W New York - Times Square

W New York - Times Square, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a vibrant and stylish stay in the heart of Manhattan. It's often chosen for its prime location and trendy atmosphere, though some aspects draw mixed reviews, particularly regarding value and aging decor.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for W New York - Times Square leans towards positive, particularly for its exceptional location. On Marriott's own platform, it holds an average rating of 3.6 out of 5, with location receiving a high 4.6, and service and cleanliness at 3.9. Booking.com shows a location rating of 9.3 and staff at 8.4. While many guests praise the "top-tier service" and "memorable experience", others express concerns about value for money and some outdated aspects.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's unbeatable location, placing them directly in the bustling energy of Times Square and within walking distance of Broadway shows, Rockefeller Center, and other major attractions. The hotel's design is described as "stylish," "modern," and "trendy," with a lively lobby bar known as "The Living Room" that transforms into a vibrant nightspot with DJs. Many appreciate the modern amenities, including the 24-hour fitness center, and the helpfulness of the bell staff. The signature W beds are frequently highlighted for their comfort.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at the W New York - Times Square are generally considered spacious for an NYC hotel, typically measuring around 288 square feet for standard rooms. They feature modern amenities such as 49-inch plasma TVs, minibars, and rainfall showers. The design is often described as a "modernist fantasy" with translucent panels and abstract shapes. Guests often appreciate the W signature bed with its pillowtop mattress and fine linens, providing a comfortable sleep. Bathrooms come with Bliss or Davines bath amenities. Many rooms offer city or skyline views, with some even providing panoramic views of Times Square or the Hudson River from higher floors. However, some reviews mention that parts of the bathroom may need updates and that some rooms might not have the expected views despite being on higher floors. Heavy shades and double-glazed windows are effective in repelling the noise and lights of Times Square.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features several dining options, including Blue Fin, a modern seafood and sushi restaurant, and Dos Caminos, a casual Mexican restaurant. Blue Fin also serves breakfast, and some guests have had positive experiences with the breakfast offerings, describing them as "good and tasty". Dos Caminos is noted for its guacamole and mezcal/margarita bar. The Living Room Bar is a popular spot for craft cocktails and has a vibrant atmosphere, especially at night with DJs. Room service is also available. However, some guests have found the dining service to be mediocre.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff generally receive high marks, with many guests describing them as "warm," "professional," "friendly," and "attentive". Bellmen are frequently singled out for their excellent and welcoming service. While most interactions are positive, some guests have reported issues with slow service at the bar or unhelpful reception staff, particularly during busy check-in times. The "Whatever/Whenever" service is a signature offering, aiming to fulfill guest requests promptly.

6. Location & Accessibility

The W New York - Times Square boasts an "unbeatable" and "prime" location right in the heart of Times Square, on 47th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue. This makes it ideal for theatergoers, with Broadway shows just steps away. Nearby attractions include Rockefeller Center, Museum of Modern Art, and Central Park. The hotel is exceptionally well-connected to public transport, being very close to the Times Square-42nd Street subway station, which serves numerous subway lines (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S) and bus routes, providing easy access to all parts of Manhattan. Accessible subway entrances with elevators are available at Times Square-42nd Street and 49th Street stations.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing for a standard room can range significantly, with some guests finding rates under $200 during off-peak seasons while others report prices around $279-$323 per night or higher. The hotel often includes a daily "destination fee" or "resort fee" (around $25-$30), which can add to the total cost and covers amenities like a bar credit, laundry credit, enhanced internet, and gym access. Some guests feel these fees, along with extra charges for breakfast and in-room Wi-Fi, detract from the value, leading to the perception that it's "not a good value for the $$$". For Marriott Bonvoy members, award nights typically range from 50,000 to 70,000 points, or up to 87,000 points.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring criticisms include:

• High Extra Fees: Guests frequently express frustration over additional costs for Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking, bundled into a daily destination or resort fee.
• Noise Levels: Despite efforts like double-glazed windows, some guests report noise from Times Square or from elevators, particularly in rooms located near elevator banks. Earplugs are sometimes provided.
• Outdated Elements: While the design is generally trendy, some guests mention that certain areas, particularly bathrooms, could use updating or feel worn. There are also mentions of outdated decor and torn carpets in common areas by some.
• Inconsistent Service: Although many praise the staff, some experiences cite slow bar service or unhelpful front desk interactions.
• Amenities Issues: There have been isolated complaints about gym equipment not working properly, and issues with Wi-Fi speed. Some rooms also lack basic amenities like drawers or in-room coffee makers without specific request.
• Elevator Wait Times: Historically, there have been complaints about long waits for elevators, though recent reviews don't emphasize this as strongly.

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