there's a good reason why it doesn't feel like Times Square...because it's not in Times Square (as you pointed out). a correct name for this hotel would have been Westin Port Authority.

file this one under: "starwood takes creative license."

the comments on this property are pretty brutal...wonder if someone from HOT is lurking? :)

You mean like the Sheraton Park Lane, which is not on Park Lane but one block away on Piccadilly? ;)

My wife and I stayed over Mem W/E. Since we are not used to frequenting hotels (above and beyond the Dolphin and Swan), we were relatively more satisfied. Standard Plus Member. They offered me Club Level for an additional 30.00 per night getting us into the lounge and fitness center. Yay! They never charged me the 90.00 for the upgrade, so it was all gravy to me. Room 1412. Nice room overall, except that we learned (via the knock on the door at 4:30am by security) that our door did not automatically close! Yikes! Pathetic Naive Floridians! Twice daily maid service, good shower pressure, UGLY view, great bed. Shula's awesome, spa treatments good. Seemed worth the 30K Starpoints spent. I was surprised to find that my spa treatments were NOT eligible for points. I was bummed as I was hoping for 600 points for 300 bucks of facial crap and rub downs. I was told by SPG tonite that in NY, spa and room service are not eligible. Is this true, folks? Anyway, thanks to all who helped with my Westin vs. W debate and assistance to/from LGA. GO SOX!

Low Marks
 

Have been to the Westin NY Time Square twice - once for business and once for pleasure.

The hotel always seems understaffed - long waits for valet, check-in, or concierge. Also was not offered an upgrade although being Platinum. Had to ask and was told nothing available.

Rooms are fine for NYC size-wise but rates can be high for what you get.

All in all, would pass on returning unless I hear things have improved significantly.

Also had a so-so stay there a few months ago... Just go a few blocks and stay at the W Times square, in my eyes much superior in service and overall experience.

I had a three-night Cash and Points stay a year ago (each night cost $60 plus tax plus 4000 Starpoints). Pity that none of the Manhattan hotels have participated in Cash and Points of late!

I agree that the service was somewhat less than top-notch, but I didn't mind that much because of being on a special rate (and in NYC to boot).

On Sunday June 6 I will be at this hotel again for one night; I managed to grab one of the Sunday $100 special rates commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Times Square (the Travelzoo version of this promo). This time around I am a Platinum rather than a mere Gold as I was last year, so I'll see how it goes with the Platinum benefits (upgrade, amenity, lounge access).

I Liked It
 

I, too, got the $100 Sun. night Travelzoo promo 2 weeks ago. Was upgraded to the 42nd floor, not a suite but a very nice room with a wonderful view. No problem with club access. Food was okay/standard fare. Platinum amenity card given at check-in. Good service and friendly staff. Concierge printed out online boarding passes for us. However, I will say the Westin was not at all crowded as evidenced by this super low rate on a Sunday night. Location was fine and didn't bother us at all. Requested late check-out and they gave me until 3:00. The only problem was both the elevator and escaltor were not working, so we had to climb up the escalator to the lobby on the 2nd floor. At checkout we called the bellhop for the luggage. I think you will enjoy your stay, Kathy!

i thought late checkout for platinums was 4 PM. ;)

Westin New York Times Square [Master Thread]
 

Just got this promotion e-mail from the Westin. Rates start at $169 per night for a traditional king room. Relevant details are as follows:

It might be targetted, but the promotion code to use is: FORTH1.

Enjoy!

Westin New York Times Square [Master Thread]
 

I have called the hotel twice. Once told the wireless in the lobby is free- second told no- paid.

Anyone know for sure?

When I was there in January it was $9.99 plus tax. I wasn't a guest though if that matters...just day in for a meeting and out.

There's free wi-fi almost everywhere in New York. You just need the software to find it.

I'll be staying at the Westin TS and the Westin Essex House-are there known free wi-fi is those areas (will be in TS more) that you could steer me towards? It's a little awkward walking around with my laptop looking for the "bars" to light up :D I don't have time to buy any special "sniffer" stuff since I'm leaving in about 12 hours.

Unfortunately, I don't know which ones specifically are good in that area. The sites below may help you find some free hotspots in New York. They also probably can give you some advice about which program you can get to war-walk if you decide to do that. I only do that with my Palm so I'm not sure about software for a PC.

http://www.wifinder.com
http://www.nycwireless.net
http://www.nodedb.com/unitedstates/ny/newyork/?

I've been thinking that one of these wifi seekers might be handy

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/...1581966,00.asp