I had a stay over the weekend.

Having been there before, my expectations were low. HOWEVER, I found it acceptable.

I arrived in pouring rain on a Saturday evening. I was completely soaked in rain. The agent immediately handed me boxes of kleenex.

I was originally preblocked into a suite, and then downgraded to a club floor room I don't know why but this always happens to me . Lurker, should we just NEVER trust what spg.com shows when the hotel upgrades us because in the end, it's never guaranteed? I inquired about the possibility of moving me to a suite. She responded that her manager just told her that they had no suites available until the following week (which turned out to be a crock of sh*t). She was friendly, nevertheless.

Anyway, the club room was in good shape. The had preblocked me into a room with great views of Central park and NYC skyline on the 46th floor. The sweet sleeper bed was nice, and had 9 layers with duvet like the Westin.

The following day, I decided to swing by the club level to see if I could find my favorite agent, M. BINGO. She was working there. She immediately offered me 2 suites to choose from . What ever happened to no suites until the following week? I don't know why agents always lie about upgrade inventory. Why? Do they get commission for preventing giving suites to Platinums?

Anyway, she did warn me that both suites were on the lower floor, one with 2 double and one with 1 king. She gave me keys to look at both of them. The suites were both corner suites facing Times Square. However, due to the lower level, there wasn't much of a view. AND, for some reasons, both of those rooms did NOT have the sweet sleeper mattress. Instead, it was whatever el cheapo they had as a faux sweet sleeper. And, it only had 3 layers: regular sheet, and the comforter. LAME. But, I wanted more space and the neon light reflection of Times Square into my room, so I took it. She is the best agent there who always takes care of me. She gave me my first ever Platinum upgrade 3-4 years ago. ^ A letter to Corporate about her is on the way ^

I ordered room service and was pleasantly surprised with the quality. It was speedy and the food was good.

I do have to say though, everything about the room I checked--regular 9th floor, 19th floor, and 46 club floor, all the rooms were in excellent spanking new shape. Carpets were new and all had large LCD TVs. So, there's really nothing to complain about, other than you get what you pay for--a Sheraton.

In the end, for 199/night or 12K points, its a bargain, and I would still stay here before any four points (cough, chelsea, cough) period. However, I had a totally different experience here than at the W or Westin. So, the next time I go to NYC, I think I will just splurge and stay at the W. It makes that big of a difference.