Times Square hotel suggestion
 

I currently have rooms booked at both the Westin Times Square and The Muse in July. I'm confident both are excellent choices - hard to beat the Westin Heavenly Bed - and both are at the same rate. Considering noise levels and convenience to subway terminals (or some other consideration I've left out), does one stand out over the other? Also, for a romantic meal, River Cafe in Brooklyn or One if by Land, two if by Sea?

I've posted before about my stay at The Muse, not long after it opened. We had a standard room which was not only small, but stupidly arranged. Although there was one semi-comfortable chair, the only place you could see the TV from was lying on the bed as it wouldn't slide forward from the cabinet that was aimed straight at the bed. There was heat and air conditioning but they were behind the Roman shades that dropped down blocking it. The closet was too tiny to even hold my hanging bag, especially since it was already filled with an ironing board and iron. The bath was very small with only a pedestal sink and nowhere to put out any toiletries. My favorite thing was that the one large picture (a collage) was screwed to the wall -- upside down!!

I did peak into a larger room that looked a lot better, but our standard room was OK for our opening special rate of $169 or so, but I sure wouldn't want to pay any more than that.

I can't comment on your hotel dilemma. As far as One if by Land Two if by Sea, many here on Fodors have commented that it is overrated and overpriced for what you get. Having said that I have not heard anything bad about the River Cafe. You also may want to look at a Zagat Guide as well.

Subway is convenient to both, I'd say go with the Westin.

Thank you for your replies. I was mainly concerned about the noise level at the Westin due to Port Authority. I'm not necessarily locked into staying in TS, but at $179/night at both hotels, I doubt I could do any better anywhere at the same quality level. The subway access for virtually every line (either direct or thru a connection to GCT) being almost at the Westin doorstep is intriguing but was just concerned that between that and the bus terminal, it may be extrememy noisy all night.

Frankly, there's some street noise everywhere in Midtown, and you quickly get used to it. I've never noticed it being much noisier near Port Authority. You're getting a great rate in Midtown, so I'd lean toward taking the Westin and taking advantage of the great location to really explore.

River Café all the way, by the way.

Stayed at the Westin TImes Square and thought it was very nice. Very modern decor. Staff was friendly and very helpful when our taxi driver took off with our video camera in the taxi. (Never got it back, either). Our room was quite nice and good size for a Manhattan room. Great bed!! OUr room was onthe corner so we had a view in 2 directions. CLose to subway, too. There was some noise, but I think you willhave that issue in anywhere in TImes Square area.