Have narrowed down to these 2 choices for weekend in NYC. Both hotels are about the same rate (Marriott a little bit cheaper). Hilton is on 6th ave at 53rd St and Marriott is on Lexington at 49th street. Looking for decent sized "modern" looking rooms that are worth $250 plus per night. Like a nice, busy, vibrant lobby. Which is better?
Thanks!

I beleive the Hilton is being rennovated.

The Hilton is huge and has aged - and is no being renovated. Have never been inside the Marriott but would expect a standard business type hotel for that price.

The following article speaks of the latest renovation at the Hilton.

http://communities.washingtontimes.c...s-fresh-new-l/

The NY Hilton is in a great midtown location, a short walk to Rockefeller Center, the theater district, Central Park, etc. Rooms, pre-renovation were decent size for NYC. The lobby area was a busy hub of activity. Never been inside the Marriott.

The Hilton will be renovated at the end of 2010/beginning of 2011. I would choose the Marriott if you want more modern rooms.

From the link above -
"Entering the massive ‘New York City Block’ sized lobby, the remembered bustle remained however the previous tired, old-world feel has been replaced with sleek marbles, an accessible and friendly check in desk and plenty of places to mill around prior to heading out to the city streets.

The lobby is impressively domed with artistic lighting reflecting off the mutii-toned textures used in the design.

Immediately noticeable is the lobby bar, tucked up and out of the way, it’s a great place to meet up with a friend and watch a bit of the city swirl by."

I've stayed at the Hilton (pre-renovation) and enjoyed the location. I especially liked when the Club room was up high in the hotels so HHonors members could get a view of Central Park along with their breakfast and afternoon drinks. The last time I was there, they had moved it down to the first floor.

Haven't stayed at the Marriott.

Stayed at the Hilton twice in the past 3 years, the latest just a month ago, and thought it was a great location. The rooms were just that, bedrooms with a bathroom. Clean, smallish by newer hotel standards, but adequate. With the location and the long days, the only reason we were in the room most of the time was to sleep.