I second, all around. Thumbs down for the Plaza. Thumbs down for the Waldorf (Towers is OK -- under the Conrad flag).

And I second the praise for the Four Seasons and the Pen. Very fine choices.

I have to say that Le Parker Meridien is my least favorite hotel on the planet. Kind of crummy; horrible service. Stay away.

The W properties are are great choice -- but my vote goes for avoiding W New York (tiny, tiny rooms, by and large; kind of frayed). Westin Times Square is in a bad spot, IMHO. W TS is better choice. W The Court, W The Tuscany generally have big rooms -- not exactly luxe but cool (lots of posts on the Starwood board about all these props).

The new M-O is another option, of course. Very nice. Ritz Central Park, too, but pricey.

Cheers,

M.Leo