+1 ... It's been a decade since I stayed at the Sheraton near JFK, recall it wasn't the best neighborhood ... I'd stay at the W, enjoy the touristy side of Manhattan and then enjoy the comparatively slight traffic out on Sunday AM.

Wow indeed - I've scored some nice upgrades at the W Times Square, but never that nice.

Used 2 nights of free weekend nights last week and was given a newly renovated Cool Corner room on a very high floor. No problem with 4PM checkout and was also given 2 cards good for small bottles of Fiji water out of the mini-bar. ^

nice! ^

I am a server at Blue Fin. If any FlyerTalkers are coming to the W and planning on dining in the restaurant, send me a PM.

Well, I just booked 2 free weekend nights during the Labor Day Holiday. First time to stay at this W. Fellow Plats, what do you think the chances are of getting a decent upgrade?

I think the answer is 'it depends'. I've been consistently staying here one night per week for the past couple of months - during that time I've consistently getting upgraded to a Fabulous Suite (good room by the way).

However, my stays have been single nights during the week. Given the high tourist propensity of this property, I can imagine that weekends may be tougher for the upgrade game.

Let us know how it turns out.

What is your opinion when it comes to the W Time Square or Westin Time Square?

I would say Westin

I am judging based on: Room sizes, cleanliness, recent renovations, etc.

was looking forward to redeeming 2 free weekend nights here in october but there is no availability....sucks....guess i'll go with the le méridien....

Booked a room here for the free weekend promo for the Fireworks show on July 4th. Really nice hotel, It took some convincing but at the end I got a Fantastic suite on the 26th floor. I didnt think it was anything to write home about. Didnt get a chance to ride in the MDX though :(

The MDX is not all that its like a crossover SUV, nothing great. So you did not miss out on anything trust me.

Got 3 weekend stays (Fr-Mo) beginning of Sept in this hotel. absolutely no problem. Looking forward to this hotel!

i'm getting rooms towards the end of september but that is no good for me....need to be in ny sometime mid october....

Just checked in tonight for a 5 night stay. Couple comments:

• Probably my first real suite upgrade in my last 17 NYC stays (all since ~June 20)
• There were NO available power outlets anywhere near the desk. There are just two outlets, and each is used for a lamp. They send me a power strip upon request (despite their concerns about safety hazards). But seriously... no available outlet by a desk?
• Room service sandwich: the menu says it comes with chips or fries. All I saw was "fries" and didn't concentrate on the "or." Anyhow, the dinner arrived with only chips. I then looked at the menu and noticed the order. I called back and said I'd rather have made the choice myself. They kindly sent up an order of fries, but oddly wrapped up in a napkin. Not sure why they didn't just cover them on a plate.
• I realize while eating that I didn't receive my free water card ("place this here each day for your free water in place of the water you take" etc.). I called and asked if this policy had ended. I was told that I should have received one. They sent up a few waters.
• The toilet in the main bathroom (not the half bath) had a handful of stray pubes on it. Kinda gross, but I didn't care enough to complain.

what kind of suite did you get????