neuron

Considering booking the incoming family at LPM for a weekend in Dec, and upgrading to a Jr Suite, but after reading some of the reviews, reconsidering the booking for W US instead.

Any thoughts or comments -- as it is 2 adults and 2 children, 2 beds was the only requirement (hence the Jr Suite which has a pullout)?
but now considering the issue of bed comfort.

controller1

If you are expecting the comfort of a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed or a Westin Heavenly Bed, then the beds at the Le Parker Meridien will be a disappointment.

NJUPINTHEAIR

Will be staying at the hotel soon.

Can I do this "trick" and have the bill charged to the room to get points?

Alternatively, if there is no line, can I dine there and then charge the bill to the room to get points?

Thanks,

NJ

jamienbaker

W US blows this property away, we are a family of 4 and have stayed at both. LM rooms were too basic and needed better cleaning. Weak bathrooms. W plat recognition is good, I believe most rooms have iPod docks, more bells and whistles over all. Unless you are we'd to being close to Central Park, stay at the W US. Plenty of good burgers all over manhattan.

Land-of-Miles

The Mrs and I stayed at LPM a year ago and thought it would be good for a family of four. Whilst the room wasn't cutting edge modern it was in good repair and the bed was comfortable. Not quite as comfortable as a Sheraton/Westin/W bed but still very comfortable.

The only real issue I had with the property was the lack of normal hotel facilities, the bar was about the size of a large cupboard and consequently got very busy with the smallest number of occupants. I also did not know that I had to make an advance reservation for breakfast. I get that Norma's is a destination in itself but surely all the more reason to tell guests in advance that they should perhaps make a reservation for breakfast.

We are trying the W US on our next visit over the thanksgiving weekend, but I would be happy to return to the Meridien especially now that we are aware of the 2 issues above. Are there any good bars in close proximity to LPM?

jamienbaker

Much better bar options around Union Square, including at the W itself. LM in a sleepy neighborhood of midtown. Busy during day, but too quiet at night. The only reason I ever stay here is if I'm trying to spend a free night (W US is Cat 6, so typically excluded) or if I want to run in the park the next morning. On weekends, outdoor food market at W US also a plus, at least for those living close by (40 miles away, in my case).

Land-of-Miles

I don't disagree with any of that and appreciate the US neighbourhood is much better for drinking and dining options (hence my upcoming stay there), but I can see that if I preferred to stay further up town (e.g. a shopping trip) the LPM is a good option.

Rates at the LPM can be quite attractive and Plat treatment was pretty good. On the other hand I am forming the view that the potential for upgrades at the W US is likely to be "limited". I guess I will be able to form a proper comparison at the end of the month, I do like the Union Square area though.

NJUPINTHEAIR

Of course, Carnegie Hall is just steps away down 57th street.

LIH Prem

IIRC I was able to charge it to the room, but I doubt if we get points for 3rd party dining. I remember the charge because I tried to use a CC, and they don't take them, but they did offer to do the room charge. Hopefully I'm remember this correctly. And yes, I did call down and pre-order and bypassed the line.

-David

keltenison

I thought the burger joint was a separate entity from Westin... did you just ask the cashier to charge it to your room?

BTW, preference: Shake Shack or Burger Joint??

If you use your spg amex card on a room charge and if you have spg plat, you get extra points on top of the regular pts u get for the burger,

andymo99

Burger Joint can charge to the room.

NJUPINTHEAIR

Thanks, David! But, this isn't a 3rd party dining place because it is in the hotel and listed on it's website, right?

NJUPINTHEAIR

Thanks!

LIH Prem

I just don't remember if I got points for it or not. I'm guessing "no".

It is physically in the hotel, but it's not managed by the hotel, etc. That's what I'm thinking. We don't get points for parking either. Plus it doesn't seem like the kind of place that needs to drive SPG loyalty to it. I could easily be wrong.

When I tried to charge it to the CC, she noticed my long room key and said she could charge it to the room.

So are you going to pass on Burger Joint if you don't get points for it?

-David

theguyfromsocal

"W US blows this property away, we are a family of 4 and have stayed at both. LM rooms were too basic and needed better cleaning. Weak bathrooms. W plat recognition is good, I believe most rooms have iPod docks, more bells and whistles over all. Unless you are we'd to being close to Central Park, stay at the W US. Plenty of good burgers all over manhattan."

W Times Square - a fabulous property. Management really cares about their guests over there.

Sheraton Times Square - a nice property. Management really cares about their guests over there.

Manhattan - a nice property. Management really cares about their guests over there.

W Lexington - a nice property. Management really cares about their guests over there.

Westin Times Square -a very nice property. Management really cares about their guests over there.