FYI, Westin Times Square is one of the Official Hotels for the New York International Auto Show (and the conference rate is $199 only ). The press preview is today (although open to public 04/09-18) so that might be the reason if GB was denied 4pm checkout yesterday.

 

Oh I don't know about that, since we're planning a conference both at Javits and at the Westin Times Square in July 2004. If they have meeting rooms, then it is probably considered a conference property.

 

i live about 20 blocks from the Westin TS. let me assure you, this hotel is not convenient to the Javits Center. it would be one heck of a walk, particularly in the winter. and, walking west from the Westin TS is not the safest of areas, particularly at night (unless you want to buy unmentionables).

so, calling this a conference hotel due to the Javits Center is not really accurate.

 

Just wrapped up another stay at the Westin Times Square.

The hotel now has a Starwood Preferred Guest check-in line for Golds and Platinums. I waited about five minutes to get in. The agent was nice enough, apologized that she could not upgrade me saying the hotel was sold out all weekend. It was no big deal for me. She also thanked me for my repeat business and for being a Platinum.

I was upgraded to the 44th floor with a nice view of New Jersey. That was a decent enough upgrade for me. When I asked the check-in person about getting a 4pm checkout she said should not be a problem.

The only thing she did forget was to ask what was my choice of a Platinum ammenity was. I was in a rush to meet friends for dinner at Don Shula's and get to my room, but remembered later.

The other problem was that I could not use Video Checkout (it's been "out of service" all but one time I stayed here.) Went to checkout at the desk and asked to get my Platinum ammenity. The agent said she would make sure it was posted.

Guess Flyertalkers have different experiences at this property. I've booked award stays for friends who've been treated well (even upgraded to nice rooms.) I've been satisified here.

Oh on another note... the lounge closes at 8pm so any "Post Freddies Party" will either have to be at Bar 10 (at the Westin TS) or elsewhere.

 

Catman, How is the lounge at the Westin TS?

 

Hi Trojan Horse!

It's a decent lounge in a separate room.

Platinums and invited guests get a continental breakfast of coffee, juices, pasteries and fruits and some cereals (I was happy the last time they had Frosted Flakes! ) There are also several television sets and a variety of newspapers.

I only did the evening visit to the lounge once. They had a decent supply of hot hor'd'vors and light soft drinks. The harder stuff is by an honor system. You can charge the drinks to your room, but be careful... it can get pricey!

Sometimes they will check if you are really a Platinum or an invited guest, sometimes they won't. They did the last time I was there. It's no big deal.

It's a nice place to get a decent breakfast or relax with a drink before dinner. The lounge is open till 11a for breakfast, 5p to 8p on evenings. So it can't be a Flyertalk all night hang out place. It's a nice place to catch up with friends though.

 

I stayed at this hotel once before and was told to wait an hour while they prepared a "beautiful" room for me... the room was no different that any other.... Asked for a 4 PM check-out, told no way 1:30-2 PM was the latest....

I am staying there again this Friday and booked a junior suite as I couldn't chance an upgrade.... assigned room 3110 - hope that's good....