The Westin New York Grand Central Rating: 3.5 Pearls

Midtown East, Manhattan, New York City

The Westin Grand Central has come a long way since its rebranding. The Helmsley -- which is what the hotel was called before Starwood hotels bought it in 2011 -- was a classic property that had transitioned fairly well into the 21st century, with up-to-date technology and solid amenities. However, after the rebranding the hotel looks much more contemporary and fresh (gone are the floral prints and the golden picture frames above the bed), and will probably appeal to a wider variety of visitors.

The hotel’s location, between the UN headquarters and Grand Central, might make it feel more convenient for business travelers than for tourists, but it's still near a few major attractions and multiple subway lines, making it suited for leisure travelers as well.

The vibe here is probably more business-oriented than family-friendly, with a restaurant that turns into a hopping bar with DJ sessions at night; over 12,000 square feet of meeting space, and a wonderful fitness center. However, some room configurations are also convenient for travelers with kids, and proximity to public transportation makes it a good pick for those with children in tow.

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The Westin is on 42nd Street, probably the most famous east-west road in Manhattan. It’s two blocks from Grand Central, just over a block from the Chrysler Building, and the UN headquarters are just down the street. Some other attractions, including the New York Public Library and Bryant Park, are within walking distance, and popular sights and restaurants in Midtown West are a quick subway ride away.

• 25-minute drive to LaGuardia Airport
• 40-minute drive to John F. Kennedy Airport
• 45-minute drive to Newark Airport
• 2-minute walk to the Chrysler Building
• 5-minute walk to the United Nations Headquarters
• 5-minute walk to Grand Central and 5 subway lines
• 8-minute walk to Bryant Park and the New York Public Library
• 16-minute walk to Times Square
• 16-minute walk to Rockefeller Center
• 17-minute walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• 10-minute subway ride to Central Park
• 14-minute subway ride to SoHo
• 18-minute subway ride to Lincoln Center
• 20-minute subway ride to the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rooms at the Westin are larger than at the average New York hotel, and can fit at least a small sitting area and a work desk. Unlike many hotel rooms, all units here have large windows and let in a good amount of light, especially those with a north orientation, which also have views of the Chrysler Building. Decor is contemporary (if a bit bland), with large wood headboards, a neutral color scheme, and artwork of pretty New York scenes on the walls. All rooms have a few eco-friendly touches, including LED lights, Greenguard-certified solar shades, and water-conserving plumbing. Bathrooms have either a sleek glass-enclosed shower or a shower/tub combo, both with rain showerheads.

The only difference between Traditional Rooms and Deluxe Rooms is the floor they’re on. While Traditional Rooms are on floors six through 22, Deluxe Rooms are located on floors 23 and up. Both room types come either with two doubles or a king bed.

• Westin’s Heavenly beds with 200-thread count linens
• 42-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels
• iPod docks
• White Tea hotel-brand toiletries
• Fee for Wi-Fi
• Coffeemakers with free Starbucks coffee
• Minibars with drinks and a nice selection of snacks
• Reading lights on headboards
• Suites have separate showers and soaking tubs.
• Accessible rooms available

The LCL is a contemporary restaurant open for all three meals. In the mornings, it serves breakfast consisting of pastries from local bakeries, organic juices, and Stumptown coffee. For lunch and dinner, the menu is prepared with organic, locally sourced ingredients and fresh produce.

At night, The LCL turns into a hopping bar (one of the few in the area), with a great list of cocktails and DJ sessions.

The Westin has an outstanding fitness center with a wide variety of high-end machines, ranging from treadmills to professional strength-training equipment. All machines have individual TVs screens, and there are several flat-screen TVs on the gym’s walls.

• Chilled towels, free bottled water, and apples available
• Custom running maps for self-guided jogs and walks
• Natural light

• Fee for Wi-Fi
• Fee for valet parking
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour business center
• Custom running maps for self-guided jogs
• Pets under 40 pounds are welcome for a one-time, non-refundable fee

• Over 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space; largest room is 4,220 square feet
• Natural light in most rooms
• High-tech equipment, including projectors and audiovisual gear
• Catering and banquet services available
• Customized service through events planner

• Water-conserving plumbing throughout
• Eco-friendly LED lights in all rooms
• Greenguard-certified solar shades
• Water pitchers instead of bottled water in all meeting rooms (reduced plastic bottled water available upon request)