Greetings, I have a number of Marriott points to use and would like some suggestions on Marriott (or Marriott chain) hotels that would be well-located for this. We are a couple of families travelling together and would prefer kitchenettes and breakfast included, if possible.
Thank you for your recommendations.
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.
