I am making a decision for hotels in NYC for September. I have stayed at the Rhiga Royal several times before, now J. W. Marriott, and also stayed twice (though years ago) at the NY Palace. The Palace was great when it was owned by Helmsley, but last time I was there, after ownership changed, it had gone way downhill. I understand there has been a renovation there, though, and don't know if it would be worth a try again. Between these two hotels, what do people think?

For what it's worth, I just walked through the lobby of the Palace the other day and thought it looked great. That doesn't mean the rooms are, but it looks like the post-Helmsley blues, which included the lobby going to seed, are over.

Gary, I stayed at the Palace in March and found the hotel to be at its five-star best. No complaints of any kind. I would recommend it highly.

I've stayed at the Palace twice now - once during and once since the renovations. The rooms are beautiful and very comfortable. The lobby is gorgeous and you can't beat the location. I would highly recommend the Palace.

Depends on what you want. I have stayed at both recently. The Palace has much better appointments than the JW, and the staff tends to be a bit more with it. The Rihga was fraying the last time was there, and I have never had a satisfactory stay on any of its levels. I don't know if the new ownership has changed any of that; I had heard that the change in ownership and management had caused many people to cancel their stays there.

If you want luxury with great service (And a great view of St. Patrick's) get a room on teh Executive level of the Palace (not the Towers). This includes use of a lounge that has open bar, and basically two huge buffets per day. If you really want a suite, then stay at the JW.