New York City Hotel Tips by ATXtraveler

Westin New York Times Square: A little piece of heaven in NYC Westin New York Times Square Review

Well, after a 2 year hiatus down under, I was back to travelling and NYC was on the docket. In my quest to stay in every hotel in Times Square (that gives out points anyway), I was off to the Westin New York at Times Square. Despite the difficult and lengthy name, I was able to find the place and check in. Thank goodness for a corporate card! This place was E-X-P-ensive.

I would actually like to meet the people who stay in these places when the company is not paying for it, because I think $350 dollars a night is close to highway robbery (or in this case subway robbery). I will tell you this much though, the hotel is superb. The Heavenly bed that is a Westin trademark lives up to its name, and the heavenly showerhead are two signatures of Westin that are worth their weight in gold. You will sleep like a baby, guarenteed!

The location of this hotel is also ultra convienent, and the bar lounge has a great selection of wine and spirits, as evidenced by the get together we had.

One tip to you points concious travellers: All of the hotel bars are tied in to Starwood Points, so if you have your get together at Shula's Steakhouse or Bar 41, you will be earning those 3 Starwood points per dollar spent... and if you have the Starwood AMEX, you get an additional two per dollar at Starwood properties. Translated into English, if you take your client out to this restaurant, you could be earning 5 starpoints per dollar compared to those other choices that are only 1 starpoint per dollar!

Address: 270 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.spg.com

Hilton Times Square: If you are a HHonors Member... stay here Hilton Times Square Review

I am a Diamond member of Hilton's HHonors program, so I frequently stay in Hilton hotels. I was not impressed as much with this hotel as others in the area, and would not recommend this in comparison to some of the other hotel chains, unless you are a HHonors member and are just searching for points. It was fairly expensive, not easily recognizable from the street, and frankly the bed I had was not comfortable.

Unique Qualities: I did not find anything special about this hotel at all. Again, stay here if you are getting points, because the value for your money is not there.

Address: 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036

Comparison: about average

Directions: When you get to this physical address, have the cab pull over... you will not see it readily from the street, and there are no places for the cab to pull in, so keep an eye out.

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.hilton.com

W New York - Times Square: If you have the money.... W New York Times Square Review

When I travel on business, I rotate which hotel I stay in on my trips, it breaks up the monotony, and also lets me see a little more of a city than just one street. The W in Times Square is one of the newest in their fleet, and for those of you that know the quality of the W line, this hotel will definitely not disappoint.

For those of you that do not regularly stay in W's.... they are very upscale, trendy, and modern. They have wonderful beds, very noveau, and all of their perks are there.

Unique Qualities: The location, and the height off the ground make this hotel very accessible for a great view of Times Square. No further explanation necessary.

Address: 1567 Broadway at 47th Street, New York, NY 10036

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.spg.com

Sheraton New York Hotel And Towers: A quality Sheraton hotel... Sheraton New York Hotel And Towers Review

My fiance and I stayed in the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers while having a brief visit in May 2004. I am a Starwood Preferred Platinum member, so I do stay quite frequently in Sheratons, and this one definitely did not disappoint! It has a very convienent Manhattan location, is very close to several posh to gnosh delis, and was close enough to Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall that make sightseeing very possible.

Unique Qualities: As most of you that have stayed in the Sheraton line have experienced, the "Sweet Sleeper" bed is a worthy reason enough to pay a Sheraton price!

Location, Location, Location.... this is in a wonderful location for sightseeing Manhattan.

I would recommend this site.

Address: 811 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Comparison: about average

Directions: Corner of 55th and 7th Ave.

Price: US$180 and up

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.sheraton.com