@JohnPaul now that you have stayed at both the Residences and W57 which do you prefer?
We just came back for two nights in a one bedroom penthouse and I wanted to wait to see that before commenting.
The penthouse has different decor and layout from the one bedroom premier and various goodies like a heated floor in the bathroom and electronic shades. I'll do a follow up review.
I'd have to say that the experience in both properties is great but different.
The Residences Pluses
- Daily housekeeping.
- No fee for stays under 4 days.
- Smaller boutique feel.
- Limited elevator need within the resort itself (vs getting up to the resort). Most everything on 44 with dedicated elevator to 45 and 46.
- Restaurants and bars in the same building.
- Hugh TVs (65 inch)
- Views from the owners lounge.
- Views from some units (most seem to look at other buildings)
The Residences Minuses
- High MF and point costs.
- Nickle and dining for hotel services such as business center, bag check and package delivery (because they use the hotel itself).
- Main lobby is a madhouse of people everywhere.
- Competition for fewer units (non-owners as proportion of owners to units is the same)
W 57th St Pluses
- Wonderful lounge with outside space and amazing staff.
- Floor to ceiling windows (only penthouses at The Residences)
- Staff that make you feel at home starting with the doorman (staff at Residences great but you don't see them until the 44th floor)
- Great deal on the standard one bedroom units.
- Various units with balconies.
- Ability to see Manhattan while bathing in some units.
- No need to fight crowds in the lobby.
- Limited street noises in back side units. (They float up to 44th floor at The Residences)
W 57th St Minuses
- Towel exchange and garbage removal but no daily maid service.
- $85 fee on stays of 3 days or less.
- "Only" 55 inch TV's
We spent the 5 days in between our two stays here at The Residences at the Element by Westin hotel in the garment district using hotel points. "Reasonable" hotel in Manhattan as about $250 a night including taxes. Boy did we miss our timeshare experience. Very happy to be back.