I am considering a leisure trip sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas to visit Manhattan and see the Christmas decorations and some shows. What hotels on points would you recommend? For 3 nights point, stays were 120-135,000 points. I am thinking of Residence Inn Times Square, Residence Inn Central Park, Renaissance Times Square, Essex House. I am Platinum and will probably stay over a weekend, so if benefits are better at one that would also be considered. IF there are other locations that should be considered let me know. I don't much about SPG properties in the are which I could also consider.
Thanks

Have you reviewed any of the existing threads on these and many other NYC properties?

Recently took the family to NYC and stayed at the Sheraton Times Square. The location was fine - its kind of in between times square and 5th avenue/rockefeller center. The subway line almost right outside the front door was really useful for heading downtown. Category 5 was good for us to stretch the points with a 5 nights for 4, but not applicable for your stay. Lounge is on the first floor by the entrance - ok, nothing special, but the staff is really friendly. As a platinum, we had a room on the 50th floor with a view of an office building. I'd recommend you consider this hotel.

I've stayed at the RI Times Square numerous times and enjoy it. It really should be called RI Bryant Park since it's not really in Times Square, but that's a good thing. Good location, quiet-ish since you're not right on Times Square. Corner rooms have view of Bryant Park (north rooms) or the Empire State Building (south rooms). Rooms have a microwave, fridge/freezer, and dishwasher, but no stove/oven. Hotplates & other items can be requested from the front desk. No shortage of restaurants nearby. Subway stations galore with the nearest one servicing 7, B, D, F, M lines. Grand Central's 2 blocks over which gives you 4,5,6 lines. Times Square is 2 blocks over which gets you N, Q, R, S, W, and 1,2,3. Macy's / Herald Square is a short walk south.

As far as pricing, I've gotten this hotel for under $175/night BEFORE LNFs, etc.

Others to consider:
RI Manhattan Midtown East. Lexington & 48th. This is where I stay most the time due to its proximity to where I need to be in NYC. Much smaller hotel than the RI Times Square, but often less expensive. Rooms vary from great to a bit small. Service / cleanliness has always been good for me here. It's 2 blocks from Grand Central, which works for me.

The Lexington (Marriott Autograph). This place is hit-or-miss. If you're looking for a place to flop at the end of the night, you won't be disappointed. 1929 building which could use a complete overhaul. They keep putting more paint on it and occasionally change the carpets, but there's no mistaking, it's an old building in need of a gut If you're booking at the right time, rooms can be had for a little over $100/night. Maid service / cleanliness can be inconsistent. Nice bodega across the street, plenty of good restaurants in the area.

DO shop $ before pissing away points on these properties. At times they're flat-out cheap.

Likely nothing "cheap" between Thanksgiving and Christmas, that's "peak-peak season" in NYC, the whole "Christmas in New York" thing. But do check for sure.

Notwithstanding today's announcements and assuming nothing has changed regarding the lounge at the JW in the year since I've been there, that is where I would stay. If you have to blow 40K a night anyway, I would blow 45K and eat breakfast and dinner at their awesome & generous lounge, especially with a family. But that's me. And do shop around!

Nothing is cheap in dollars that time of year so that is why I am considering points. The "cheapest" hotel for my dates was over $300 a night with taxes with the Essex House topping out at almost $600. Is the lounge at the Essex House open on weekends? How have Platinum upgrades been there?

Have you checked Sharon's sticky lounge thread? Have you reviewed the thread devoted to this property?

We spent several nights in June at the Essex House. I can't remember if the lounge is open on the weekends but I will say, I thought the lounge was excellent. The breakfast offered is off the of same buffet as the adjoining restaurant. My husband hates lounge breakfasts (and buffets in general) and he happily ate in the lounge everyday, something he never does well travelling. The lounge was always full but the staff did an excellent job managing the crowd.

As far as upgrades, my husband is plat and an upgrade was not offered.

I don't crunch the numbers as it relates to a property being a good use of points the way some do. We liked the hotel, the location and would definitely do a points stay there again.