Trying to decide on the hotel for a weekend of shopping and entertainment in New York next month. Made reservations at both Mandarin and Trump International. Have visited the lobby of Mandarin but haven't seen Trump yet. Location is not a big issue. How do the rooms compare?

FYI, I have booked a deluxe hudson view room at Mandarin for 479, and a deluxe room (park or city view depending on availability) at Trump for 450. Thoughts on value?

If you could guarantee the park view room at the Trump I'd go with that but since you can't, Mandarin Oriental.

The location of the 2 are almost exactly the same. Have a look at photos on line and decide which style you prefer. The Mandarin is very spare/minimalist. Both have restaurants that get excellent reviews. I'd have a slight preference for the Trump, especially as Go says with a park view.

I prefer the sleek style of Mandarin but it seems to have accumulated a good number of complaints about small rooms and sluggish service... I don't know much about Trump as my curiousity in the property stems entirely from its top-place finish in T&L500 and CN Gold List. What's the appeal of Trump anyway?

I think the appeal of the Trump hotel is it's attention to service but I hear the Ritz Carlton is good on that score as well as sits very close. The Jean Georges rest. in Trump is great.