We are coming to NYC for the first time this July for 5 nights with our 2 daughters, 10 & 12. I have read and reread lots of reviews and still can't figure out whether the Westin Times Square or the Doubletree Times Square would be the best. We will be doing the usual tourist sights and also have tickets for Mamma Mia, Chicago, and 42nd St. I know the Doubletree is a suite, but the Westin claims to have really large rooms (310 sq.ft.) and also the Heavenly bed/bath. I've seen some suggestions that the Westin is on the edge of a not so nice part of town, but then I've also read that it is really crowded around the Doubletree. Can anybody who's been to these 2 hotels give me some inside feedback? The price for each is about the same.

IMO the Doubletree is the best for your family..the "suite" arrangement is by far the best value.
Plus anywhere in Times SQ. is going to be crowded.
Make sure your room has a functional A/C, we where in NY last July Wow was it hot--so we did our running around EARLY then rested in front of A/C before our evening activities..

We love the Doubletree.

I know you asked for folks who have stayed at both, but I just have to put in another recommendation for the Doubletree. I have stayed there several times, most recently in December. The location is perfect (for subway, shows, walking, etc.) and the rooms are sooo much better than a reglar hotel room, no matter how large (unless it's a suite). You can't underestimate the value of those two rooms. I've stayed there with ap arty of five a few times (two adults and three kids under 12) and again in December with four adults including myself. That separate sitting area (with a pullout couch if needed) if great. as is the fridge and the microwave. I couldn't recommend it more.

With kids definitely the Doubletree.

Without, I'd recommend the Westin. I would disagree that the Westin is "on the edge of a not so nice part of town".

We've stayed at both hotels. I agree with the other posters. With kids- Doubletree...no kids- Westin. The Westin has nice rooms and comfortable beds but they are still just standard hotel rooms. Go for the Doubletree!

Thank you all so much for your help. The Doubletree it is!! Now, any recommendations for good pre-theatre restaurants in the area, with something a 10 and 12 year old would like? Some one told us there is a restaurant close by where the waitpersons sing. Thanks again!

Not sure about the singing wait staff, but Ruby Foo's (oriental), Cafe Un deux trois (French), Sam's (American/burgers), Joe Allen's (American/burgers), John's pizzeria and Virgil's BBQ are all good and kid friendly. Then there are the theme restaurants like Mars 2112, Jekyll & Hyde that get either raves or pans depending...Brooklyn Diner can be fun.

That would be Ellen's Stardust Diner on Broadway at 51st.

Here's the website: http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/

I happened ot be doing a text search for something else & came across a thread about the Stardust diner and how absolutely awful it was (the thread is 2 yrs old) but thought I should give you a heads up

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34379322