Chloe1122

My cousins and I are taking a trip to New York City. It is our first time NYC. I found a really good package deal for the Marriott Marquis NYC. Has anyone stayed at this hotel? If so, would you recommend it. Thanks for any help.

rjw_lgb_ca

I've stayed there. For first-timers, ideal location (Theatre District, right off of Times Square). VERY nondescript rooms (generic Marriott), but pretty spectacular atrium with glass elevators (very 70s!). I'd say go for it if the rate's good.

HowardR

Just one minor correction to the otherwise very accurate previous posting: The hotel is not adjacent to Times Square. It's IN Times Square!

rjw_lgb_ca

Yeah, Howard, you're right, but I always used to gauge "on or off Times Square" by how far the porte-cochère were from the peep shows (that is, before they were all cleaned out)....

Ahhh, good times...!

rjw_lgb_ca

"... how far the porte-cochère were...?"

Pardon my Southern accent when typing...!

LikeToTravel

I have stayed there several times- you cannot beat the location. Maybe you will be lucky and have a view of Times Square from your room! Have Fun! Only negative is elevators are often slow- so allow enough time if you are going to the theater or reservations. Highly suggest seeing "Wicked" by the way!

seetheworld

I have stayed at the Marriott Marquis many times (yes it is generic Marriott, but nonetheless nice). I prefer it over the Hilton any day (the AC never works). It is a perfect area for first timers as earlier stated and Times Square is exciting, safe, and you'll have a great time!! You should go for it.

Chloe1122

Thanks everyone. That sets my mind at ease. Thanks for adding that info about the Hilton. That's where we currently have reservations but then we came across this deal.

asalamy

If you do end of booking at the Marriott, have a drink in the revolving lounge on the top. The decor is less than impressive, but it is a nice look at the city on the clear night. Go before it gets dark - I think it is better when you can still see all of the buildings, etc.

bennie

And check out the Broadway Lounge on the 8th floor. Overlooks Times Sq, serves big martinis, last time we had a bird's eye view of the Naked Cowboy - but don't let that stop you.

mikesmom

We stayed there three years ago. It was great. The room was quite large and the location can't be beat -- we had a view of Times Square. We also had a celebrity sighting - we were in an elevator with Ray Romano - he had appeared on Letterman the night before.

The Marriott Marquis is a good choice.

RLA

I just returned from NYC where my two kids and I stayed 3 nights at the Marriott Marquis. Our room was very roomy, nice, and pleasantly decorated. It was clean except it was obvious they are not dusted after every guest - or for awhile. Our room was #2638 and looked right down (or is it up? I was turned around the whole time.) Broadway. It was a little too high for people watching - about 10 stories lower would have been better. Yes, lights are flashing right in your windows at night, but you can close the drapes if you don't like it. My sister and her husband were there a night since he was working in the city and thier room was on the concierge floor ($100 more/nt) and had a Broadway view, but was more limited a view than ours. Oh, and I did see the abovementioned Naked Cowboy from the street corner. What a sight. People would think of anything for money!

We paid $289/night at the Marriott. I noticed the Comfort Inn just half-block away, and unless it was really bad inside, I would have just a soon stayed there since we were in our room very little. I've read here that the Comfort Inn is a great option for no frills, less $. The half block off Times Square is very negligible. For what it's worth to anyone, my daughter just HAD to see the W Hotel Time Square since the decor is her style. The staff was SO nice and even showed us a room. The girl then kept offering to show us a suite so we finally let her show us. We didn't want to take advantage of her time, but she kept insisting. If they were this generous to us, I can't imagine how accommodating they are to guests. She said many celebrities stay there (music & the MTV's types).

I had recently seen a show about security at big hotels and how you couldn't get up the elevator at some without showing a room key. Not so here. The two security people stationed at the street level desk seemed to hardly notice us much less ask for a key. I was a little surprised especially when we were about to step into an elevator (longest wait was 2-3 minutes)when someone stuck their arm out and asked us to please wait. It was one of six security detail surrounding Rudy Giuliani (spelled right?). As he passed, he shook by brother-in-law's hand and thanked him for us waiting. We saw many people arriving at the hotel in black tie dress so maybe he was speaking to a group.

One morning I looked out to see no less than 40 police cars in a 1 1/2 block area. I was afraid of a terrorist threat or something so I had my son call the desk to see what it was. They just said " a dignitary was inhouse". Does Clinton get that kind of escort still? He was in the area signing his new book that day, but we didn't see him.

Another celebrity sighting was during dinner at Carmine's in Time Square. Bruce Willis walked right by our table to a table near the back. He had on a bucket hat but easily recognized. He has 4-5 younger people with him.

RLA

Oops, I wasn't clear. In the third paragraph, I was referring to the Marriott.

missypie

I stayed there a few years back. It was nice and well located. I was expecting a tiny tiny room, so I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the room (on the small size, but not like a closet.)