Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - So, has anyone stayed at the Westin Times Square yet?

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So, has anyone stayed at the Westin Times Square yet?

O.K. I know that there have been quite a few threads re this hotel, but every one that I have read did not have a post from anyone who actually stayed at the property. I am going to NYC for Christmas with kids. I have already cancelled my original res for the Sheraton Manhattan based on negative reviews I have read here. Now I am trying desperately decide between Crowne Plaza TS, Westin TS and Le Parker Meridien and running out of time. I was considering the Westin TS, becuase it's brand new, close to so many places I want to visit (Rock.Plaza Radio City, St Patrick's)and Starwood Points. The CP also for location and their pool (something for kids re of weather) The Meridien sounds wonderful and the hotel I would really love to stay, but on the map I was viewing it seemed a bit of a distance away from the attractions I named above. I know that it is close to Central Park, but I can't imagine that their will be too much going on in the park when it is that cold. In reality I'm sure that the walk to the attractions I named above would not be too far, but I am thinking bitter cold & little legs. I'm sure all you parents out there can relate to "I'm sooo coold, my feet hurt, my legs hurt, I don't want to walk anymore and the oh so popular, I have to PEE, NOW!) I have rates for the three properties above of around $200.00 a nigt. I Welcome suggestions on these properties as well as suggestions for hotels in same area, near 200.00 a night rate. THANKS!

Jackie: In all honesty, The Parker Meridian is closer to those attractions than the New Westin is... At this stage of the Times Square area redevelopment, I would NOT say that the new Westin is in an ideal location. If you want to be in the Times Square area, I would say that the Crowne Plaza is in a MUCH better location, and it is away from all of the crowds. And depending on how old your kids are, the indoor pool, a rarety in Manhattan as well as most downtown hotels in any city, would be a nice way to warm up and have fun. Times Square is a fantastic place to see at night with all the lights, but in terms of attractions, it's uite limited. Broadway shows, Madame Tussands, and some theme restaurants - that's really all there is! So no particular reason a tourist HAS to stay in that area.

The hotel closest to the places you mentioned is the CRowne Plaza. Westin is the furthest

Le Parder Meridian is very very close to everything that you mentioned. It is also right next to Carnegie Hall, very close to 5th Avenue Shopping (Tiffany, FAO Scharz) and closer to the museums than the others. There is also some very good dining within 1/2 of a block from the hotel (Rue 57, RedeyeGrill, Shelly's New York, Movlos, and Trattoria d'el Arte). You are also less than 1/2 a block from the subway. I would go with Le Parker Meridian.

Here is a review of the Parker Meridien, ( I would also recommend this hotel over the other 2 choices)as copied from www.biddingfortravel.com, dated 9/2/02: This stay started out well. I called two days before the reservation to request two beds in the room, and they advised they were sold out of that type so we could get a roll-a-way for $30/night. Upon check-in, the very friendly clerk noted my request and actually took about 10 minutes of intensive searching and found us a room with two super-twin beds which was great and we had no extra charge. The lobby is very distinctive and European, high ceilings and marble everywhere, plus mirrors that were almost imposing they were so big. It was funky and classy. The elevators have TV's, but the sound only worked in 1 of the 6 I rode in. It was irritating and I'd rather they have no TV's then TV's that didn't work in most elevators. There was generally no wait from the lobby, but to get down often took 5 minutes or more. The hallways have a dim lighting which actually is quite nice and then the room numbers and other lights are blue backlit, which gives it a serene, almost nightclub or spa feeling. The room was really quite nice. There is a huge 32" Sony Wega TV with almost all cable channels on an armoire that swivels so you can see it anywhere in the room. There is a VCR, DVD and CD players in the room along with a cordless phone. There were a total of 3 phones in the room! The closet was open but covered with a curtain, it was actually quite roomy which was good because there wasn't much dresser space. The desk had one of those mesh ergonomic chairs that are really quite comfortable. We had a view of 56th Avenue from our 14th floor room. The beds were comfortable, although more on the firm side. The room had small lights everywhere which made it feel lighted but not too bright. The bathroom had nice water pressure and was marble with a Corian-like counter. It was a bit small, but there was plenty of counter-space. I liked the orangle towel and the Syence bath products. The health club is huge and free, as is the rooftop (42nd floor) pool. I did yoga and played racquetball so we definitely used these services. Also, for those interested in star gazing, we saw Marat Safin and Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the lobby at separate times. A lot of the US Open players from Europe are staying here. This is a great hotel, that I wholeheartedly recommend it at the price we paid and even higher. It has most of the 4* amenities, though not quite the class of a Waldorf=Astoria, but more of a boutique feel. I hope to return!

what do you think a good rate for a family of 4 is at this hotel over the xmas holidays?

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza 2 years ago. It was alright, but nothing special. The registation deak was a bit of a hastle at both check in and check out, but eventually it was worked out. I wouldn't tell someone not to go there, but I would be unlikely to choose them again. Keith

We have reservations to stay at the Westin Times Square in early December, would really appreciate a report back from anyone who's stayed there (we'd like to make sure we're not making a mistake)!!!

Good Grief! It is a Westin and it is brand new so how bad could it be?

With kids or without, my top recommendation would be the Parker Meridien for the better neighborhood. The new Westin is actually a long block (the lobby is on 8th Ave, not a place I'd want to travel to and fro with small children) from Times Square.

The hotel is new, but the location very close to the Carter Hotel ( the worst hotel in NYC - $69 a room)...is not the best...After 9 pm, lot's of strange people around.. I stayed October 22/24 and the hotel looked like a desert... Try another hotel. This Westin should be the Carter-Westin...

Based on its proximity to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, I prefer the name "Westin Port Authority".

Would be interested to hear anyone's take on the new Westin at Times Square!!!