The Westin is not impressive from the outside; in fact you could quite easily miss it when walking past. Inside, there’s a small, busy, unassuming foyer with escalators that take you to the large reception area. Bellhops were quick to take our luggage – it’s just a pity they weren’t so quick delivering it to our room. The main reception area is very large and not in any way a relaxing place to be. There were continual queues for reception (although in fairness this was Easter weekend) and although there were some seats, it was busy, noisy and there was no lounge area in which to relax with coffee and biscuits.
We had booked a non-smoking, club-floor room but when we entered there was an overpowering stench of cigarettes; so off to reception to queue again, where we were told that no other rooms were available. We stood firm, and were eventually given another club room on the twelfth floor.
The room was actually very nice. It was large for a city hotel (100 square feet larger than standard) and had an extremely comfortable bed. The room was also well equipped, with Apple computer, trouser press, (expensive) mini-bar, coffee making facilities, iron, ironing board and a rather nice flat screen TV. However, there were some niggles. There were two phones, one fixed and one cordless. The cordless one didn’t work and the other phone’s preset numbers for guest services didn’t work. The internet connection on the Apple did not work and no-one seemed capable of fixing it. Also, although there were five lights in the room, there was no one single place to switch them off – minor point I know, but very frustrating at times.
One of the advantages of the club room is the complimentary breakfast of which we took full advantage. The breakfast consisted of bagels, toast, cereal, fresh fruit and tea and coffee. It was very good, although yoghurt would have been nice, but unless you got there before 8am, it became extremely busy. One day, I counted 20 people queuing to toast bagels in the ridiculously slow toaster. I accept that this was Easter weekend, but the breakfast facilities could not cope with the number of guests.
The hotel is superbly located on 43rd and 8th, being close to Times Square, 42nd Street and the Port Authority. However, the surrounding area is manic and not for the faint-hearted. If you want something a little more sedate, look for somewhere closer to Central Park.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay and loved our room, but probably wouldn’t stay there again. Overall, a good corporate hotel for the business traveller and a great central location, but to impersonal and busy for our tastes.
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