I usually hate these kinds of posts, but now I have a dilemma.

I have reservations at the Westin Times Square and Four Points in Chelsea. Four Points is a somewhat cheaper, but the price is good at both. I like the Chelsea neighborhood and want to spend time there and am tired of staying in Times Square. OTOH, the Westin is a really nice hotel I've stayed at an enjoyed while the Four Points is less appealling and more a crap shoot.

So, does neighborhood and convenience win out over a hotel I really like? Is $40 a night difference worth staying in a worse location but a much nicer hotel (with the possibility of an upgrade)?

I believe that Four Points in Chelsea is brand new- when I last looked on the Starwood website a few weeks agoto consider it for a stay, I don't think it was even open yet.

On travelocity there are some reviews. I coulcn't find it on tripadvisor. Overall it sounds decent but not great.

To me this is a no brainer. If you're tired of staying in TS (I would not choose to stay in Times Square. Few NYers would) don't. Save the $40, especially if you're not going to the theater. But if you're unsure of the Four Points (it evidently opened in Jan 04) find some else. Come on, there are thousands of hotels in NYC. True there are not a lot in Chelsea, but if you want a different neighborhood experience, go for it. Have you checked the W Union Square? If it's a weekend, I think they may run specials. Or what about staying in the east 20's? Look at the Park South Hotel. They usually have special weekend packages on their website (parksouthhotel.com) Rooms there are evidently small but good value and pleasant place.

In terms of your general question, neighborhood vs hotel, I'd try to find one that had both. There are thousands of hotels in NYC. Unless you're wed to a brand name, find something that fits all your needs.

There are also some new hotels (I think the Maritime & Gaanesvort sp?) in the Meat Packing district (just a few blocks south of Chelsea).

Yes, MFNYC, but the Maritime rooms sound miniscule (although funky) and the Gansevoort is very pricey.

I agree McLaurie and I am leaning towards staying in Chelsea. The only reason I am looking at Four Points is (a) it gets me Starwood points and (b) I got a great deal (Buy two nights, get one night free). I actually got the same deal at Westin.

The Four Points is a budget Sheraton hotel. You might want to check into whatever amenities they offer. That could be the deciding factor.

And w/Starwood, you use points for the first 4 nights, and then you can get the 5th night FREE WITHOUT USING ANY POINTS! I'd go for the points myself. I just found this out in big way while booking Starwood points for a trip to Japan (where your points REALLY count- those rates are outrageous- $500 for a Westin there).

But W is a Starwood brand. Why not try the W Union Square??Don't know if they have the 3 for 2 offer but they do have some other weekend promotions (like a $100 gift certificate to Bloomingdales).

W Union Square for one night is about the same as an entire weekend at Four Points.