The Marriott Marquis New York is much like NYC itself. Looking up and into this hotel makes one think of all the glitz and bright lights that the Times Square portion of the city offers while at the same time evokes an air of sophistication. The hotel is a reflection of its address that is between 46th street right at the intersection of 7th Ave and Broadway. It's so much a part of the area that a gorgeous Broadway Theatre is actually inside and part of the hotel complex that covers half a city block. My wife and I attended a Broadway show here at the Marquis Theatre about two years back. We enjoyed the hit Thoroughly Modern Millie and I can tell you this playhouse is top notch.

I have been in this hotel many times through business and in fact a company that I still work with had a showcase at this Marriott where our clients, party planners, came and checked out our wares. The hotel was first class in helping make that day as successful as it was. This hotel has many meeting rooms and magnificent ball rooms.

I have been to this hotel many times for one day affairs, business that is, however this last weekend was the first time I had reason to use a room at this property. My wife is hoping to join me next weekend when I am doing another gig on the property.

My Experience

With rooms in older NYC hotels being smaller than average be assured this hotel offers plenty of space in all the newly renovated rooms. Coming from Penn Station I took a cab rides to and from the hotel at the cost of about $7.00-$8.00 with a tip. Without luggage this can be a fine walk getting a feel of the city. I would suggest walking cross town on 34th street to Broadway and then making a left continue to check out the sites. Among other destinations you'll see Macy's, the Empire State Building and then walk right into the heart of Times Square.

The taxi pulled into the open receiving area and a doorman was immediately to my door taking my one piece of luggage. There was plenty of help including valet service for those driving an automobile in, not that I suggest doing so, especially in the Holiday season. There is a charge of about $45 per day for parking. A convenient taxi stand is in this outdoor, but well protected, area that divides the 1st floor space of the complex between the theatre area and the hotel proper. It's all connected seamlessly on a floor above. Though this is a busy area it is one of the few in NYC where you are out of the elements and have so much transportation service right inside the hotel itself.

I was then directed to the 1st floor lobby that wasn't much more than a desk in front of a large bank of elevators with access to a Starbucks, very convenient. From there I was directed to the elevator to meet with the client that booked us. This encounter was done on the 8th floor lobby area that has many shops and the Encore Restaurant that opens early for breakfast and also serves lunch and dinner. I'll note here that this hotel has no less than 5 restaurants that I am aware of. Some are in spectacular settings. This level was a lobby and was well-manned but I didn't go through usual steps to have a room set up for my needs.

My Room

I was escorted directly to the room by the hotel client, handed two sets of credit-card type keys and given a quick tour of the room. It was an upgrade room and large enough that I needed a map of the place. OK, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but it was spacious with a large bedroom area with a closet, TV, clock radio and a new king bed that is noted as an up-grade of the hotel's last 2 year renovation.

A bathroom was accessible from both the main entranceway inside the hotel room and the bedroom. Doors closed from both sides that gave access to a large sink area that is mostly marble and had plenty of off-white coloured towels. Though the bath towels are of good quality they were not all that large. The bathrobe was large. Inside the sink area is another door that gives way to the bath/shower and toilet. A hair dryer, that was not attached to a wall could be used anywhere in the room.

The room also had an office area a small four-person table
and chairs, a desk overlooking the view, a pull-out couch and a comfortable chair. The room also had a TV and fridge in a large cabinet. The room and its decor evoked a modern feel with photos of NYC landmarks on the walls.

The windows were huge and allowed for views of the Broadway area below with its neon lights and huge signs. The room does have blackout curtains for those used to more staid surroundings especially when trying to get some sleep. I happened to love the view I had looking out over the Hudson river to the New Jersey Palisades in the distance. The 44th floor offered these views. From that level there were absolutely no city sounds coming through the walls. I do wonder if there are any on lower levels.

The room offered a floor safe in a closet that offered plenty of polished wooden hangers. The lighting in the room was fine as was the temperature. All was clean. No complaints about the room at all.

The Public Areas

This is a big place and can be a bit overwhelming even for someone used to large spaces. For anyone from simpler surrounding, this property may even seem too big before getting bearings but, at the same time, it is an amazing experience for a "New York City feeling" to be able to ride down an elevator and step right into Times Square.

I could spend hours watching the bullet shaped elevators that surround a rounded tower as the zoom silently and seeming effortlessly in their travels through the open spaces of the lobby areas. This elevator bank is visible from many parts of the complex and is eye catching.

Though I never used it, the fitness center is unique in its combined view and overall feel of a high-tech equipment placed neat as soldiers in formation, in an atrium-like atmosphere overlooking the Times Square streets below. They offer both state of the art cardiovascular equipment free weights. It is worth a visit if even just to look at it. I have to say much the same for the whole complex that has a number of restaurants and lounge areas. Don't get lost. I always used the elevator banks as a basis as to where I am.

Elevators

These futuristic looking means of vertical transportation are worth a few words. Each floor has on entrance into the elevator banks that from the inside that is circular reminding me of a Star Trek set. One must press the buttons indicating which floor you are going to. A small monitor then direct you to the proper elevator that will take you there. Once inside, you just go for the ride. As long as you stepped into the elevator you were directed to you will be brought to your particular level. There are no buttons on the inside of the elevator itself. This took a little getting used to for me. I like to have the feeling of being in control even if it's only perceived and I found myself watching the elevator monitor wondering if it would indeed stop at my floor. They always did.

I did find a bit of a back-up at more popular points like waiting to go back down from the famous newly renovated View restaurant that rotates 360 degrees giving spectacular sights of the streets below and the vistas beyond. I hope to review this restaurant in the next few weeks. Though it is pricey I suggest giving it a try on a clear day.

There were a couple of times when it seemed I was waiting a bit longer that I would have liked for the elevators that takes one to the room floors that surround the lounge areas below. Looking down from the terraces of each level that guide one to their rooms can be thrilling or just plain scary. I happen to like it. I also have a very secure feeling in the hotel in that only those who have a key to their room can get access to the elevators from the first floor level.

Location

You are in the heart of Times Square and the Theatre District so the hotel is ideally situated for any nearby endeavors. Beside the five or so restaurants in the hotel itself there are hundreds of others in the blocks that surround the hotel. Be sure to try some and I suggest avoiding any familiar chain restaurants as I have found them to be of poorer quality in the city in that they are just trying to get people in and out instead of offering a dining experience.

I never used the Concierge Desk but I'm sure they could answer any questions you may have and steer you straight. All other staff that I did have business with were quite helpful and very attentive.

Just outside the doors of the hotel is the the TKTS booth where you can get discounted tickets to day-of-the-play shows. It's worth a try only if you are flexible in which show choices. If there is a "must see" show, purchase tickets in advance. Just up the block is the Times Square Visitors Center that is worth a look. I can't even begin to tell you everything you are near from this prime location that is dear in prices, immense in size, and gets more than just passing grades for the staff within.

If you are looking for a hotel that matches the New York Times Square atmosphere, just outside your door, then this is the place to be.


The VIEW Restaurant NYs Only Revolving Restaurant. Atop the Marriott Marquis Hotel

Other NYC Hotels reviewed by Popsrocks

New York Hilton
Grand Hyatt Hotel, NYC
W Hotel Union Square
Millenium Hilton Hotel Perfect for downtown.

Nearby restaurant choices

Junior's Deli Restaurant Right next door to the Marriott Marquis

Stardust DinerAn entertaining place.
ESPN Zone A sports bar, arcade, and MORE!
The Manhattan Chili Company quick eats before a show.
TGI Friday's Times Square I dunno?
Pig'n'Whistle, a fine Times Square Pub
Ollies, Broadway Quick, in and out.
Tony's Family style Italian In Times Square
The Carnegie Deli Just down the street from the Stage Deli

Some sites within walking distance

Times Square, the Heart of NY
Times Square Visitors Center
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum
The INTREPID Sea-Air-Space MUSEUM
The BEAST a thrill ride tour of The Statue of Liberty. It's fantastic!!
The Empire State Building
Radio City Music Hall A Spectacular place to see a show!
Museum of Television and Radio


TKTS half price tickets to Broadway
The LION KING

For many, many more suggestions and reviews of NYC destinations and restaurants try New York City

Recommended: Yes