Le Parker Meriden or Westin NYC?
Sep 16th, 2006, 03:19 PM
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Le Parker Meriden or Westin NYC?
Taking the family to NYC for 1st time. Staying one week. Deciding bet Le Parker Meridien & Westin. Open to suggestions too. Going over Thanksgiving and traveling with small dog. Thanks.
Sep 16th, 2006, 05:20 PM
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Assume you have confirmed that both hotels allow dogs. But what will you do with the dog while you're touring around? Have you looked into doggy day care? (I'm not sure what would be available on Thanksgiving holiday/ weekend. And there are very few places in NYC where dogs are allowed.
It's a great city to live in with a dog (since there are lots of doggy playgounds, walkers, sitters, daycare etc) - but even with a portadog - most places either will not or cannot (legally) let you enter.
And the hotel won;t let you leave the dog in the room all day.
If you've sorted out all these arrangements and both hotels work I would prefer the Parker Meridien - I like the neighborhood much more - esp with a pup - Times Square is NOT a great place for a dog. Parker Meridien neighborhood is quieter and near the Park so doggy can get a little exercise (you don;t say HOW small it is). Oh - and NYC has VERY strict pooper scooper laws - if the police don;t enforce then passersby will.
It's a great city to live in with a dog (since there are lots of doggy playgounds, walkers, sitters, daycare etc) - but even with a portadog - most places either will not or cannot (legally) let you enter.
And the hotel won;t let you leave the dog in the room all day.
If you've sorted out all these arrangements and both hotels work I would prefer the Parker Meridien - I like the neighborhood much more - esp with a pup - Times Square is NOT a great place for a dog. Parker Meridien neighborhood is quieter and near the Park so doggy can get a little exercise (you don;t say HOW small it is). Oh - and NYC has VERY strict pooper scooper laws - if the police don;t enforce then passersby will.
Sep 16th, 2006, 08:48 PM
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Thanks for the info. Yes, we have confirmed pet policys with the hotels and are now considering the "W" Tuscany in Murry Hill as another option. All three accept dogs up to 40 lbs. which I found surprising. Ours is just a tiny guy who travels well.
Sep 17th, 2006, 07:15 AM
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Murray Hill is better than Times Square - strrets are not nearly such a madhouse that the pup will be stepped on. But = if given the choice I wold still stay near the park - unless he's so small that walking a block is all the exercise he needs.
(I've only had medium size dogs - 25/30 pounds- that need a place to get in a good run at least once a day.)
(I've only had medium size dogs - 25/30 pounds- that need a place to get in a good run at least once a day.)
Sep 17th, 2006, 07:28 AM
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Hi Calamari! Have missed you! I think the W Tuscany is infinitely better than the original ones you mention. Don't know how many kids you have, but you should also consider one of the Affinia hotels.
affinia.com
I know they're pet friendly and have suites like apartments. Their Shelburne Murray Hill is actually near the W Tuscany. The Affinia 50 is great location for shopping. The Affinia Dumont, also in Murray Hill has a restaurant called the Barking Dog.
affinia.com
I know they're pet friendly and have suites like apartments. Their Shelburne Murray Hill is actually near the W Tuscany. The Affinia 50 is great location for shopping. The Affinia Dumont, also in Murray Hill has a restaurant called the Barking Dog.
Sep 17th, 2006, 09:20 PM
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I did book Le Parker Meridien for our stay. I think I got a good rate on a Jr. Suite, but we shall see. After viewing the photos of the room, I am concerned that the bed might not be great. I am the original "Princess & the Pea" when it comes to that stuff. The Affina group is one I kept forgetting about, but I did just check them out too. It looks like their Manhattan location would be good for us, but my computer blocks all the photos of the rooms! Thanks for the suggestion though. The pool at Le Parker might be a nice diversion for the kids too.
Sep 18th, 2006, 12:15 AM
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The pool at the Parker Meridien is fantastic with its bird's Eye views of Central Park. Also fantastic breakfast and famous hamburgers!
Some advice about your dog... as nytraveler has already said, be sure that you are familiar with the laws here in NYC. ie: You cannot legally bring the dog into delis, grocery stores, or restaurants. You cannot have the dog off leash (ever) in Central Park except in certain designated areas. This is strictly enforced and tickets are pricey. The pooper scooper laws are stringent and many local residents will confront any dog owner seen not curbing the dog.
This means when you walk your dog, people's doorsteps (or the entry area of apartment buildings, planted treewells , and the sidewalk in general are not available targets when your dog needs to "go". In some neighborhoods this is a huge hot-button issue because of the number of local dog owners who can't seem to find a way to respect the rules regarding this, and the sheer number of dogs. If on a bus or subway, your dog must be carried in a container designed for that purpose.
Hope you have a fantastic trip to New York City with your family, and hope your kids get to go to Central Park the night before the Macy's Parade to see the balloons being filled!! Kids always love it. (And adult/kids too!)
Some advice about your dog... as nytraveler has already said, be sure that you are familiar with the laws here in NYC. ie: You cannot legally bring the dog into delis, grocery stores, or restaurants. You cannot have the dog off leash (ever) in Central Park except in certain designated areas. This is strictly enforced and tickets are pricey. The pooper scooper laws are stringent and many local residents will confront any dog owner seen not curbing the dog.
This means when you walk your dog, people's doorsteps (or the entry area of apartment buildings, planted treewells , and the sidewalk in general are not available targets when your dog needs to "go". In some neighborhoods this is a huge hot-button issue because of the number of local dog owners who can't seem to find a way to respect the rules regarding this, and the sheer number of dogs. If on a bus or subway, your dog must be carried in a container designed for that purpose.
Hope you have a fantastic trip to New York City with your family, and hope your kids get to go to Central Park the night before the Macy's Parade to see the balloons being filled!! Kids always love it. (And adult/kids too!)
Sep 18th, 2006, 06:02 AM
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Calamari, though you have already booked Le Parker Meridien, which is a great hotel, I'd suggest you take another look at the W if they still have rooms available. Staying in a more residential neighborhood will be infinitely better for you than the neighborhood around Le Parker Meridien. For what it's worth, there is an upscale---and expensive---doggy daycare 2 blocks away from the W Tuscany (I believe it's on 40th Street but can actually confirm the location and name if you need it).
Still, if you stay at Le Parker Meridien, you'll find that this part of Midtown is actually a mix of both residential and offices, so if you walk 2 blocks west, it's virtually all residential. Plus, there's Central Park, which should be a great place to go for a nice walk with your dog. And it's a great hotel to boot.
Still, if you stay at Le Parker Meridien, you'll find that this part of Midtown is actually a mix of both residential and offices, so if you walk 2 blocks west, it's virtually all residential. Plus, there's Central Park, which should be a great place to go for a nice walk with your dog. And it's a great hotel to boot.
Sep 18th, 2006, 06:54 AM
#11
I have stayed at le Parker Meridien several times and the beds have been fine, not sure why they don't look good to you in the pictures. This is probably my favorite hotel in New York. I don't know why you would assume the beds would be better at your other choices, but I would not make that assumption.
Sep 18th, 2006, 11:19 AM
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Thank you everyone for your input. After reading some poor reviews on Trip Advisor about The Parker Merid., I tossed and turned all night and almost cancelled my reservation. Now after reading your encouraging posts, I think I'll keep it - Jr. Suite under $400 plus taxes etc. I also checked back with Westin Times Sq. That "Heavenly Bed" and the great reviews on Trip Advisor have me considering the additional $700 for the week...The W Tuscany looks a little austere for my very well behaved pre-teens. Will the city be a mad house for the parade? I must be the only person on the planet who just hates a parade! I am sure the kids will love it though.
Sep 18th, 2006, 11:23 AM
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Nikki - Do you think I am getting a good rate? Their website said in the $800 for Jr. Suite, hotel said in the $500's and with AAA I am at $400 x (7) nights. So glad to hear it is someone's favorite NYC hotel! Sounds promising. Did you ever post a review on Trip Advisor>?
Sep 18th, 2006, 11:30 AM
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For what it's worth, I'd say that under $400 for a night at Le Parker Meridien (even in a regular room) was a good deal. Your pre-teens may enjoy the burger joint in the lobby (it's kind of hard to find, so ask); it serves some of the best hamburgers in NYC. There's a pet store at 50th/8th Avenue if you need any supplies, but I can't think of anything closer.
Sep 18th, 2006, 12:51 PM
#15
I just checked www.quikbook.com, and they had the junior suite at le Parker Meridien for $415, so it sounds like the price you got is the best you can do. You can always keep checking, and if it goes lower, you can make a new reservation.
Sep 18th, 2006, 08:15 PM
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Your advice is very appreciated!!!! My Meridien pkg also includes complementary Metro passes. I am assuming that means subway/bus tickets. It is called the Baseball pkg. Thanks again.
Sep 20th, 2006, 02:07 PM
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I'm also staying in a suite at Le Parker Meridien in October, and to be honest, I felt a little ill when I saw what you paid. How did you manage it? I booked through Orbitz after checking LPM's site, Expedia, Hotels, etc. ($615 w/out tax, if you're interested).
Sep 21st, 2006, 10:08 PM
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claire blue - I checked all the same sites you did and then I called their reservations number and asked for their very best rate and from what I can tell, I got it. By the way, the Baseball PKG was for the Westin reservation and not LPM -my mistake. You might want to give them a call and see if they can get you a better rate. Something I just found out - Eventhough they are a Starwood property, Starwood points cannot be used or accumulated at LPM. I have stayed at Le Meridien in London/Picadilly, Le Meridien Newport Beach (now something else) and Le Meridien Resort on Coronado Island (now a Mariott) and loved all of them. Please be sure to post when you get back from your stay. We will not be going until NOV.
