We are traveling to NYC in the fall and considering staying here because of Starwood Points. Can anyone tell me about their stay? Thanks.

Assuming you mean the Westin Times Square, as opposed to the Westin Essex House, I will be staying there over Memorial Weekend and will report back. I am curious to hear other responses before I go... I was planning on staying at the Hotel Belvedere but decided to use Starwood points instead - hopefully the Westin is worth it because it is costing me a lot of points!

I haven't stayed at Westin Times Square, but have stayed at Westin Essex House several times and have been quite satisifed with my experience.

Actually stayed at both and can recommend either. The Times Sq location is in a slightly seedy location but it's no worse than similar areas of many large cities. The hotel itself is nice and new and perhaps a bit TOO trendy. The Essex House has small rooms but is a classic. Great Central Park South location.

I'm sorry-I do mean the Westin Times Square-not the Essex House. Thanks for the replies-any more? Anyone feel the Hilton Times Square is a better choice?

The Hilton and the Westin are a block and a half away from each other so the location is basically the same. I've never quite understood the rating system on tripadvisor, but for what it's worth, the Westin is currently #35 and the Hilton #5. Reviews of both are good although some people seem to be disappointed at the Westin. Not that there's anything really wrong, just that it didn't meet their expectations. You don't say what the trip is for (business or pleasure) or whether there's a difference in points between the 2. If the Hilton is fewer points, I think they're somewhat comaparable and you might want to save your points and go with the Hilton. I have also always liked the Sheraton Russell as a nice smaller hotel if that's an option for fewer points. It's much more traditional though and not in Times Square.

My hubby and I and another couple stayed here Indecember and loved it. I did not think the local was seedy at all. No bad experieces with the location or hotel. The concierage was great and I asked for a corner room and since I was a Gold preferred member I got it and it was fantastic!

I never ate at their restaurant but there were so many places around the hotel who needed it. Good pizza places, dessert shop and Ben's Deli 4 blocks down (again the concierage told us) was awesome!

It is so close to the broadway shows. Just one block (and they are not trully a block but more like half blocks) away from 700 SUndays. Spamalot and Hairspray. We walked to most of our shows.

Super clean and great beds, you will not be dissapointed. Except do not waste your points on the club level this was very over rated and a waste of points.

Have fun!!

I didn't get the club level but did do a level up from the "basic." I think primarily that means a higher floor with a view.
My husband and I are traveling there alone for a short vacation-we have tickets for Spamalot and then we love to eat great food-maybe take in a few other shows-just have fun.
I don't have to use Starwood Pts.-I want more to stay in a nice place, good area, and very clean-I love great views too.
Any other suggestions out there?

I think the 2 nicest hotels in the theater district are the Sofitel and the Michelangelo. They're both smaller hotels on side streets that are a bit nicer than the immediate Times Square area. But if you like views, you're probably more likely to get one at the Westin.

Your other option for Starwood points is to consider one of the "W" hotels. There's a W Times Square. The "W" Tuscany and W Court are not in the Times Square area but close (around the corner from the Sheraton Russell) and both are nice on a prettier side street. The "W" Union Square is very hip/trendy and is near a lot of good restaurants.

The real decision is staying in the theater area or not. If you're planning to do a lot of theater, it probably makes sense since it's hard to find cabs after a show. But if you're just going to the theater once, you might prefer staying nearer some good dining. Don't expect to find a lot of great food in Times Square.

I've stayed at most of the Sheraton properties, minus the W's in NYC and liked the Russell least. The rooms are way too tiny and claustrphobic and the location a tad out-of-the-way. The Times Square property is really quite fine and I like it better than the Times Square Hilton because it isn't as hectic.

lauralee - I would consider staying at a different Starwood hotel based on my stay here this past weekend. I was rather disappointed - our room was small and not as luxurious as other Westins. I also did not like the location - the crowds in Times Sq. are maddening. True, the hotel is a block off but it is still a zoo when you step out onto 8th Ave. Have you looked into the Westin Essex House? It is also 10,000 points a night.