OK, thanks for the comments about the Sheraton. I feel better, LOL. I booked via Priceline for $130/night for mid-July.

Last December I stayed in a room the size of a small closet for $235 (Broadway Inn, loved it but glad aI was solo on that trip!)) so I think $130 is an OK price tho some people were getting the Millennium for $110.

TTP, I just pulled a random number out of the air, knowing basically what the Sheraton goes for.

I am planning a trip to NYC over Christmas Holdiays (first time) this year with my two kids. Since I will be using Starwood points and also for the great location I am going to book with either the Sheraton Manhattan or the NY Towers. I have never stayed at either and would appreciate any advice on which to choose. Is one any better than the other? They both look about the same on Starwood's website.

Also to the posters who wrote re sending notes to the GM's for special requests, do you actually find out the Manager's name and personally address the letter or just send it generic to General Manager? just wondering.

I have stayed at Sheraton Manhattan and have gone inside the Sheraton Hotel and Towers but haven't stayed there (had breakfast in the club level there w/a colleague who was staying there, and saw her room). The rooms are comparable. But the big difference is that if you want to swim, the Manhattan has that great big nice indoor pool. You can use it if you stay at the one across the street, but it's not as convenient as being able to just put on your robe and walk to your room after the swim. Also, the Manhattan has a much nicer club level- it is really worth it to spend extra points and get the club lvel for the breakfast there, as it is very very good. But note that the club level at Manhattan is closed for renovations and no word on when it is to open. You can get the club level at the Towers but it is the standard Starwood club breakfast, nothing special. Also, find out if the Towers has the same s-l-o-w elevators the Manhattan has. You have to give yourself 10 minutes to catch the elevator at Manhattan. But I stay there anyway, due to the pool and the club level (when it is open for breakfast).