Family of four (kids 12 and 10)trying to decide between Essex House and Parker Meridien for a weekend in March. Same price and both have King + sofa bed. Essex is 380sf, Parker is 520sf. Which is better hotel and why?
Thanks

This may be obvious to some, but where are these hotels?

Oops - sorry. Thought I posted this under the New York thread. these are Manhattan hotels

There have been many posts on both on this forum. I stay at Essex House alot and like it very much, and have thought about getting one of the rooms you mentioned when I have planned to take my family of 4 to NYC. Essex is a nice hotel, older art deco decor, good service in my experience. Do any of those king/sofa rms have the Central Park view? If I was paying that much I would want a high up room on the park if I could get it, although at that hotel you can only request it and can't be guaranteed the park view.
Parker Meridien has an indoor pool high up, doesn't it? That is something to consider for kids that age. We like to stay at SHeraton NY hotel because it gives us the right to swim at the indoor pool at Sheraton Manhattan across the street- we find a pool break in NYC can get us energized for dinner and the night out. So maybe the pool at Meridien will factor in for you?
How big is the difference square foot wise in each of the two rooms? That would factor in for me. Are you looking at the Parkview Suites at PM? Those look great, and it appears you are guaranteed the view (at least the name is parkview)?? That is nice.
Parker Meriedein rooms have a "wow" factor as far as being very modern in design, having the flat screen TV, etc. I would be tempted to try it if I was w/kids ages of yours (I have a 12 adn 14 yr old, and I think they'd love it over Essex).
Both hotles have excellent location but PM is a few blocks closer to Times Square by virtue of not being right on the park.
Gee, you'd think I was a Libra, the way I am going over all the pros and cons. Bottom line- although I almost always recommend the Essex, w/4 people and 2 kids, I'd get the parkview suite at PM.
Do post back and let us know hoe it turns out and how you like whichever rm you chosse. I am taking the family over memorial day and would like to know.

Oh, I see now that you gave sq ft. Ok, that's easy- PM is what I'd go for.
now where's my coffee.