every time.

It's the Parker Meridien for me. I love the location, enough away from Times Square, but easy walking distance. They are treating plats very nicely. They have a wealth of junior suites/suites and are doing their best to ensure an upgrade every time.
They've even started a Wednesday cocktail evening for regulars and Plats at the bar (the one in the passage to the exit on 57th). Excellent nibbles, really fresh, strong cheeses etc. And the bartender is crazy with his generosity in the measures. My G&T was 75% Tanqueray and 25% tonic. Almost burnt my throat with the first "healthy" sip!

They've even started a Wednesday cocktail evening for regulars and Plats at the bar (the one in the passage to the exit on 57th). Excellent nibbles, really fresh, strong cheeses etc. And the bartender is crazy with his generosity in the measures. My G&T was 75% Tanqueray and 25% tonic. Almost burnt my throat with the first "healthy" sip!


Thank you everyone for your responses. Great feedback from everyone!

I've done NYC many times so I'm not inclined to stay in Times Square

I was leaning towards the W - Lexington or Parker Meridien (planning on using points). I've heard very mixed reviews on the W - Lexington and given that I've lost all my SPG status, I don't think an upgrade is too likely. What are people's thoughts on W - Lexington vs. Parker Meridien?

Thank you everyone for your responses. Great feedback from everyone!

I've done NYC many times so I'm not inclined to stay in Times Square

I was leaning towards the W - Lexington or Parker Meridien (planning on using points). I've heard very mixed reviews on the W - Lexington and given that I've lost all my SPG status, I don't think an upgrade is too likely. What are people's thoughts on W - Lexington vs. Parker Meridien?

That's an easy one! Parker Meridien

I love the W Union Square, though my wife recently stayed at the W Times Square, so I'll have to see how she compares them.

I like Union Square for the rooms, location, and service. My wife and I stayed there for a long weekend a couple months after our son was born. The rooms were plenty large enough for a crib. The staff even turned a potential snafu into a customer service "win" when the concierge forgot to make the dinner reservations we requested until we called to remind them.

The concierge turned the snafu into a "win" by phoning the restaurant and ensuring that we would have a bottle of champagne once we were seated. This was done as a surprise to us.

I'm booking 2 weekends in NYC for the end of July and beginning of August with my 6 free weekend nights...

The first weekend, my wife and I will be with our 4-year-old daughter. We will be using subways and cabs everywhere and will likely go to a Mets game as well.

The second weekend, my wife and I will be alone. It's going to be a W for us. Yankees game, maybe a show, lots of hanging out. Which one? Times Square?

Any help would be appreciated. We would be happy with our daughter in a W, but am wondering if it's really a kid-friendly place. Have only stayed in 2 of them, neither in New York.

I've stayed at Times Square and Lexington. The W Lexington is , without a doubt, the worst hotel I have ever stayed in at that price level. The rooms are miniscule ( about 9 inches between the bed and the wall). Can't enter the bathroom without sqeezing in sideways. Think that was a cozy room. That was the best I could get, as a Platinum, at a quiet time. To describe it as a dump is an understatement.
Times Square is much better ( but rather dark and gloomy) and well-located.

I'm booking 2 weekends in NYC for the end of July and beginning of August with my 6 free weekend nights...

The first weekend, my wife and I will be with our 4-year-old daughter. We will be using subways and cabs everywhere and will likely go to a Mets game as well.

The second weekend, my wife and I will be alone. It's going to be a W for us. Yankees game, maybe a show, lots of hanging out. Which one? Times Square?

Any help would be appreciated. We would be happy with our daughter in a W, but am wondering if it's really a kid-friendly place. Have only stayed in 2 of them, neither in New York.

For your second stay, the W Union Square is probably best--in a good neighborhood to explore New York, and the 4 subway line, which goes right to Yankee Stadium, is nearby. (The D line would also get you there, which does stop right outside the Sheraton New York, but . . . no.)

The first weekend it's more of a toss-up, but probably the W Times Square or Westin Times Square would be best. I've never seen the rooms at the Westin and while it has received some decidedly mixed reviews on here, it would be the most convenient to the 7 train, which gets you to Citi Field. The W Times Square is not far from the 7 either, though it does require trekking through the throngs of Times Square to get there.

As an alternative, if you feel like Times Square might be too much hustle and bustle with your daughter in tow, the Ws Court and Tuscany are also fairly close to the 7 on the East Side (you'd pick it up at Grand Central).

I'm making a trip to NYC in July. I have 3 children (7, 5, and almost a year) and this is our first trip with the 3rd child. Now that I'm making my first trip with the 3rd, I'm realizing that my hotel loyalty may have to be altered.

Basically, I'm just not sure if Starwood is the program for me with 5 people in the family. Hilton seems to have more 2BR suite properties in large cities (Doubletree Times Square for example). Are there any properties, for example, in NYC that would be reasonable for 2 adults, 2 kids, and a baby in one double room? Would I need to use points for a suite to make it reasonable?

I have many more points in Starwood than HHonors (88k vs 49k), but trying to keep my Starwood points to transfer to miles to fly to Europe with just the wife next year.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks,

cw

For your second stay, the W Union Square is probably best--in a good neighborhood to explore New York, and the 4 subway line, which goes right to Yankee Stadium, is nearby. (The D line would also get you there, which does stop right outside the Sheraton New York, but . . . no.)

The first weekend it's more of a toss-up, but probably the W Times Square or Westin Times Square would be best. I've never seen the rooms at the Westin and while it has received some decidedly mixed reviews on here, it would be the most convenient to the 7 train, which gets you to Citi Field. The W Times Square is not far from the 7 either, though it does require trekking through the throngs of Times Square to get there.

As an alternative, if you feel like Times Square might be too much hustle and bustle with your daughter in tow, the Ws Court and Tuscany are also fairly close to the 7 on the East Side (you'd pick it up at Grand Central).

I appreciate the advice. I decided on the W Times Square for the first weekend. Since we're staying on a Thursday night the second week, I chose the Cat5 Meridian over the W Union Square in order to save the 8K Starpoints. I'm sure we'll be happy regardless. We'll be out and about most of the time, anyway.

I'm making a trip to NYC in July. I have 3 children (7, 5, and almost a year) and this is our first trip with the 3rd child. Now that I'm making my first trip with the 3rd, I'm realizing that my hotel loyalty may have to be altered.

Basically, I'm just not sure if Starwood is the program for me with 5 people in the family. Hilton seems to have more 2BR suite properties in large cities (Doubletree Times Square for example). Are there any properties, for example, in NYC that would be reasonable for 2 adults, 2 kids, and a baby in one double room? Would I need to use points for a suite to make it reasonable?

I have many more points in Starwood than HHonors (88k vs 49k), but trying to keep my Starwood points to transfer to miles to fly to Europe with just the wife next year.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks,

cw

Hmm, as much as I dislike Westin TS, their Club Floor rooms are about 400 sq ft and have 2 double beds. Maybe they can put a crib in it as well? I'd call SPG and find out. Last time I checked, it only cost 14,500 starpoints a night at the Club level.

Just a thought.

I appreciate the advice. It's actually looking like now that we're finalizing the dates, the larger suites at the Doubletree are unavailable. So, I may go SPG. I don't imagine we're going to be hanging at the hotel much anyway, but sleeping as soundly as possible is important!

Thanks,

cw

Hmm, as much as I dislike Westin TS, their Club Floor rooms are about 400 sq ft and have 2 double beds. Maybe they can put a crib in it as well? I'd call SPG and find out. Last time I checked, it only cost 14,500 starpoints a night at the Club level.

Just a thought.

I appreciate the advice. It's actually looking like now that we're finalizing the dates, the larger suites at the Doubletree are unavailable. So, I may go SPG. I don't imagine we're going to be hanging at the hotel much anyway, but sleeping as soundly as possible is important!

Then stay away from the W Times Square. The walls are paper thin and if you have next-door neighbors, you will hear every word of their conversation. If you do end up there, ask for a corner room (usually reserved for Platinum upgrades). You are less likely to have noise issues in those rooms. The W Times Square is better, but you can hear doors slamming in the hallways.

Of all the NY Starwoods, I have found the Sheraton New York and W Union Square to have the best soundproofing. It appears the newer the construction, the worse the soundproofing is.

We are planning to go to NYC and the rates are very low, even in the middle of summer...it's a great value! Who would have thought that value and NYC would be in the same sentence, just a year ago? All properties range between $121-$292, excluding the St. Regis. I was thinking of using Starpoints, but it's not worth it... the W Tuscany (category 6) for example is only $200 a night. On another note I wish the Essex House would still be a Starwood property, even if not a Westin. It would've made a great Luxury Collection property.

I have deleted several posts in order to bring this thread back on topic.

I make a joke, which wasn't taken as such by everyone. That resulted in the thread veering off course. My apologies.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming. . .

I celebrated my 49th Birthday at the Westin Times Square this year. I was quite pleased with my corner room and nice view of the Hudson River. The bathroom contained a window as well. I have to admit I could have done without the stainless steel sink - it reminded me of an airplaine washroom in a way. :D The bathroom contained a stainless steel etager for toiletries which seemed a little odd, too - it was on rollers. The room itself was certainly spacious and the bed wonderfully comfortable.

I had a painless, crowd-free check-in by a competent, professional desk clerk - a nice change from what I had earlier in the year at the Hilton Times Square.

What really impressed me was the desk clerk noted my birth date on my passport (I don't drive) and realized it was my birthday. When I returned from the theater, I was thrilled to find the management had sent up a birthday cake, enough to feed six! What a gesture.

As someone else has commented, it was a little noisy - not too noisy, and I am very noise sensitive. The quietest hotel in NY in my experience has been the Sofitel.

As title. I have book two free weekend nights at W Time Square but am not sure if this is the best place to stay in for a first timer. Any opinion is appreciated.

As title. I have book two free weekend nights at W Time Square but am not sure if this is the best place to stay in for a first timer. Any opinion is appreciated.

It would certainly be MY first choice, but it all depends on your own personal preferences. Read the rest of this thread (now that your post has been moved into it) and judge for yourself.

I stayed at W The Court, W Time Square and Le Parker. W TS is definitely my #1 choice for NYC (esp 1st timer). Thats how NYC experience should be!

As title. I have book two free weekend nights at W Time Square but am not sure if this is the best place to stay in for a first timer. Any opinion is appreciated.
First question is whether your are a Westin person or a W person. If you are the W type, then it will come down to what you want to do in NYC. If you are into going to the theater, then the W Times Square is a good call (I'd go with the rest of the crowd on this one). If you are a Westin type (i.e., like me), and want something a little more sedate, then the Westin on Times Square is recommended (I hate the noise in the lobby of the W, and don't care for the mood music in my room).

Of course, the W Lakeshore is my preferred hotel in Chicago over the Westin on Michigan Ave., so I do go with both chains...

First of all thanks for the great thread.
Planning three nights in NY at the end of August (using free nights of course! :D).
I see that the Westin TS has a note saying that their lounge is closed until further notice.
Is the Sheraton the only property with a lounge now?

First of all thanks for the great thread.
Planning three nights in NY at the end of August (using free nights of course! :D).
I see that the Westing TS has a note saying that their lounge is closed until further notice.
Is the Sheraton the only property with a lounge now?

Im interested in knowing this as well...if hotels dont have a lounge, do any of them offer breakfast or other special benefits to Plats? I know the Sheraton Towers' lounge is typically a zoo with people swarming the place with hardly a place to sit...but it's better than nothing. The lounge is the reason I usually pick that property because it can save a good deal of money on breakfast and evening snacks.

Things may have changed since then, but when I stayed at Sheraton Towers a couple years ago, the lounge wasn't open on weekends I think. If that's an important consideration for you, then you might want to confirm with the hotel first.

Im interested in knowing this as well...if hotels dont have a lounge, do any of them offer breakfast or other special benefits to Plats? I know the Sheraton Towers' lounge is typically a zoo with people swarming the place with hardly a place to sit...but it's better than nothing. The lounge is the reason I usually pick that property because it can save a good deal of money on breakfast and evening snacks.

As you know, no property has to go over and beyond the published benefits.

You might want to subscribe to this thread. ;)

List Properties that offer Free Breakfast for Platinum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/912629-list-properties-offer-free-breakfast-platinum.html)

There are other threads that list hotel specific benefits as well as notes in master threads.

Things may have changed since then, but when I stayed at Sheraton Towers a couple years ago, the lounge wasn't open on weekends I think. If that's an important consideration for you, then you might want to confirm with the hotel first.

I was there just a month ago, and things have NOT changed. The Club Lounge on the 44th Floor is CLOSED for breakfast on Saturdays & Sundays. It reopens Sunday evening. And Plats get NOTHING extra - no coupons and no discounts on the restaurant.

I was there just a month ago, and things have NOT changed. The Club Lounge on the 44th Floor is CLOSED for breakfast on Saturdays & Sundays. It reopens Sunday evening. And Plats get NOTHING extra - no coupons and no discounts on the restaurant.

Same experience over the weekend. Also offered 500 points or free movie as amenity -- told there was no other plat amenity available.

Suddenly booked a NYC trip for late September, and the only SPG properties in NYC with points rooms available are:
Le Parker Meridien
Sheraton NYC
Sheraton Times Square
Four Points Midtown
Four Points Soho

Anyhow, it seems the only place where I might get a decent Platinum experience of the 5 is at the Parker Meridien, since the rest are just-ok places--though the Soho property is more my speed in terms of location (and free WiFi). Have stayed at the Sheraton Times Square, and while it's ok, it's nothing memorable--and Plat Lounge is closed weekends.
Interestingly, Le Parker Meridien has iffy reviews on TripAdvisor, but seems to be well-thought-of here.
Any thoughts?

Suddenly booked a NYC trip for late September, and the only SPG properties in NYC with points rooms available are:
Le Parker Meridien
Sheraton NYC
Sheraton Times Square
Four Points Midtown
Four Points Soho

Anyhow, it seems the only place where I might get a decent Platinum experience of the 5 is at the Parker Meridien, since the rest are just-ok places--though the Soho property is more my speed in terms of location (and free WiFi). Have stayed at the Sheraton Times Square, and while it's ok, it's nothing memorable--and Plat Lounge is closed weekends.
Interestingly, Le Parker Meridien has iffy reviews on TripAdvisor, but seems to be well-thought-of here.
Any thoughts?

The Parker should fit your needs or the W Union Square, if space becomes available.

Parker Meridien is a good bet for Plats -- you will likely get a junior suite, big for a NYC room.
Great location, great health club and good rooftop pool, too.

I'll be in NY from 11/2 to 11/7 using SPG points. While my last stay at the W Union Square was terrific (upgraded to a corner room, good location, chance to pretend to be cool for a few days), it's been bumped up from a Category 5 to Category 6 since then, and I can't justify the difference in points (48K before, 80K now).

Among the Category 5 hotels, the Westin Times Square and the Le Parker Meridien seem to be the most highly regarded. If I were paying out of my own pocket, I'd consider the Four Points Chelsea too. But given that the Westin, LPM and 4P all are 12K points per night, I think the 4P is in a whole different league--free wifi and bottle of water notwithstanding). Poor reviews have eliminated the W Lex, Sheraton Manhattan, Sheraton NY Towers, and location eliminates the W Hoboken.

I am a mere Gold (through vigorous usage of my SPG Amex card), so I don't expect an upgrade.

I'm not very interested in Times Square itself, though the location is convenient to transportation. Probably will catch a show, but otherwise will spend the majority of time elsewhere (museums, SoHo, the Village, Nolita, Chinatown, a pilgrimage or two to Katz's Deli, Zabar's).

Given my parameters, am I correct in trying to decide between the Westin Times Square and Le Parker Meridien? Frankly, if the W Union Square were still a Category 5, that would be my first choice. Are there any other considerations I'm missing?

Thanks in advance.

ETA: Yes, I have read the master threads for both the Westin Times Square and the Le Parker Meridien.

I'll be in NY from 11/2 to 11/7 using SPG points. While my last stay at the W Union Square was terrific (upgraded to a corner room, good location, chance to pretend to be cool for a few days), it's been bumped up from a Category 5 to Category 6 since then, and I can't justify the difference in points (48K before, 80K now).

Among the Category 5 hotels, the Westin Times Square and the Le Parker Meridien seem to be the most highly regarded. If I were paying out of my own pocket, I'd consider the Four Points Chelsea too. But given that the Westin, LPM and 4P all are 12K points per night, I think the 4P is in a whole different league--free wifi and bottle of water notwithstanding). Poor reviews have eliminated the W Lex, Sheraton Manhattan, Sheraton NY Towers, and location eliminates the W Hoboken.

I am a mere Gold (through vigorous usage of my SPG Amex card), so I don't expect an upgrade.

I'm not very interested in Times Square itself, though the location is convenient to transportation. Probably will catch a show, but otherwise will spend the majority of time elsewhere (museums, SoHo, the Village, Nolita, Chinatown, a pilgrimage or two to Katz's Deli, Zabar's).

Given my parameters, am I correct in trying to decide between the Westin Times Square and Le Parker Meridien? Frankly, if the W Union Square were still a Category 5, that would be my first choice. Are there any other considerations I'm missing?

Thanks in advance.

ETA: Yes, I have read the master threads for both the Westin Times Square and the Le Parker Meridien.

If you're not interested in Times Sq itself, then I'd recommend the Parker Meridien if only because you'll get to avoid the worst of the Times Sq crowds. The Parker Meridien is right by the N, R, W, Q trains and only a few blocks away from the B, D, E trains. Also walking distance from Columbus Circle if you need the A, C, 1 trains.

Here's a different twist...

Until last month I lived in Manhattan, and I've never stayed in a NYC hotel. I have a Manhattan party weekend coming up where I plan to crash in a hotel because I'll be too drunk to drive home.

Right now the cheaper options are the Ws (Tuscany & Court), TS Sheraton, and Sheraton Towers (53rd St). For obvious reasons, the TS Sheraton is at the bottom of my list.

Parking and quietude are probably the most important to me. I am SPG Gold, so Plat perks are irrelevant.

Any recommendations?

Here's a different twist...

Until last month I lived in Manhattan, and I've never stayed in a NYC hotel. I have a Manhattan party weekend coming up where I plan to crash in a hotel because I'll be too drunk to drive home.

Right now the cheaper options are the Ws (Tuscany & Court), TS Sheraton, and Sheraton Towers (53rd St). For obvious reasons, the TS Sheraton is at the bottom of my list.

Parking and quietude are probably the most important to me. I am SPG Gold, so Plat perks are irrelevant.

Any recommendations?

Where is the party? As posted, the most popular choices are W Union Square or the Parker Meridien.

However, you haven't mentioned the location of the party and budget, so those things might be a factor.

Where is the party? As posted, the most popular choices are W Union Square or the Parker Meridien.

However, you haven't mentioned the location of the party and budget, so those things might be a factor.

The party will be rolling through midtown and LES, most likely. But it will resume the following day on the UWS, so the hotel can be anywhere between Canal & 110th (but not UES).

The W Union Sq. & the Parker Meridien are already out of my price range for those dates. The only SPG properties in a reasonable $ range are the ones listed in my OP: W Tuscany, W Court, Sheraton Towers.

The party will be rolling through midtown and LES, most likely. But it will resume the following day on the UWS, so the hotel can be anywhere between Canal & 110th (but not UES).

The W Union Sq. & the Parker Meridien are already out of my price range for those dates. The only SPG properties in a reasonable $ range are the ones listed in my OP: W Tuscany, W Court, Sheraton Towers.

Well check the master threads for each and make the decision. Only you can do that. Check the new promo and maybe that can spare you some $$.

Well check the master threads for each and make the decision. Only you can do that. Check the new promo and maybe that can spare you some $$.

Agreed. The only thing I can think of is that the Sheratons are closer to subways. But as a NY'er, I'm sure you already knew that. If parking is your only real concern, I'd say to just look up which one offers cheaper parking.

In general- W's = smaller, more trendy rooms. Clubby atmosphere/ Bliss amenities/ fun bars.
Sheratons= more geared towards business/ family travelers. More standard rooms/ services.

I would NOT ever recommend either Sheraton over the W hotels, so pick the least expensive W hotel. The Sheratons will not give you "quietude." They are both busy hotels with huge crowds milling in the lobby most of the time. And their rooms are vastly inferior to the W hotels.

Parking and quietude are probably the most important to me. I am SPG Gold, so Plat perks are irrelevant.

Hotel parking charges are outrageous. There are a number of garages where you can park for substantially less. I've had good success with www.iconparkingsystems.com. If that doesn't work for you do a google search for New york City parking garages.

Thanks for the help. I think the plan will be as follows: Park the car Friday on the street in the UWS where the party will end Sat., and stay in one of the Ws Fri. night.

I am a savant at finding street parking in NYC. Plus I drive a MINI, which makes its own parking space. I was never intending to park in a garage, so I realize now that my OP made it sound like I wanted a hotel with a cheap garage. I meant a hotel located on/near streets with noncommercial parking. I hate garages almost as much as I hate taxis. It's street parking and subway/foot for me.

I'm looking at the Le Parker or the Westin Times Square (8th and 43rd). Location not being an issue (I actually prefer the Le Parker quieter location) which hotel is better/nicer as far as amenities, room size, cleanliness, how luxurious (if applicable), etc...

Anyone able to provide some insight regarding the above post?

Many thanks for any and all responses :).

Anyone able to provide some insight regarding the above post?

Many thanks for any and all responses :).

I agree that the Parker Meridien is in a more desirable area. I've never stayed at the Westin, but I doubt it is more luxurious as per the negative comments in the master thread. I'm sure if you read both master threads, you will be better able to compare the properties.

Thank you for your insight. I have read both threads from a couple of months back until the end (I don't think reading about stays that happened a couple of years ago apply now since things can change - service may improve or become worse, renovation may happen, etc.), but it still left me a bit confused. I think I'll probably end up in the Parker and I'll be able to come back here and report to help others out.

I am going to be in NYC for 3 nights this fall and was going to use the promo of buy 2 nights and get 1 night for free. (Thursday - Sunday)

The hotels that I can pick from for this promotion and $$$ are

W New York- Times Square
Westin New York - Times Square
W New York - Tuscany
Le Meridien New York.

Which one would you suggest for a group of young single guys?
Thanks!

NDTraveler

i would pick the w times square but before cheap elite rips you to threads here are a couple of threads that may be of better service to you....

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/916453-nyc-starwood-properties-master-thread.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/645235-w-nyc-master-thread.html

Really depends on what you plan on doing while in town.

Thanks for the thread links. I am will be in town for a football game at Yankee Stadium.

Do any of the hotels listed have rooms with 2 queen beds?

NDTraveler

i would pick the w times square but before cheap elite rips you to threads here are a couple of threads that may be of better service to you....

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/916453-nyc-starwood-properties-master-thread.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/645235-w-nyc-master-thread.html


ME? Rips someone to threads? Never. :cool: :cool: I have minions to do that. :D:p

Thanks for the thread links. I am will be in town for a football game at Yankee Stadium.

Do any of the hotels listed have rooms with 2 queen beds?

NDTraveler

DUDE! Have you read any of the threads listed??? Those are pretty comprehensive threads with lots of info.

OT: But since when do they play football at Stankee Stadium??

Thanks for the thread links. I am will be in town for a football game at Yankee Stadium.

Do any of the hotels listed have rooms with 2 queen beds?

NDTraveler

GO IRISH!!! :D (My alma mater)

The B, D and 4 train all run to Yankee Stadium and all those hotels are within walking distance to those lines.

bulldoggolfer05 nailed it... GO IRISH!

Cheap Elite I have started to read through the pages and pages of the threads and I am still going..... A lot of the information is old though and I am not sure the relevance of it now.

It's been a long time since Notre Dame had a decent football team, but that isn't stopping you.

bulldoggolfer05 nailed it... GO IRISH!

Cheap Elite I have started to read through the pages and pages of the threads and I am still going..... A lot of the information is old though and I am not sure the relevance of it now.

Start on the last page and work backwards. Also, the NYC overview thread only started in 2009 so it should all be up to date.

I'm going to merge this thread in the NYC thread, so that information can be easily found for the next person wanting to know about mid Manhattan hotels.

/mod

I am going to be in NYC for 3 nights this fall and was going to use the promo of buy 2 nights and get 1 night for free. (Thursday - Sunday)

The hotels that I can pick from for this promotion and $$$ are

W New York- Times Square
Westin New York - Times Square
W New York - Tuscany
Le Meridien New York.

Which one would you suggest for a group of young single guys?
Thanks!

NDTraveler

If you haven't made your choice yet I suggest the Westin. It is a more electric area to wander around. It also has a more eclectic choice of foods at reasonable prices than Le Meridien. You walk one block south on 8th avenue to get the train up to the stadium or anywhere else you need for travel by subway. Good luck rooting for Gerry Faust's old team.

I am going to be in NYC for 3 nights this fall and was going to use the promo of buy 2 nights and get 1 night for free. (Thursday - Sunday)

The hotels that I can pick from for this promotion and $$$ are

W New York- Times Square
Westin New York - Times Square
W New York - Tuscany
Le Meridien New York.

Which one would you suggest for a group of young single guys?
Thanks!

NDTraveler

Not sure if you're an alumni or just a fan, but received an email the other day regarding this game. The official Notre Dame hotel for the game is the Sheraton NY Hotel and Towers :td::td::td:.

Similar type situation here...

Young guy staying in NYC for a Friday-Monday 3 night stay with his GF (who happens to be a NY native). I would prefer a view but great experience and best chance of Plat upgrade would probably overrule.

Choices include the W Tuscany/Court for 418-438 (z3h code), the W Lex for 498, Westin for 558, or W TS for 598. The 4 points are cheaper but would rather avoid, and the Sheraton Towers are 478. Which would you guys go for? Price is a concern and Westin seems a little on the high side compared to the others.

Currently I have a SPG50 reserved at the Court for 209/night but naturally will cancel that.

If those prices are per night (as opposed to being for your entire stay), I would take my chances on Priceline and spend the significant savings on some nice meals. Otherwise, I would stay at The Court. I don't like being in Times Square and the W Lexington is ghetto.

Similar type situation here...

Young guy staying in NYC for a Friday-Monday 3 night stay with his GF (who happens to be a NY native). I would prefer a view but great experience and best chance of Plat upgrade would probably overrule.

Choices include the W Tuscany/Court for 418-438 (z3h code), the W Lex for 498, Westin for 558, or W TS for 598. The 4 points are cheaper but would rather avoid, and the Sheraton Towers are 478. Which would you guys go for? Price is a concern and Westin seems a little on the high side compared to the others.

Currently I have a SPG50 reserved at the Court for 209/night but naturally will cancel that.

The $209 at the Court sounds like a great deal on the SPG 50 and will also have the best chance of upgrade to suite. A no brainer, given your other SPG choices and prices. Some complain about Court getting tired, but still my favorite SPG choice in NY because of upgrade percentage, location, etc.

Just to clear things up, those were definitely total stay prices (so the court was at $209 using z3h...)

Just to clear things up, those were definitely total stay prices (so the court was at $209 using z3h...)

If the Court was the same price as the others (depending on how you value the 1,000 points for the SPG50), my preference stands. You have by far the best chance for an upgrade to a large suite at the Court. Ask for a high floor, call the rooms manager a day or so early and tell them it is a special occasion. If it is a winter weekend, the hotel probably won't be full. From the higher floors (especially) you've got a good chance for a view of either the Chrysler building or Empire State. There are some suites with little balconies on Lexington or even 39th St. that have a great view of the Chrysler Building. That's about as iconc a NYC view as you can get!

I like the neighborhood because it is quiet (for NYC), safe and a block from Grand Central Station so easy to get around town. Also, the Wet Bar is there! :p

Just an update... the request was for this weekend and went ahead and did the Z3H Pay 2/Stay 3 deal at the Court. Put in a request for a high floor beforehand and at check-in was given a 14th floor corner with a great view of the Empire State building. The room however, was tiny so asked at the Front Desk later if I was given an upgrade at all... was told it was an upgrade from Wonderful to Corner, and then when I asked about Suites was told I could move the next day... and was put into a great suite on the 10th floor today, still with a great view.

Bad points - no bellhop on arrival Friday night. GF and I had to lug two heavy suitcases and shopping bags out of the cab into the snow and then the hotel and up the tiny lift (one is still broken). Thankfully someone moved our bags to our new suite today and I thanked him appropriately. Our suite also had no room service menu so had to call down (and walk down to the front desk 20 minutes later) to get one which finally came 40 minutes later. This is after a bad dinner experience we had to walk out on so starving. Then when ordering room service was originally told they didn't have what we wanted, called a second time, noone answered so transferred to What/Whenever service who was confused we were calling them and finally 20 minutes after that room service called back and said we could indeed have what we wanted. Good on them for sorting it out, but we're starving up here still! And oh yeah, the DVD player didn't work in the original room, still need to try it in here. Also minor - want to book treatments at the Bliss in the W-Lex for tomorrow and noone at the front desk has been able to help, saying concierge could but she was either "out" or "gone for the day" (at 7pm!?)

Good points - Great suite (after a one night wait), 500 pts offered at arrival, good chatty concierge (for the few times she's there)