Still on the same business trip to New York, I stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton New York Times Square West. Coming out of the disastrous experience of the neighboring Element, I expected the worst… It was not the case with a great experience. The difference? Wait and see.

Booking

I made this reservation on the SPG website as usual. What I wasn’t used to was the price of the room: close to $500a night, in high season. I think this is the first time I paid so much for a hotel room.

Arrival

The Element New York Times Square where I was staying the night before was located one block away, so it was obviously on foot that I arrived at the hotel. A lot of construction work surrounds the hotel and it is difficult for me to see it from a distance.

In front of the hotel, many mattresses make the entrance difficult: the property is in the middle of a renovation campaign and all the beds are changed. Very good point, despite the strange first impression.

I am immediately taken care of at the hotel reception. Sure, the lobby is small but it is not crowded with dozens of travelers

The welcome is warm and yet the check-in is done very quickly. The receptionist is very professional. Since the hotel is fully booked, no upgrade. Anyway, it’s a Four Points so I wasn’t expecting a miracle. Already, I was able to get a room with a King Size bed instead of the two Double Beds that cluttered the space.

Room

The assigned room was located on the 3rd floor of the property. Even if it is very simple, everything is there, the maintenance is perfect. You can see right away that the hotel is well kept. The only thing missing in the equipment is a safe.

The bed, which had just been changed, was very comfortable. The bedside cabinets are equipped with power and USB outlets that allow you to charge all your personal devices.

The bathroom is also functional. The sink area is a bit small, but the rest is efficient. One will regret the shampoo and shower gel dispensers, markers of the budget hotel industry.

And despite the presence of the adjoining bus station, no noise because the soundproofing is perfect.

To finish, a virtual visit in video:

Hotel facilities

The hotel does not have a lot of facilities. A gym is available in the basement. It is very basic and has only two treadmills. A little light if the hotel is full like this time. Fortunately, my very early morning routines have allowed me to use this equipment without problems

Restaurants

As for the equipment, the offer is light but nevertheless present. A tiny bar is adjacent to the lobby and offers the chain’s traditional Best Brews local beers.

A restaurant offers brasserie dishes for lunch and dinner, and a breakfast service in the morning that I had the opportunity to try.

The room is a bit impersonal, and completely blind. The service is rather good, the waiters attentive. The dishes are also good, but the choice is very limited. Acceptable value for money.

Departure

The departure formalities were done without any problem. A late check-out was granted to me when I arrived the day before, and I was able to leave the hotel shortly after 3pm

Conclusion

A simple hotel but with very solid services thanks to well-maintained rooms and a quality and well-trained staff. What more could one ask for? Oh yes, the totally prohibitive rate, even in peak season, is not acceptable for a budget hotel.