Avoid the W 50th & Lex -- unless you feel like sleeping in a cubicle. Court & Tuscany are great, although very pricey (3 nights in mid-December @ $519 per); I stay there 20+ nights/year. (Eric, I like that "residential feel" description.) Never stayed in the Times Square properties, but heard terrific things about them -- and getting to know the "reality" of Times Square is essential for a tourist who wants to know the town. Essex House is a first-rate hotel. Sheraton @ 7th & 53rd can sometimes be overrun with conference/meeting business.