When looking to book a New York City hotel, most of us look for location first, and quality second. The Marriott Marquis has both of these items covered exceptionally well. You might be fooled when you walk into the ground level thinking this hotel is nothing special. Then you take the elevator to the eighth floor where the reception desk is and see a vibrant, modern, clean and comfortable lobby with tons of space in their restaurant, bar and lounge areas.
A stimulating view
As you check in with the friendly front desk staff, they offer a bottle of water or two in case you are thirsty. With several well-trained front desk clerks, you won’t be waiting long to get to your room. Consider upgrading to a corner king-bed room (around 250 USD depending on the season) that looks out over the bright lights of arguably New York City’s most famous attraction - Times Square. Acres of big screen signs dance before you, attempting to lure you into their world of everything from television shows, cough-drops, movies and Broadway shows. Call room service and have them send up drinks and snacks so you can organize a plan before setting out on an adventure. Pedestrians scurry about below on Broadway and Fifth Avenue while you sip a refreshing drink in your room, surveying this city scene in blissful comfort.
A king room that's almost a suite
Your room is large by New York City standards and well equipped. The state-of-the-art flat screen TV has a docking unit on the lower right you can plug your computers or other electronic devices in to watch you own programming. Wi-Fi is 16.95 USD unless you are a Marriott Gold or higher member who are given free access. There is an i-Pod docking clock-radio on the nightstand if needed. Two desks are provided in this king room that could almost be considered a suite. One desk is for working and the other could be used as a makeup table, except it features a regular mirror instead of a lighted magnifying mirror. Relax on the sofa and read up on what’s going on in the city that never sleeps. The king sized bed with fluffy pillows is so comfortable you won’t want to get up too early on your first morning, but the single-cup coffee maker calls to you to come and get your caffeine. That is unless you would rather trek to the first floor where Starbucks is located.
A well equipped bathroom
The water pressure is strong in the shower and the multiple settings on the shower head will deliver your spray just right. Your bathroom toiletries are by Thann, providing a touch of luxury during your stay. Take time for a relaxing bath after a day of sightseeing. Housekeeping personnel are very helpful and almost always will ask if you need anything else if you pass them on the way to the elevators. Speaking of elevators there are several that whisk you up and down by pushing buttons on one of several command center modules to indicate your desired floor. After you select your desired floor the module’s display screen directs you to one of the Elevators A-P for a quick ride with little waiting time. It’s a little tricky at first getting used to this type of elevator command center, but you will master it quickly.
Unwind in one of the lounges with a libation
For an afternoon libation, be sure to visit the Broadway Lounge on the eighth floor for drinks and nibbles overlooking Times Square. There is also the Outdoor Terrace that is open in warm weather if you like to hear the symphony of people, cars and other sounds that fill the air in Times Square. Or pull up a seat at the eighth floor’s circular sport’s bar to watch one of several sporting events playing on any given day while enjoying an ice cold beer or glass of wine.
New York Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
Tours by Annie
Many excellent dining choices
For a substantial meal, the eighth floor is home to Crossroads American Kitchen and Bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a full-spread weekend buffet brunch (36 USD). If you have gluten-free preferences, check out the gluten-free section of the breakfast/brunch buffet with several options, including bagels, for a typical New York lox and bagel breakfast. To go over the top for brunch or dinner, be sure and consider The View Restaurant, on the 47th floor. This is New York City’s only rotating roof-top restaurant and at their Mimosa Brunch on weekends indulge in lobster mojito shooters, traditional smoked salmon, Belgian Waffles, or other high-end culinary delights while New York City spins slowly around you revealing the high-rise buildings new and old alike. This is not a budget option at ~59 USD per person, but a good choice for a splurge with a view.
World class entertainment options
While the Marriott Marquis is a world of self-contained luxury, you didn’t come to New York to hang out in your hotel! There is an onsite ticket and events sales office on the first floor where you can buy tickets to a Broadway show, sporting events, tours and more. Or you might attend a show at the hotels namesake - “Marquis Theater?” Regardless of your desires you are in the middle of it all and as soon as you leave the hotel there are dozens of restaurants, cafes and theaters to dive into just steps away from your location. The subway is also close and most any line you need is at the Times Square Station, or an easy transfer from there to your destination. When your busy day is over, it’s easy to get back to the hotel and relax before bedtime.
As the curtain closes
At the end of a long exciting day back in your room with the curtains closed, it’s a pleasant surprise how well the thick fabric barrier shuts out the light. It is also very quiet considering the roar of Times Square is just outside your window. As you reflect on one of the best trips ever, it will be sad to leave this island of calm comfort and return home so soon. I believe after you stay at this well-run, excellently located property, you won’t want to stay anywhere else in New York City. Since one trip is not enough to sample this world class destination, there will be another visit in your future and you know just where to stay.
History
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