Westin Times Square
 

Does anyone have inpit on the brand new Westin Times Square hotel in New York City?<BR>Is Times Square a nice area to stay in?

Sue-We have reservations for 12/23 and were in NYC over the week-end so I decided to check out the hotel. It had just opened that night so much of the amenities weren't quite ready.<BR>The NY Times(Sunday) had a piece on the hotel. The location is excellent if you plan on Theater, museums, etc.<BR>I was assured by the staff that my concern of street noise is a non-issue. I was told that it was virtually sound-proof( We stayed @ The Muse on W.46th and although it was a pretty boutique hotel, I was awake all night listening to the nocturnal sounds of Times Square.

Ok, do not take this as gospel, it's just my own opinion. <BR><BR>First of all, the Westin Times Square is located at Eighth Avenue and 42nd Street. Times Square is located on Seventh Ave/Broadway between 42nd and 47th streets. <BR><BR>Second, I think the general Times Square area is bad to stay in because it's way too noisy and busy. I love walking through, but I like going back to sleep/nap in a quiet location. <BR><BR>Third, in the vicinity of the Westin entrance are multiple porn shops, a Chevy's and the Port Authority bus terminal. <BR><BR>Finally, I've stayed before in Times Square (mistake) at hotels where the staff assured us that "noise isn't an issue" because you're high up and the windows are thick. Let's just say that's stretching the truth a bit. I guess it also depends on if you are used to city noise and whether you are a deep sleeper. <BR><BR>I am NOT saying that Times Square is bad at all. I recommend seeing it while you are in New York. But I would recommend leaving it when you want to sleep.

Also very interested in hearing about this hotel...especially anyone who's stayed there in the last week!!

Ditto! I'd like to hear about the new Westin Hotel in Times Square also. Does anyone know anything about the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel?

Yes, please to anyone who has stayed since this property opened, was the noise (Times Square)really a problem? What about the prev poster who stated that the entrance to hotel is in some what seedy area,(porn shops), was it that bad an area? This hotel is one of three I was considering for a trip in Dec.(Sheraton Man & Crowne Plaza TS)

I just walked by the entrance on 43rd and 8th Ave about 15 min. ago and poked my head inside. It's true there are porn shops and the bus terminal right around the corner, but it's times square, a little seediness comes with the territory. It's not the least bit unsafe, very busy area, the street on the same as a number of broadway theaters and diagonal from the NY Times headquarters and is so crowded with tourists you can barely walk. It depends on what kind of person you are--if you like to walk outside and have tons of people and the buzz of a big city going on, then stay there. If not, look elsewhere.

Hi everyone ;-) <BR><BR>My comments were not meant to imply that the area is unsafe at all. It's just that a lot of tourists go to New York and are somewhat shocked by their surroundings. <BR><BR>Also, I don't see the need to stay in Times Square when there are so many other choices at similar prices in nicer areas, easily within reach of Times Square by walking/taxi/subway.

attn Jackie,<BR><BR>In any case do not stay at the Sheraton Manhattan (read some related posts )<BR><BR>I would consider in this area <BR>the Michelangelo for its class and service,<BR>the Sofitel for its outstanding service,<BR>the Renaissance for its good value.<BR><BR>In my opinion you should wait 6 to 10 months before checking in in a brand new hotel like the Westin Times Squ. as, a paying guest you expect all the facilities to be available and ,mostly, the service to be efficient.

however,<BR>it is nice to stay in a brand new hotel because things are so nice and clean. If it has been open more than a week, I'd go...<BR>would love to hear a report on the Westin if you stay...<BR>anna

For those that have seen this hotel, do they have a covered potico like most hotels where you can readily get a taxi?? If so, that should eliminate the need to walk through any seediness during the winter!! Please advise because this location seems so centrally located to all of the tourist sites for a 1st time visitor!! Being brand new is a real plus!!

ttt