Five of us (all 40-something, two from L.A. and three from London) will spend five days over the Thanksgiving weekend in New York, staying at the Marriott East Side. Our room rate is $175 per night. Does anyone have comments to share about this hotel? (E.g., rooms to request or avoid, special amenities or services, proximity to points of interest, general tips). Also, does anyone have restaurant recommendations (and perhaps a favorite pub or bar), hopefully within walking distance of the hotel.
Thank you.

Woody,
I haven't been there in two years, but unless Mariott has really let it slide, which I seriously dougt, it's a lovely, warm hotel.
It's not a mega property like the Mariott Times Sq.

Here's a map:
http://www.marriott.com/epp/map.asp?MarshaCode=NYCEA

And it's in the middle of everything, all a short walk or cab ride away.

I've eaten at the hotel restaurant many times and it's very good. Nothing fancy or dramatic, but if you want to eat closeby one night without having to do research and fight for reservations, it might do the trick. General American fare, steaks, fish, etc.

One of my favorite restaurants is near the hotel -- Fresco by Scotto on 51st between Madison & Park. It is a lovely Italian restaurant with warm ambiance and delicious food. Be sure to make a reservation. They also have a carry-out place next door for sandwiches, salads, cappucino, etc.

There are also lots of sushi restaurants nearby.

A couple of bars you might try nearby are Whiskey Blue at the W Hotel (a few blocks north) or the Bull and Bear at the Waldorf (ditto).

I always enjoy martini's @the Four Seasons 57th btwn. Park and Madison

I met a bunch of people for dinner at La Mangeoire, www.lamangeoire.com which is at 53rd and 3rd Ave (I think)...check the website. We had a blast. The service was friendly, (we had a good sized group -- 10 people -- and they handled it flawlessly) and the food was terrific. It is French food, but not fussy -- more laid back Provencal food. If you want to eat down in Greenwich Village one night, we found a good spot just this past weekend. Acquario -- 5 Bleeker Street, (at the corner of Bleeker and Elizabeth). It is Mediterranean, with fantastic seafood (someone should order the Portugese stew) and a nice wine list with a number of good wines for less than $25/bottle. It is reasonably priced. They do not take credit cards, but there is an ATM just around the corner ;^) The Italian waiters, host & bartender are charming, helpful and fun.
And they don't seem to worry about turning over tables quickly -- more like in Europe than NYC. You will have a great time at dinner!

Thank you for all the valuable suggestions.

I stayed there for a night about a month or two ago - very nice property and comfortable well appointed room. A bit small by the standards of some cities but a bit larger than the average NYC hotel room. I didn't use any of the hotel services but believe you'll be well satisfied with the property. You're close to the subway - don't hesitate to head elsewhere for meals and drinks as that neighborhood tends to be one of the pricier parts of NYC for drinks and food. You'll find a broader selection by heading durther uptown through the 60's and 70's on 2nd and 3rd Ave or downtown towards Murray Hill and Gramercy Park. I rarely spend much time in that part of town and can't offer much other than suggesting Mon Petit Cafe. It's near Lexington and 62nd - small and friendly neighborhood place - subdued atmosphere and good country French cuisine.

Nothing exciting, but well located, great staff, clean, comfortable accomodation. We enjoyed our stay there two years ago. What about trying priceline.com for a deal? Also - if you belong to AAA you can usually get a better marriott rate.

To the top.

Lots of Pubs and Bars on 2nd Avenue from the high 40's to about 55th Street,very convenient to your hotel. Good old fashion Italian at La Maganette, on 50th and 3rd Avenue, it's been around for 30 years and serves a price fixed menu that includes 5 courses for about $30. Angelo's Pizza at 55th and 2nd has good pasta and great pizza for very little money. For a more upscale Italian, try Il Valentino on 56th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue. Not cheap, but great food and ambiance along with big band music on selected evening, Friday being one of them. For good American/Continential try the Metropolitan Cafe on 1st Avenue and 53rd Street, also has entertainment on most evenings. A real nice place for drinks is Mr. K's, across from your hotel and about a block or two up.