NY City Marriott hotel recommendation

[jeepie]

Good stuff...

There are approximately 30 Marriott properties in Manhattan. I've stayed in the ones below and have comments on each. Generally I divide them into three groups. Business hotels like the Downtown Marriott, tourist hotels like the Marquis and boutique hotels like the Algonquin. Some fit into more than one category. I don't think the food is particularly good in any of them and I much prefer eating elsewhere even when a free breakfast is offered. There are exceptions and I've noted them.

Marriott Marquis
Tourist hotel. This is the most popular in Manhattan and probably the entire chain. It has approximately 2400 rooms. Lots of bling and located right in Times Square. It gets very heavy traffic and the rooms are showing a fair amount of wear and tear. The large rooms are in the rear and the rooms with a Times Sq. view are tiny even by NYC standards. I tend to avoid it unless they are offering a really good rate. Pretty decent on room upgrades. CL is usually very crowded and you can expect a long line at breakfast.

Marriott East Side
Business/Boutique hotel. Located next to the Waldorf Astoria it's a bit away from the tourist attractions. Walking distance to Times Square but I'd probably use mass transit (taxi, subway, bus) to get anywhere else. Not too much family traffic here so the rooms are in good shape. Great CL with and outside open air deck when the weather is cooperative. Great on room upgrades.

Essex House
Boutique hotel. Good location on 59th aka Central Park South. If you get a room overlooking the park you hit a home run. I haven't stayed here since it was rebranded a Marriott for the second time so I don't know what the room upgrade or CL situation is like. It's a great location for museums and some high end shopping on 5th Ave. A little far for Times Square, about 15 blocks but close to some but not all of the theaters. Carriage rides through Central Park are about 500' from the front door. Very nice for a romantic weekend.

The Algonquin
Boutique hotel. Very old but recently remodeled hotel. Steeped in history with a lot off famous literary figures who used to hang out and even live there. Rooms are nice, Suites are better and I've only got one upgrade there but is was a good one. I paid for a Dorothy Parker Suite and they are very nice but I was upgraded the the Barrymore Suite (they only have one). You'll have to go to the site to see it. It was way over the top. They have a CL but the hotel lobby is what makes this place. It's very comfortable, cozy and a great place to just sit and relax. The Red Fire grill is a nice place for breakfast right next door at about $10. Located a block from Times Square and easy walking distance to most of the theaters.

Courtyard Times Square West
Business/tourist hotel. About a 5 minute walk from Times Square and right next to the Port Authority bus terminal. Nice hotel, decent sized rooms and a good free breakfast in the lounge. I wouldn't pick this one on a first trip to Manhattan unless you a comfortable with certain aspects of the city. It's next door to the NYC parole board so you'll see some interesting folks that you might not have in great numbers if you live in a rural area. The bus terminal is an attraction in itself although I wouldn't venture inside unless I business there. Walking past it is fine although you will notice an elevated police presence.

Downtown Marriott
Business hotel. Located in the Wall Street business district. It's great to see the sites in lower Manhattan, Stature of Liberty, South Street Seaport, World Trade Center. Rooms are good size but the last time I stayed here I was not Gold or Plat so I don't know about upgrades or the CL. It's far from TS and the theaters so mass transit is how you'll get to mid and uptown where most of the tourist stuff is. Because it's primarily a business hotel expect high rates during the week with deep discounts on the weekend. General area is very safe to walk around in IMO.

Ren 57
Boutique/Business hotel. Located a little off the beaten path but close to subways so it's fairly easy to get around. Very small rooms. Difficult for an upgrade. CL was nice with a decent breakfast. Great bar. Usually my 3rd or 4th choice since the rooms are so small. Let me explain small. If you get out of bed and someone is sitting at the desk they have to move so you can get past. Only one person fits in the bathroom at a time. Very safe area with some nice shopping in walking distance.

Ren Times Square
Tourist hotel. One of my favorites but hard to get in at a discounted rate lately. Located right in TS sort of caddy corner to the Marquis but with only 220 rooms its much cozier. The lounge/ restaurant is where you want to be on New Years Eve as you've got a front row seat to watch the ball drop. Good luck getting a reservation on NYE. Good size rooms and well appointed. CL is great for breakfast.

Well that's it. Those are the ones I've stayed in. My top three would be the Algonquin, Ren TS and the East Side. If you are staying for more than a day or so learn to use mass transit. Ask at any hotel where Restaurant Row is. It's about 46th and 8th if I remember correctly and about one whole block of good restaurants. You'll get good food at a reasonable price with a wide variety of different cuisines.

Thanks! Any experience with Ritz Carlton Central Park? I have a boatload of MR points and may buy a travel package, then go there next spring for a wedding. Haven't really begun planning. Easy access to theatres, etc? Good use of MR points (if you want to splurge)? Cheers.

 

[Big Matt]

It is a great location and fabulous property. If you have Marriott Rewards elite status I would go for the JW Marriott Essex House instead. It would be far less points and you could be upgraded. Both are real close to each other and are overlooking Central Park. Theaters and Times Square are 5-10 blocks south.

Thanks! Any experience with Ritz Carlton Central Park? I have a boatload of MR points and may buy a travel package, then go there next spring for a wedding. Haven't really begun planning. Easy access to theatres, etc? Good use of MR points (if you want to splurge)? Cheers.

 

[jeepie]

Essex House

It is a great location and fabulous property. If you have Marriott Rewards elite status I would go for the JW Marriott Essex House instead. It would be far less points and you could be upgraded. Both are real close to each other and are overlooking Central Park. Theaters and Times Square are 5-10 blocks south.

Thanks! I have MR Platinum. Do you have an opinion as to the best strategy (use MR points; spend $ for basic reservation, then assume I'll get an upgrade; other options)?

 

[Big Matt]

The best use of points is always with the travel package. Just know that you don't need to use the miles and points for the same trip. I don't think that paying cash for New York hotels is ever worth it. They are way too expensive for what you get and taxes are in the 12% range.

I'd take JW and hope for the upgrade being platinum. The Ritz costs you 150,000 more points in a travel package (tier 5 vs. category 9). I don't think it is worth it. Having said that, if you have a couple million points, who cares.

 

[jimf41]

I don't think that paying cash for New York hotels is ever worth it. They are way too expensive for what you get and taxes are in the 12% range.

Matt,

I don't agree with you on this one. The Marquis for example is a CAT 9. If the room cost $450 + 12% tax it's a wash at $.0112 per point. But on the website they advertise $299 a night. With tax that's $.007 per point. If you qualify for some of the special discounts you can get that down to $200-230 a night. It just doesn't make sense to use points for a room with that point valuation.

Unless, like you said, you've got millions of points and have to use them up.

 

[Big Matt]

My post wasn't advocating the use of points in NYC. What I said was paying cash is a bad move. For a week you will spend at least $3000 for a room. That's too much for me to spend on a hotel. I wouldn't use my points there either on a category 8 or 9 for the same reason. I was pointing out that using the travel package and staying at the JW would be a better option than just using points (at the Ritz).

I travel to NYC a lot for business a lot and I don't see rates at the Marquis or anywhere near Times Square for the prices you quote, at least not during the week or during busy seasons. The only brand name that shows up in the $300 range on a regular basis is the Hilton Garden on 8th Avenue. I agree that in January and February you will find rooms in the $250-300 range, but I don't think that's when the poster wants to go. In busy seasons rooms are over $500 plus tax.

Matt,

I don't agree with you on this one. The Marquis for example is a CAT 9. If the room cost $450 + 12% tax it's a wash at $.0112 per point. But on the website they advertise $299 a night. With tax that's $.007 per point. If you qualify for some of the special discounts you can get that down to $200-230 a night. It just doesn't make sense to use points for a room with that point valuation.

Unless, like you said, you've got millions of points and have to use them up.

 

[chris5]

My post wasn't advocating the use of points in NYC. What I said was paying cash is a bad move. For a week you will spend at least $3000 for a room. That's too much for me to spend on a hotel. I wouldn't use my points there either on a category 8 or 9 for the same reason. I was pointing out that using the travel package and staying at the JW would be a better option than just using points (at the Ritz).

I travel to NYC a lot for business a lot and I don't see rates at the Marquis or anywhere near Times Square for the prices you quote, at least not during the week or during busy seasons. The only brand name that shows up in the $300 range on a regular basis is the Hilton Garden on 8th Avenue. I agree that in January and February you will find rooms in the $250-300 range, but I don't think that's when the poster wants to go. In busy seasons rooms are over $500 plus tax.

I also travel to NYC a lot for pleasure and for business the last several years. I've seen rates within that range on special discounts (the Government rate) and occasionally the odd rate: $116-200 at the Lexington Autograph as a few people posted on FlyerTalk. And I actually got that rate as well. The Residence Inn near Bryant Park runs specials as well in which the rate is within the $179 to 300 range. Look and you will find.

By the way, I just came off using a 5 day travel package at the B'klyn Marriott and I agree that travel packages are a very efficient use of MRPs. I primarily needed the FF miles; the hotel certificate was an extra to me.

 

[jimf41]

Business travel is totally different from leisure travel. Leisure travelers can travel when they get a good deal. Business travelers have to travel on a set schedule regardless of the deal. A quick look at the Marriott website will show that most of the Marriotts in NYC can be had for less than $300 per night. You can closer to $200 if you qualify for a special rate-AAA, senior, Govt or one of the P or Y code Visa rates. Over on FT there were some folks getting rates at around $100 at the Autograph on Lex.

Peak season in NYC is right now SEP-DEC. Off season follows JAN-APR and the rest is mid season. There are deals in all three seasons if you look diligently.

 

[jeepie]

...I agree that in January and February you will find rooms in the $250-300 range, but I don't think that's when the poster wants to go. In busy seasons rooms are over $500 plus tax.

Yup, in May they're showing around $500...IF I were to splurge, getting a 5 night travel package with maximum miles seems viable. Followup question: any little known discount codes that could be used? I don't think MOD or P33 work with hotels, just MVCs. Appreciate each perspective so far, thanks again.

 

[jimf41]

Jeepie

I don't know what dates you looked at in May but here's a sampling for wednesday May 8th checkout 13 May 5 nights.

Keep in mind these are not discounted rates. Several are less than $250 and the Residence Inn at TS is a bargain at $179.00. Yes there are some $600 + hotels but there is a wide choice of affordable ones also. The senior rate at the Courtyard Manhattan/Fifth Avenue is $152.


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1 Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
3 East 40th Street New York, NY 10016

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Courtyard New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
From 251 USD / Night

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2 The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection®
The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection®
59 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036

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The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection®
From 679 USD / Night

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3 Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
21 West 37th Street New York, NY 10018

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Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
From 849 USD / Night

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4 SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
25 West 37th St New York, NY 10018

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SpringHill Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Fifth Avenue
From 314 USD / Night

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5 Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Times Square
Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Times Square
1033 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10018

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Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Times Square
From 179 USD / Night

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6 Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square South
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square South
114 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

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Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square South
From 179 USD / Night

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7 New York Marriott Marquis
New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway New York, NY 10036

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New York Marriott Marquis
From 269 USD / Night

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8 The Lexington New York City, Autograph Collection®
The Lexington New York City, Autograph Collection®
511 Lexington Ave at 48th Street New York, NY 10017

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The Lexington New York City, Autograph Collection®
From 229 USD / Night

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9 Courtyard New York Manhattan/Herald Square
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Herald Square
71 West 35th Street New York, NY 10001

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Courtyard New York Manhattan/Herald Square
From 379 USD / Night

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10 New York Marriott East Side
New York Marriott East Side
525 Lexington Avenue at 49th Street New York, NY 10017

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New York Marriott East Side
From 251 USD / Night

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11 Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Midtown East
Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Midtown East
148 East 48th Street New York, NY 10017

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Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Midtown East
From 233 USD / Night

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12 Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
Two Times Square, 714 Seventh Avenue at W. 48th Street New York, NY 10036

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Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel
From 269 USD / Night

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13 Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square West
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square West
307 West 37th Street (West 37th Street & 8th Avenue) New York, NY 10018

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Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square West
From 299 USD / Night

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14 Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Times Square
Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Times Square
330 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

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Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Times Square
From 297 USD / Night

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15 Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East
866 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022

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Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East
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16 Courtyard New York Manhattan/Chelsea
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Chelsea
135 West 30th Street New York, NY 10001

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Courtyard New York Manhattan/Chelsea
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17 Carlton Hotel, Autograph Collection®
Carlton Hotel, Autograph Collection®
88 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016

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Carlton Hotel, Autograph Collection®
From 287 USD / Night

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18 Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Chelsea
Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Chelsea
116 West 28th Street New York, NY 10001

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Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Manhattan/Chelsea
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19 Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station
Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station
325 West 33rd Street New York, NY 10001

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Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station
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20 Courtyard New York Manhattan/Central Park
Courtyard New York Manhattan/Central Park
1717 Broadway New York, NY 10019

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[jeff76543]

Marriott East Side
Business/Boutique hotel. Located next to the Waldorf Astoria it's a bit away from the tourist attractions. Walking distance to Times Square but I'd probably use mass transit (taxi, subway, bus) to get anywhere else. Not too much family traffic here so the rooms are in good shape. Great CL with and outside open air deck when the weather is cooperative. Great on room upgrades.

[...] Well that's it. Those are the ones I've stayed in. My top three would be the Algonquin, Ren TS and the East Side. If you are staying for more than a day or so learn to use mass transit. Ask at any hotel where Restaurant Row is. It's about 46th and 8th if I remember correctly and about one whole block of good restaurants. You'll get good food at a reasonable price with a wide variety of different cuisines.

I was about to make a reservation for the Marriott East Side and then I read some of the recent reviews on Trip Advisor. There were many reviews that were very critical (of service and upkeep) and some were by people who had stayed there previously and enjoyed the hotel in the past or who were regulars at Marriott hotels. Is there anyone who has stayed at the East Side recently who has a strong opinion about the hotel and knows whether there has been a change for the worse? -- or do you think that the complaints probably are an exaggeration or reflect isolated problems?

 

[Fasttr]

I was about to make a reservation for the Marriott East Side and then I read some of the recent reviews on Trip Advisor. There were many reviews that were very critical (of service and upkeep) and some were by people who had stayed there previously and enjoyed the hotel in the past or who were regulars at Marriott hotels. Is there anyone who has stayed at the East Side recently who has a strong opinion about the hotel and knows whether there has been a change for the worse? -- or do you think that the complaints probably are an exaggeration or reflect isolated problems?

I stay there about 6 times a year when I travel into our office in NYC. Its a short walk from Grand Central, which is where I come into town. I have never had a bad experience there. Staff always friendly, and one of the nicer Concierge Lounges I have been to....will even on occasion have complimentary made to order omelet bar rolling in the mornings in the CL. Rooms are nice and I get upgraded almost always.... sometimes into a room way to big for just me (almost feel guilty).

Bottom line, I wouldn't shy away from the Marriott East Side.

 

[buzzy]

Families of 5?

Don't mean to hijack this thread but since you all are so knowledgeable on NYC hotels...we have such a tough time staying in Manhattan with a family of 5. Doubletree suites in Times Square is doable but most are impossible. Any thoughts without having to pay for 2 rooms?

 

[pharmgirl]

I was about to make a reservation for the Marriott East Side and then I read some of the recent reviews on Trip Advisor. There were many reviews that were very critical (of service and upkeep) and some were by people who had stayed there previously and enjoyed the hotel in the past or who were regulars at Marriott hotels. Is there anyone who has stayed at the East Side recently who has a strong opinion about the hotel and knows whether there has been a change for the worse? -- or do you think that the complaints probably are an exaggeration or reflect isolated problems?

Eastside is my favorite NY hotel, always get a nice large room and if lounge is open this is great
especially love the georgia o'keefe paintings thoughout, she lived in this building prior to hotel conversion
staff is competent and friendly
hotel is clean and well kept thooughout, nice location