Sep 22, 2020, 7:05 pm
Last edit by: Mr. BoH
Manhattan (NYC) Marriott Bonvoy Hotels Closed Permanently During COVID-19 Pandemic
The following hotels may be discussed in this thread however each property has indicated it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and will not reopen.
The following hotels may be discussed in this thread however each property has indicated it closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and will not reopen.
- Courtyard Herald Square
- Courtyard 5th Avenue
- Marriott East Side
- W Downtown
- The Maxwell
- Gramercy Park Hotel
- Courtyard Downtown/WTC
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Manhattan (NYC) (from Oct. 2018)
May 29, 2019, 11:42 pm
#196
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I'm deciding between the AC Times Square and the Westin Times Square for an overnight stay after a Broadway show. As a Platinum elite member my primary concerns are a good breakfast, potential for upgrade or early check-in, and overall quality of the property and rooms. Has anyone stayed at these properties recently and could recommend either one?
Ultimately, I think it depends on what you're looking for. AC is not a full service hotel; the Westin is. The AC is newer and more modern, but because the rooms are basically identical except for high floor, upgrade potential is limited.
Watch out for the destination fee at the Westin.
May 31, 2019, 8:27 pm
#197
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: The road less traveled
Programs: UA Gold MM, AA EXP, Delta Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Diamond, Natl EE, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 5,118
SpringHill Suites Times Square South
Stayed at the new SpringHill Suites Times Square South on W 36 St for 1 night during the week. They’ve only been open for 4 weeks. I really liked the newness Of the property and that it hadn’t been beat to death — there are so many worn out hotels in NY.
Check-in was at 2:30am and they took a while to do it. No recognition as a Titanium, other than being thanks for “being a Bonvoy member.” No upgrade and was offered points or a coupon for the market.
Room was small, as to be expected, but very functional. They even managed to cram a (very small) sofa in the room and had clearly been very thoughtful about the layout and furniture. It would be a challenge for more than one person to be in the bathroom, but I appreciated that the shower was big and comfortable. One downside was that the sink was very small and there was not much place to put toiletries. There was only one hook in the bathroom as well.
Breakfast was low quality, but slightly better than what you would expect for a SpringHill/Fairfield. Eggs, sausage patties (which looked like wood chips), bacon, lots of bread choices, Chobani, melons, fresh strawberries, coffee was actually decent. It looked like they were getting some kind of brand/onsite inspection while we were there — so everyone was on their toes.
There was a long line at check out and generally the front desk staff seemed slow, but were very pleasant.
Location was ok.
Overall, I would definitely return. It’s a new hotel, clean and modern, that has been thoughtfully put together. And I appreciated things like fresh strawberries at breakfast instead of just the typical powdered eggs and unripe chopped melon.
Check-in was at 2:30am and they took a while to do it. No recognition as a Titanium, other than being thanks for “being a Bonvoy member.” No upgrade and was offered points or a coupon for the market.
Room was small, as to be expected, but very functional. They even managed to cram a (very small) sofa in the room and had clearly been very thoughtful about the layout and furniture. It would be a challenge for more than one person to be in the bathroom, but I appreciated that the shower was big and comfortable. One downside was that the sink was very small and there was not much place to put toiletries. There was only one hook in the bathroom as well.
Breakfast was low quality, but slightly better than what you would expect for a SpringHill/Fairfield. Eggs, sausage patties (which looked like wood chips), bacon, lots of bread choices, Chobani, melons, fresh strawberries, coffee was actually decent. It looked like they were getting some kind of brand/onsite inspection while we were there — so everyone was on their toes.
There was a long line at check out and generally the front desk staff seemed slow, but were very pleasant.
Location was ok.
Overall, I would definitely return. It’s a new hotel, clean and modern, that has been thoughtfully put together. And I appreciated things like fresh strawberries at breakfast instead of just the typical powdered eggs and unripe chopped melon.
Jun 1, 2019, 10:55 pm
#198
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
The RI Midtown East has been our go-to for NYC for the past 3 or so years. Very good every time. Rooms are spacious by NYC standards, manager seems to be on top of the place.
Others nearby:
The Lexington (right next door to the RI Midtown East): Beautiful art deco hotel in need of a complete gut and has needed a complete gut for 10+ years. Rooms can be tiny, some aren't too bad. Housekeeping & service is spotty at best. HVAC unpredictable. F&B is an avoid at all costs -- there's a nice bodega across the street.
IC Barclay -- This used to be our main hotel until the renovation. Yes, the old design wasn't trendy & hip, but it was still very comfortable, well-maintained, and service was good. Only been back once since the renovation. Not a fan. Prices got a healthy boost post-reno as well.
RI Times Square -- Should be called RI Bryant Park, not Times Square, but that's a good thing. Busy hotel, rooms are a bit smaller but serviceable. Location is great and it's much quieter than being in the middle of Times Square. I've been staying here for 15(?) years now. The RI Midtown gets my first vote, but if that's not open, I'll often take this one instead.
Others nearby:
The Lexington (right next door to the RI Midtown East): Beautiful art deco hotel in need of a complete gut and has needed a complete gut for 10+ years. Rooms can be tiny, some aren't too bad. Housekeeping & service is spotty at best. HVAC unpredictable. F&B is an avoid at all costs -- there's a nice bodega across the street.
IC Barclay -- This used to be our main hotel until the renovation. Yes, the old design wasn't trendy & hip, but it was still very comfortable, well-maintained, and service was good. Only been back once since the renovation. Not a fan. Prices got a healthy boost post-reno as well.
RI Times Square -- Should be called RI Bryant Park, not Times Square, but that's a good thing. Busy hotel, rooms are a bit smaller but serviceable. Location is great and it's much quieter than being in the middle of Times Square. I've been staying here for 15(?) years now. The RI Midtown gets my first vote, but if that's not open, I'll often take this one instead.
Meanwhile currently booked using points in the Sheraton Times Sq. I don't hate it as much as others.
I wonder, does anyone know of a 35,000 per night property in NYC that they prefer over the Sheraton Times Sq? Room size and gym are of most importance. Midtown, Chelsea, Soho neighborhoods preferred (no wall st). I liked the look of the Courtyard Soho on Varick Street... but got scared off by noise complaints due to tunnel entrance. Any thoughts?
Jun 1, 2019, 11:01 pm
#199
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,453
Jun 1, 2019, 11:11 pm
#200
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,130
I'm deciding between the AC Times Square and the Westin Times Square for an overnight stay after a Broadway show. As a Platinum elite member my primary concerns are a good breakfast, potential for upgrade or early check-in, and overall quality of the property and rooms. Has anyone stayed at these properties recently and could recommend either one?
Eh... The AC is definitely newer, and the aesthetic is cleaner and more modern. But all the rooms at the AC are basically the same—the only differences are the floor and potential view. Also, the AC (as far as I know) gives a $10 F&B credit, not breakfast. Further, I'd say the Westin has a marginally better location, as the A/C/E subway stop is literally steps from the front entrance; the AC is a couple of blocks south on 8th. Finally, this is a personal thing, but I really am not a huge fan of the comforters at Marriott's limited-service hotels—the Westin beds and comforters in my opinion remain among the best in the industry.
Ultimately, I think it depends on what you're looking for. AC is not a full service hotel; the Westin is. The AC is newer and more modern, but because the rooms are basically identical except for high floor, upgrade potential is limited.
Watch out for the destination fee at the Westin.
Ultimately, I think it depends on what you're looking for. AC is not a full service hotel; the Westin is. The AC is newer and more modern, but because the rooms are basically identical except for high floor, upgrade potential is limited.
Watch out for the destination fee at the Westin.
I will stick up for the Westin here (though in full transparency my corporate rate specifically excludes the destination fee and even if included I didn't pay for it) -- my last stay here (Jan 2019) was as a then Platinum Elite (before Titanium became a thing and it seemed like Platinum was Platinum) and they gave me a great upgrade to a high floor with a nice view. No lounge so the offer is breakfast which I declined since I was only there for one night and was just grabbing SB on the way to a meeting.
Westin is quite convenient to the subway and easy walking distance to a bunch of good restaurants in Hell's Kitchen and Midtown West (aka not in Times Square).
I certainly wouldn't hesitate to stay at the Westin again over the AC -- and will make that same choice the next time I'm in NYC for business due to my reticence about the AC room size (though my last NYC stay was the Courtyard Herald Square because I needed to be near Grand Central and I liked that hotel quite a lot).
That said maybe someone on this forum will convince me to try the AC one day and I'll end up with a different POV but until then Westin > AC.
Jun 1, 2019, 11:32 pm
#201
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,410
The Viceroy on 57th just reflagged to become Le Meridien Central Park. Might be worth looking at. No trip reports are in. It's a Category 5 hotel at inception.
Jun 1, 2019, 11:56 pm
#202
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I would love to stay at one of these Residence Inns but, using points none have 2 doubles available. So annoying when properties only offer Kings/Queens for points and withhold all doubles.
Meanwhile currently booked using points in the Sheraton Times Sq. I don't hate it as much as others.
I wonder, does anyone know of a 35,000 per night property in NYC that they prefer over the Sheraton Times Sq? Room size and gym are of most importance. Midtown, Chelsea, Soho neighborhoods preferred (no wall st). I liked the look of the Courtyard Soho on Varick Street... but got scared off by noise complaints due to tunnel entrance. Any thoughts?
Meanwhile currently booked using points in the Sheraton Times Sq. I don't hate it as much as others.
I wonder, does anyone know of a 35,000 per night property in NYC that they prefer over the Sheraton Times Sq? Room size and gym are of most importance. Midtown, Chelsea, Soho neighborhoods preferred (no wall st). I liked the look of the Courtyard Soho on Varick Street... but got scared off by noise complaints due to tunnel entrance. Any thoughts?
Jun 2, 2019, 12:06 am
#203
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I have a (cash) reservation for the end of the month and am looking forward to checking it out. I'm not sure there are standard rooms with 2 beds, though, since the double rooms appear to be an extra 100 sq. ft.
Jun 2, 2019, 7:59 am
#205
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
I thought the RI over on Lexington had standard rooms with two beds, no? I believe the Four Points TS also has standard rooms with doubles, although I'm not sure I'd choose the Four Points over the Sheraton (although I might be in the minority in that I'm not a fan of the Four Points).
Correct, no double rooms.
Jun 2, 2019, 8:00 am
#206
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
Jun 2, 2019, 9:41 am
#207
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,453
Jun 2, 2019, 10:07 am
#208
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
he wasn't upset that Kings were being offered. He was upset that ONLY kings were being offered and that doubles were withheld. He wasn't suggesting that the solution to his issue would be to withhold kings. He wasn't ... missing perspective.
Jun 2, 2019, 10:29 am
#210
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
Best NYC Property for Free Night Redemption?
I need to use the annual free night certificate from my SPG Amex card. It looks like there are lots of Category 4-5 hotels available in NYC the weekend we are going (Labor Day, for the US Open) at only about $220/night. What's the best property along or near 42nd St (so we can hop on the 7 train to Flushing easily)?
I have silver status, so the usual elite perks don't really apply to me. Just looking for a cool hotel that has been renovated semi-recently but it'll mostly be a place to sleep.
Looks like there are a couple of Residence Inns, the Moxy, AC Hotel, Westin Times Sq, and a few more. I guess I'd prefer something towards the East Side to reduce time spent on the train, but it doesn't matter too much. Thanks for any ideas.
edit: based on this thread it seems people tend to like the Residence Inn Midtown East, so I booked that but could always switch if there's a better option. Since I don't have the status to worry about breakfast or lounge or upgrades, I don't think it much matters.
I have silver status, so the usual elite perks don't really apply to me. Just looking for a cool hotel that has been renovated semi-recently but it'll mostly be a place to sleep.
Looks like there are a couple of Residence Inns, the Moxy, AC Hotel, Westin Times Sq, and a few more. I guess I'd prefer something towards the East Side to reduce time spent on the train, but it doesn't matter too much. Thanks for any ideas.
edit: based on this thread it seems people tend to like the Residence Inn Midtown East, so I booked that but could always switch if there's a better option. Since I don't have the status to worry about breakfast or lounge or upgrades, I don't think it much matters.
Last edited by gfunkdave; Jun 2, 2019 at 11:16 am