We are going to New York City mid April of next year and will actually be there over Easter.. we are going to use our "Starwood Hotel points" and I am wondering which of those hotels you all would recommend to stay at.. I am hearing Time Square but then I am reading that area is really not the best as well as quite loud.. I realize it is New York and there is always noise but just wondering which of these hotels you all would recommend.. St. Regis is out.. too many points.

Also I understand that Ellis Island is still closed? Any news on when it will open again?.. top of my list to visit.

You mention "those hotels" and "these hotels" but other than the St. Regis which you deemed as costing "too many points" you didn't includes the names of the hotels you are considering. Give us your list otherwise we are just guessing.

As a New Yorker, I tend to avoid the congestion and annoyance of Times Square. Others (mostly tourists) find the area exciting and the highlight of their visit. So it's hard to make a strong pronouncement one way or the other.

But of the Starwood hotels, I'd put the W hotels at the top of the list, and if you can get the W Union Square, I think you'd be very happy. It's a nice hotel in a great location. I would probably avoid the W on Lexington since it has the smallest rooms.

Le Parker Meridien may also be out of your point range, but it's in a great location near but not within the Times Square area.

Following that, don't avoid the mid-range options like Four Points. And the Aloft Hotel in Harlem is in a very convenient location and has a nice gym. Or the Westin Grand Central.

The only hotel I'd actually avoid is the Sheraton New York, a giant Sheraton New York Times Square. It's completely impersonal and just too huge. Having said that, it's in a great location and has just undergone a complete renovation.

Thank you Doug.. I was actually looking at the W Union Square..

I, likewise, would avoid Times Square/theatre district, because of the congestion. Just no need to stay there. I'd vote for the W Union Square. Good area. Easy to get from there to many places you'll want to visit.

I have stayed at the W Lexington, the Four Points Midtown, the Four Points Chelsea, and the Sheraton New York. I personally love the Four Points brand (easy in and out and super efficient), but all four hotels have been fine. As far as location goes, you can't beat the Sheraton New York. That's the one I'd choose.

We are booked at the Sheraton.. that is just the best location for us.. going to keep a positive attitude as the reviews are mixed..

thanks again for everyone's guidance!

You'll be happy to know that Ellis Island has been repaired from damage from Sandy and it will be open as of the end of October.

That Sheraton is in a very busy, loud and somewhat tacky area - and is kind of tired and servie not very good. But you're near the theater district and you can get around quite well from there.

The Sheraton has been recently redone; so it's no longer tired. It'll be fine for this visit.

Italiantable: Why didn't you book the W Union Square? Just curious, not judging your decision at all.

So nice of you to followup with your choice.

Have a great time in NY!


Karen

Emily Post.. sorry for the long delay.. I just have not checked back until now.. we chose the Sheraton because a friend has stayed there a few times and highly recommended them.. we will be in the club rooms which have some benefit as well.

Now to the planning of the week! I am happy to hear that Ellis Island is open.

Just FYI. While Ellis Island is "open" now, almost all of the museum and it's exhibits are still off limits. Don't expect anything like a normal visit. Hopefully that situation will change by April. But right now it is not worth the stop.