SFPaul900,
Im not sure when you stayed at the Marquis, but its nothing like you describe, except for maybe the crowds. Its certainly in the middle of everything and not secluded or quiet by any means. The atrium, restaurants and sushi bar are some of the most elegant I have seen. Time Square has cleaned up, but of course, it will never be the East side. For a Californian, its the NY I always saw in movies. Maybe its better if I dont see the REAL NY, I may be dissapointed!