Sheraton Manhattan: Great Location, Roomy for Midtown
Written: Nov 09 '03 (Updated Nov 11 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Location, large room size for Midtown, pool, noon checkout
Cons: Mini-bar is ridiculously overpriced, crazy-high charges for telephone usage.
The Bottom Line: This is a great hotel with largish rooms near Times Square.
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| modernmarvel's Full Review: Sheraton Manhattan |
I spent two nights at the Sheraton Midtown in November 2003. I found it had a great location and decent size rooms for the price and would definitely recommend it.
THE LOCATION
When you stay at the Sheraton Manhattan, you are clearly paying for location. This hotel is about 1 block away from the busiest part of Times Square. The half-price ticket booth for Broadway is only 3 blocks away and there are at least a dozen theaters within a 15 minute walk. There are also all the tourist attractions of this area including restaurants and a huge Toys R Us with a ferris wheel in the middle of the store.
In addition to the theater, you are in the heart of Midtown with all of its high rises and wonderful restaurants. You are also at a great jumping off point for exploring the Island since you are right in the middle: nothing is too far from this location.
THE LOBBY
The strange thing about this hotel is the teeny lobby. There are several sofas and chairs but the lobby was surprisingly small and bland. The check-in desk had about 5 stations and was functional and bland. A security guard near the elevators required you to show your room key before getting on an elevator. I appreciated this extra security in the heart of the city.
THE ROOMS
My room was quite large for a midtown hotel. I had a very comfortable king-sized bed with ample pillows and blankets. There were two nightstands, each with lamps. I also had a nice chair, ottoman, sidetable and floor lamp so I could read out of the bed if I wanted to. For business travelers, there was a desk with a fax machine and high speed internet access, both cost extra. Each room has voicemail and you can even add a personal greeting if you so desire. On Friday morning I got a free USA Today slipped under my door. On Saturday, I did not get a paper.
There was also a tv tucked into an entertainment center. There was a coffee maker that I believe was free but the city tap water has a very chemical smell and taste so I didn't bother. I could have used a bottle of poland spring water from the mini-bar but they wanted $4.25 for the bottle. I figured a cup of coffee from any of the numerous delis in the immediate area would be cheaper and taste better.
The room itself had a lot of floor space. There was a closet that could have easily held enough hanging garments for a family and a significant amount of luggage. My room on the 16th floor had a nice view of Times Square and was tastefully decorated although not particular inspired. The room was also generally clean except for a yucky stain on the ottoman.
The bathroom was teeny. You couldn't access the shower unless you stepped entirely into the bathroom and closed the door. This is poor space planning because the room itself had lots of unused floor space. They provided soap, shampoo and conditioner. There was also a hairdryer.
SERVICE
Check in was easy. There was no line, the clerk was friendly and it took about 2 minutes. Checkout was even easier. On my last day, they slipped a bill under my door. I was able to accept the charges and check out on the tv. I dropped my card key off at the desk on the way out.
By the way, checkout was at noon instead of the usual 10am. I loved this aspect of the hotel since I didn't have to rush in the morning.
The doorman was great about calling cabs. The maid service was great and the room was clean although I never saw them.
SOME WARNINGS
The mini-bar is crazy expensive. There are lots of delis and convenience stores around - grab some sodas or bottled water and bring them back to your room.
They charge a 110% markup on all phone calls and a flat fee for local and toll-free calls. Use your cell phone if you have one.
AMENITIES
There is a restaurant called Russo's attached to the lobby. I didn't eat there but it looked nice.
They have a pool on the 5th floor. I didn't get a chance to check it out.
They have room service.
STARWOOD
Sheraton hotels are owned by Starwood which has a frequent traveler program. While I think it takes quite a while to earn a free room with the program, I still recommend it because every time I use the Starwood frequent traveler card, I seem to get a better room or an upgrade. You can sign up for free at www.starwood.com.
PRICE
I got one night for free using Starwood points and the second night was $175. The hotel is usually cheaper on the weekends.
FINAL RECOMMENDATION
I thought this was a great hotel. The rooms were quite large for Midtown and would be great for a family. The Midtown location is great for business or sight-seeing. The noon checkout was also great. The only warning I have it to beware of extra charges that can add up.
MY MINI-GUIDE TO NEW YORK CITY
Things to Do:
The Metropolitan Museum
Ellis Island
The Statue of Liberty
Places to Eat:
Lucky Cheng’s has Chinese food for adults.
Ruby Foo’s has Chinese food for families.
Pipa is next to Manhattan Mecca ABC Carpet & Home.
Starlight Diner is where singing servers bring your burgers.
Rue 57 fuses French and Japanese cuisine in Midtown.
Places to Stay:
The Roosevelt Hotel
The Hudson
The W on Lexington
Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers
New York Hilton
Broadway:
TKTS sells half-price tickets to Broadway shows.
Gypsy is Broadway at its best.
Rent is an unusual Broadway rock musical legend.
Wicked is a prequel to the Wizard of Oz.
Chicago is a classic.
Sweet Charity has a 60’s vibe.
Recommended:
Yes
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modernmarvel
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