Two special people came to town this past week and reserved a suite at the Marriott Marquis at 1535 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets marriottmarquistimessquare.com . I stayed with them for four nights. For a huge place it was quite nice. The operation of the elevators had most first-time guests baffled. You’ll see when you stay there. We ordered room service three nights in a row as one of the guests was not feeling well. Room service turned out palatable food and the service was very good. Well, they messed up a bit the first night, but it’s to their credit that they went above and beyond thereafter. In the morning, Starbucks coffee situated on the 8th floor was okay-not bitter and acidic as in most of the cafes around Manhattan. People have been complaining of the taste for a long time. When Starbucks first started its operations in Manhattan they put out a fine cup of coffee. Things have changed. Back to the Marriott. The employees are pleasant and helpful. Bringing your car? No Problem. Parking at the Marriott is orderly and easy. Saturday nights are chaotic in the lobby and other public areas. But, heck, crowds is what Times Square is about. That neighborhood is people to people, more so on a weekend, with theatres, restaurants, cinemas, and stores galore, and, of course, there’s the staggering number of neon signs.
For a somewhat quieter experience, head north then east to 57 East 57th Street. The Four Seasons Hotel is there fourseasons.com/newyorkfs/ . Feet tired? Reserve a place with Irina for a wonderful pedicure. Or, have yourself a drink of something delicious, special, refreshing, and a bite to eat at the lovely,quiet dining area-a few steps up to the left of the lobby as you enter.
Perhaps you’ll want to eat at Rock Center Cafe, Rockefeller Center, 20 West 50th Street, Ph: 212-332-7620 rockcentercafeny.com/ . Summer is coming, sit outside under a colorful umbrella. It’s charming. Join the rest of the tourists from many parts of the world enjoying being in a famous setting, eating a big, juicy hamburger, or penne with red sauce, salmon, or a chicken wrap. As you look at the menu trying to decide on what you want, you’ll notice all those mouth-watering desserts passing by. That means during your meal you’ll be thinking, should I or shouldn’t I?
In the mood for some excellent seafood or a big juicy steak? Two places located at Sixth Avenue could be calling to you. McCormick&Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant at 1285 Avenue of the Americas, phone: 212.459.1222, mccormickandschmicks.com , and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, ph: 212.575.5129, delfriscos.com/newyork/, could be the pefect way to end the day. If you don’t want to stay for a full meal, hope that there’s seating in the bar area where you can have a light meal and go on your way.
Whatever you do, enjoy it all!