Question for the Starwood NYC Posters:

Taking my first trip to NYC this month for four days (2/26 - 3/2) and hoping the blizzard will be over by then! Needless to say, while the city certainly has a range of good starwood properties, I have to say I'm feeling conflicted: there seem to be a number of great, modern, independent boutique 4 star hotels in the city for better prices (under $200 a night, like the Morgans Hotels), vs what Starwood's offering: four points and element begin at $200. The W's are $269 and up.

So my question is, with this being my first time in the city, should I go with Starwood, knowing it's likely going to be consistent to the standards I've come to expect (which isn't a bad thing) or go with the boutique hotel option which has more competitive choices?

BTW, I'm gold spg if that tips the equation.