Any advice on Midtown hotels in NYC?

[seeker630]

I'm planning a long weekend in NY in late-June/early-July and am trying to settle on a hotel. I've usually stayed around Times Square or a few blocks north, and tend to prefer larger hotels (with enough traffic that I don't feel conspicuous when I have 'visitors'.)

 

Anyone have any comments to share on the Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton, Westin or W properties (or others of that type)?

 

Thanks.

 

(also taking recommnedations for versatile/bottom guys who are good kissers

[Romann]

Hello hello!

 

When I was in NYC last week, I stayed at the Hyatt Grand New York which I found to be very centrally located to Grand Central just a couple blocks away and a number of sub stops and connection spots - not to mention cab central. I have also stayed at the W in Union Square - the Doubletree in Time Square is also pretty good but was being remodeled at the time but that was a number of months ago so I'm sure it's been completed.

 

Too bad I wasn't in NYC on the dates you're speaking of.

 

Hope this helps!

 

I'm planning a long weekend in NY in late-June/early-July and am trying to settle on a hotel. I've usually stayed around Times Square or a few blocks north, and tend to prefer larger hotels (with enough traffic that I don't feel conspicuous when I have 'visitors'.)

 

Anyone have any comments to share on the Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton, Westin or W properties (or others of that type)?

 

Thanks.

 

(also taking recommnedations for versatile/bottom guys who are good kissers

[+ sf westcoaster]

Recently stayed at the Marriott on Times Square. For my tastes it is too big, but your guests certainly would not be noticed. It is a hotel that requires you to go up a number of floors to get to the lobby - so if you want access on ground level forget the Marriott.

 

A couple of years ago I stayed at the Edison - quieter and smaller than the Marriott but is still in Times Square area - i believe it is on 46th or 47th between Broadway and 8th.

[Guest alanm]

Quikbook has a sale on most New York hotel through Labor Day, if you book by this Friday.

 

I recommend the Millenennium Hotel NY UN Plaza, 44th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. Great hotel and you get spectacular views of the East River/UN, or the entire city (the rooms are on the higher floors of the building).

[OneFinger]

Last fall I stayed at the Hampton Inn Manhattan @ 59 West 35th Street. At that time it had just opened (brand new construction / building) and I was one of the first 10 guests.

 

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=NYCEMHX

 

Close to the Empire State Bldg, Macy's, and Penn Station. Just a half block to a subway station.

 

It's not a luxury hotel with a lot of fluff but I found it very comfortable. Also had no problems or questions hosting my favorite escorts. I really liked the fact that it was new construction and all furnishings were fresh and unused.

 

Have also stayed at the New Yorker. But, it is a much older building. A little more "charm" and a lot of the rooms still had the 1940's bathrooms. The New Yorker is also on a major subway stop and close to Penn Station. Staff was very accommodating but since it is a larger hotel, it was a bit too crowded for my taste.

[ted]

I've stayed at all of the above, and at none of the above will "visitors" be noticed unless they are coming in after 11:30PM. For all of these the choice boils down to whats the price.

 

Hilton NY 53rd and Ave Americas(6th) some rooms are relatively small but all nicely appointed may be the largest of all, in same league as the Marriott, not as much side walk traffic right outside the door as those right on times sq

 

W Times Square - form over function, shower tends to drain into the room rather than down the drain, but you will notice strategically placed towels to alleviate the problem,

like attached restaurant Blue Fin, lobby up, need to take elevator up to lobby and then other elevators up to room, you will need to meet in lobby as need room key to operate elevators up to room - I think for all floors, at least all floors I've stayed on

 

Marriott - elevators can be problematic, especially if you are going in or out when shows start or leave out, not only because of the theatre on 2nd floor, but because the clientele is going to other shows too, redone about 4 years ago

 

Westin- newest of those mentioned, lobby on second floor, but just an escalator ride up bathrooms seemed dark, furnishings modern heavenly bed and shower, somewhat quieter entrance at 43rd and 8th than W or Marriott

 

Sheraton - they are actually 2 right across the street from each other on 7th at about 52nd. Prefer Sheraton New York over Sheraton Manhattan. Rooms larger and recently done. Manhattan often the cheapest of those listed because of the smaller rooms

 

Hilton Times Sq - lobby on 23rd floor, elevator up. Smaller property- Your guest may need to be announced, but hasn't been an issue elevator up to lobby and then a walk across in front of check in desk to elevator bank to rooms, larger rooms redone about 3 years ago now

 

Hyatt - would not characterize this as Times Sq, on 42nd but over by Grand Central Subway shuttle from Grand Central over to Times Square, been awhile since I stayed at this one

 

If you are comfortable riding the subway, I've found it cheaper to stay downtown on weekends when going up for shows. As long as you have easy access to the ACE or 123 lines you can be in Times Square within about 20 minutes at most on these lines

[Guest alanm]

If you are comfortable riding the subway, I've found it cheaper to stay downtown on weekends when going up for shows. As long as you have easy access to the ACE or 123 lines you can be in Times Square within about 20 minutes at most on these lines

 

I agree, especially if you book a hotel near the jogging/walking trails near Battery Park. It's an interesting part of Manhatten, in view of two rivers and the Statue of Liberty.

[whipped guy]

Sheraton Info

 

I always stay at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers... The larger of the two on 7th Avenue which is located between 52nd and 53rd Street. It is possible for an individual to get a room with two double beds, which gives more play space, for no additional charge. Also, never a problem with visitors... Check out their specials and AAA rates which can be confusing (their advertised "best available rate" is often not the best available) but with a bit of homework you can get a good deal.

 

http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/sheratonnewyork/so.htm?EM=sgc_si_421_775497_sop

[Rod Hagen]

Chelsea Savoy kicks ass.

http://www.chelseasavoynyc.com/

[seeker630]

Thanks to everyone for the advice...

 

and special thanks to Ted for providing such detailed information.

 

I've been attracted to the W but the comments, with the prices, have taken that one off the list. Maybe I'll just hit the restuarant.

 

I've stayed at the Westin several years ago and it was ok. Also stayed at the smaller Sheraton - about which I remember nothing!

 

Again, thanks to everyone for the comments. (But I won't be making a final decision until tomorrow, so last-minute addenda are welcome

[seeker630]

I always stay at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers... The larger of the two on 7th Avenue which is located between 52nd and 53rd Street. It is possible for an individual to get a room with two double beds, which gives more play space, for no additional charge. Also, never a problem with visitors... Check out their specials and AAA rates which can be confusing (their advertised "best available rate" is often not the best available) but with a bit of homework you can get a good deal.

 

I usually get a room with double beds and use the second one just lay out my luggage. I was thinking of getting a single king size bed this time because I'm planning on a threesome - and since I assume the rooms are the same size, one bed should make the room seem a bit...roomier?

[whipped guy]

One bed or two... that is the question!

 

Seeker630... I like one bed for play... and one for sleep. The "sleep" bed is where I lay out the "tools of the trade" that I often travel with...

 

Actually some of the rooms at the Sheraton with a single bed can be quite small... though you are right at times there is more space around a single bed if you do get a larger room. With two beds I am guaranteed a somewhat larger room...

[bobchitown]

Just a couple pieces of general advise.

 

Some hotel chains that would be fine in other locations can be downright skanky in NYC. I encounted a really bad example at the La Quinta in midtown. I swear there were people living in the hallways. Do read reviews (tripadvisor is great for that) and be a little careful of 2nd/3rd tier chains. They might be fine in rurual Iowa, but I'd be careful in NYC.

 

Some of the big hotels routinely check room keys at the elevators - at least during the evening hours. I encountered this at the Sheraton just North of Times Square and also at the midtown Hilton. Not a huge issue, but you might need to be prepared to meet up in the lobby.

 

If you want a Soho location, I just stayed at the relatively new Sheraton Four Points Soho, and was pleased with the room. Its on Charlton between Varick and Hudson. The lobby is very small and you walk right past the reception desk, but no one seemed to be paying too much attention to who was coming and going. Room was largish by NYC standards.

 

For midtown, I just got a very good weekend deal at the Kitano, which is a lovely hotel just south of Grand Central on Park Avenue at 38th. I paid under $200 for a very luxurious room. The hotel is on the smallish side, but the room elevators are on the other side of the lobby from the registration desk and as long as people don't make a scene no one seems to pay particular attention to people coming and going - especially as the elevator also serves the 2nd floor bar.

[+ Lucky]

Don't forget to check the bed bug registry referred to in another thread. The Westin Times Square was on that list among many others.

[JT Brooklyn]

Bed Bug Registry

 

Don't forget to check the bed bug registry referred to in another thread. The Westin Times Square was on that list among many others.

Definitely do check that situation out!

[Romann]

Every time I go to NYC now, I think about that post a couple weeks or maybe a month back. UGH!

 

Don't forget to check the bed bug registry referred to in another thread. The Westin Times Square was on that list among many others.