My sis-in-law and I are going to NYC for a long weekend in Oct - and cannot decide between the Marriott East Side OR Marriott Marquis Times Square. They each appeal - but for different reasons! Does anyone have any personal experiences - good or bad? TIA

East Side.

The Marquis is, IMHO, a nightmare. The elevators require a tutorial (I am not kidding--there is a brochure on how to access your floor) and always seem to be sloooow. Last time I was there it once took a half-hour to get upstairs.

The hotel is a huge conference-type hotel.

East Side ain't fancy, but I've never had any issues. I'd pick that one without a doubt.

HTH,
Racy

Racy, when was the last time you were there? The Marquis elevators have an entirely new control system. Have you been there since then? I've stayed there numerous times, but not since the redo of the elevators. Even then, and even during jammed convention traffic, I can't believe I ever waited anywhere near a half hour -- although admittedly when you're anxious to go somewhere 10 minutes can SEEM like a half hour.

I go to New York for the hustle and bustle. Usually at the Marquis we'd request and get a room with a spectacular view looking up Broadway. It's great for the "wow" factor. If I wanted a quiet generic hotel away from the commotion, I'd save a lot of money by just staying home.

Since that episode, I refuse to stay there, so I'd hazard it was a couple of years ago (although I am totally chronologically challenged). It was literally a half hour, as I was there for a meeting (not a major convention) and was late. I thought they told us the elevators had been redone, but I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday, so who knows.

Yeah, NY is hustle and bustle yada yada, but I still don't like that hotel. In fact, so many of my colleagues dislike it that our corporate travel person won't book people there unless choices are exhausted.

I guess if the OP is looking for an enormous confernce type hotel in Times Square, the Marquis is fine. It's not my favorite, either, but I've had better experiences with that sort of property at the Hilton.

YMMV,
Racy

We stayed at the Marriott Marquis over New Year's, before the new elevator system, and never had long waits.

Since the new system, there's usually an attendant so you don't even have to enter your floor number for an "assignment".

We've had rooms overlooking Times Square, but we like the views on the other side as well.

Elevators at the Hilton (Ave of the Americas), for example, however, are a nightmare. Especially at check-out time.

But, your choice of Marriotts would depend on what you're planning to do while there.

Yes, then the elevator issue was before it was changed.

We stayed at Marquis twice last Dec/Jan and it was lovely. The elevators were fun! There are about 12 - 6 go to lower floors and 6 go to higher floors. You go to the main control plate and enter your floor, and it tells you which elevator to take. You go to that elevator and it takes you up to your floor automatically. It's all automatic. And fast!