What about using those Chase points at the Park Hyatt?

Use those points for AIR!!

I normally would--and that was the original plan--but I'm air miles rich (c/o 100k AA Exec CCs + MS) and hotel points poor, having just depleted my Hilton points and Starwood points.

Any experience from The Knickerbocker? Besides a Times Square location (not a good thing) its Virtuoso benefits seem pretty good considering the rates are among the lowest of any NYC Virtuoso property. Or perhaps that is telling for the quality?

I actually liked the Knickerbocker. I cant justify $500 night in NYC (used to live there) so Knickerbocker has been a good choice for me. The only thing is the rooms are smaller then any other hotel, but its NYC, so you shouldnt spend too much time in the room anyway.

Location is all a matter of opinion, but the hotel is close to subway to get you anywhere.

Also the concierge team has been pretty good.

Speaking of NYC, what is the consensus on Baccarat here? Successful entry into NYC?

I'd say so. I've had nothing but glowing feedback from every client I've put there.

Not sure if it's pertinent, but it's worth noting that every single client I've sent there has been 'on request', meaning: clients come to me knowing that's where they want to stay. Not sure if it's name recognition or just the fact it's new/getting press, but I find that interesting.

As far as the Knickerbocker is concerned, it's a good fit for the right clientele/right inquiry.

Which part of Manhattan ? UES is " quiet " , elegant with lovely surrounds & restaurants .
Modern ? Only like W ?

The Mark itself just a stroll from Central Park & has own Jean Georges

May not qualify as luxurious but recently spent several nights at Hyatt Union Square. Rooms on the top floor, think they are called sky room, are great with floor to ceiling windows, a modern room and unbeatable location. Three subway lines are right next door, e.g. 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R. Tons of good restaurants within 15 mins walking distance from Eataly, Shake Shack, Eleven Madison Park to Momofuku Ko. Also two large book stores, e.g. Strand and Barnes & Noble, are close by. Whole Foods is next door as well.

Stayed again at the Wythe in Williamsburg. I like this place better every time I stay. Service was outstanding. They've eliminated tipping at their restaurant. Really interesting mini-bar selection. And... as I've said, the view of Manhattan from the balconies on the top floor lofts has to be one best cityscapes anywhere.

Interesting, thanks for sharing this. Have you stayed in any of the other (non-loft) room types? Looks like the highest room type available for some dates I'm thinking about is the Manhattan View King Room.

you contacted hotel? they no longer book 4 lofts online
pages for lofts say "Please call 718-460-8000 to book."
seems like south lofts have longer windows on one side

unfortunate that corner rooms are only on floors 2-5

sounds like asking for highest view available near/at checkin

Is the NYC Plaza really worth it?

I've stayed in some of the other rooms also, and they all seemed nice. You should probably try for a room high enough to have a view of Manhattan.

I guess you have to define what "worth" means to you. Certainly, The Plaza has a historic past and many (particularly tourists) equate it with the quintessential NYC experience.

As someone who enjoys visiting NYC (sometimes 1 or 2x per year), The Plaza likely would not even make a top 20 list of places that I would choose to stay.

Part of the reason is it's just too stuffy/old world/gold stuff every where for my tastes. Of course, other people eat that stuff up.

You have to define what experience you are looking for and then what you are willing to pay for it.

Regards