CLEguy

I gave the Westin my last stay a few weeks ago after a string of bad experiences related to the front desk and room service. It's a shame, too, as the location is perfect with my office across the street.

I've moved my business a few blocks away to the W TS, where I've been quite surprised at the high level of service (especially compared to other W properties in the US).

chistery

Booked a premium deluxe room and given one on the 23rd floor. At the spg desk one minute it was a deluxe room, then when I said what I'd booked he said it was a premium deluxe room. The manager claims all rooms from 23 are premium deluxe, which is not what their web site says. They gave me a new room but was made to feel like they were doing me a favour. Does anyone know who is right here?

Had to argue about getting free standard internet access as well as a free drink. Not great customer service.

Eujeanie

Was the new room better or worse than the old room? What was the difference?

chistery

The new room is higher up, has a better view and a bath, not a shower. It's also not right next to the lift lobby. I just want what I paid for, and the first room was not as sold to me on their own web site.

Eujeanie

I really liked it there. If I had enough points we'd be staying there again in June, unfortunately I only had enough for the Sheraton TS. At the Westin we had one of the former Atrium Club rooms which are on the lower floors - lots of street noise but they were very spacious and the bathrooms were great - tub plus tons of counter space.

Are the bathrooms on the higher floors where you are with those awful metal sinks and toilets that look like you're in a prison?

chistery

It's the usual white porcelain bathroom amenities :-)

It is quiet up here. Got a lovely view of the snow blowing around Times square. I got a great rate from their own site, so worth keeping a check as they didn't appear on the standard starwood site.

chistery

Well, back after my stay at the Westin Times Square. I did email the GM and received a reply, not really mentioning they made a mistake, just apologising for the inconvenience.

I don't know how hotel reservation systems work, but if you booked a specific room type, you'd think they would be able to see what rooms they can offer you.

No upgrade again. Gold doesn't seem to mean much here.

The Premium deluxe rooms are advertised like this:

- No black wooden desk or wood headboard. Their room descs need updating.
- Internet access was given to me as my SPG benefit, and then only at the 2Mbps rate, not high speed. I questioned this, was told it's not a benefit. It's meant to be complimentary in the room anyway.
- Limited power sockets. The ones attached to the end of the bedside unit didn't work, leaving two on the wall, not conveniently placed.
- Ipod dock had no power, and then it was an old one, no USB charging port, bluetooth or anything useful unless you had an old Apple device.
- Bar closed at 11:50 on Friday night. Full of people, but closes. No notification it was closing, so you can't even get another one in quick.

They don't seem very customer focused here. I got a good rate at $199 a night, but I'll be back over the road at the Intercontinental next time I think.

Valmiki

Is it true that Shula's is closed?
What's the option for Platinum breakfast benefit then?

controller1

From the hotel website:

SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Shula's Steak House Closure
On June 26, 2015, Shula's Steak House will be closing permanently. It will reopen as a new restaurant in early September. Please contact the hotel for further information.

CD747

Sorry for the bump, but I'd be interested to know from anyone who's stayed here since what the so called "replacement" buffet consists of and whether I should just take the 500pts and go to Starbucks...

If nobody has been since I'll update this thread with the lowdown tomorrow morning!

Antonio8069

I know from experience its continental, so take the 500.

Why Starbucks? For $15 US you can do a lot better than Starbucks!

spgvun

Hi there, we just completed a 4-night stay at this Westin and yes, Shula's really is closed but they have moved the breakfast to the "Ambassador" room (no that is not Ambassador as in "Starwood Ambassador") near the lobby. To our surprise, this was actually a full american buffet breakfast complete with bacon, eggs, pancakes (varied by day), toast, hash browns, fresh fruit, juice & coffee. Much better than the usual SPG platinum breakfast. Also, what was really nice is that they were kind enough to extend the free breakfast to my kids as well as my wife & I.

controller1

Back in July 2015 when Shula's closed, the website for The Westin NY Times Square indicated a new restaurant would open in that location in September 2015. Does anyone know if that happened?

When looking at the property's website, the only on-property dining options appear to be the lobby breakfast restaurant called Foundry and room service. Is there an on-site sit-down restaurant for lunch and dinner?

Thanks.

Moindardt

Stayed here for 13 days over Christmas and New Year. Had other hotel stays booked on points but they had some incredible bargains ($330 for Cnr Grand Deluxe over New years). Nice clean rooms but not luxurious. They put all 3 rooms together which was great. No Suites available until after New Years, but we kept the Cnr room as all rooms were together.

They gave us Platinum breakfast for all 3 rooms, which is in Foundry and is a continental with about 6 hot dishes. These changed most days, generally being a bacon, a sausage, a vegetarian and a sweet dish as well as scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes. Better than many continental but I would have just gone across the road if I had to pay for it.

You can't beat the location (I prefer far more than W or Sheraton). The transit centre is across the road. You have Starbucks and Shake Shack across the road on 8th Ave, another Starbucks, 5 Brothers and heaps more on 42 St (use the exit near reception to go out to 42 St). Bella Vita on 43rd is fantastic. The access to Times Square and everywhere else is brilliant. We walk almost everywhere.

We did the NYE dinner at Bella Vita with police escort to the end of 43rd to watch the ball drop (it is right above you). With kids, it is brilliant.

While it isn't the St Regis, its a good solid 4 star in the most incredible position. Highly recommend it.

controller1

Thanks. What about the following:?