New York Marriott Downtown

The most notable characteristic of this Marriott is its location directly across the street from Ground Zero. (The hotel was closed for four months after the World Trade Center attacks, during which time it housed Red Cross personnel.) The obvious drawback is that guests must pass through the noise and chaos of the area's reconstruction -- not to mention that some may prefer not to be so continuously reminded of the 9/11 tragedy.On the other hand, the hotel has participated in the area's energetic revival process: In anticipation of the city's promise to breathe new life into Lower Manhattan, Marriott renovated all 497 guest rooms in 2008. They're spacious (particularly for New York City) and well-equipped -- and more than 70 percent of them offer superb views of New York Harbor, including the Statue of Liberty.Though the hotel's guests are mostly corporate travelers attending an event at the on-site conference facilities or doing business in the downtown Financial District, the Marriott clearly holds some appeal for leisure travelers as well. This part of Manhattan tends to be undervalued as a tourist destination, despite its proximity to the beautiful Hudson River Greenway, the ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the oldest and most historic parts of the New York City, which was once geographically limited to the small area at the island's southern tip below Wall Street.Like other chain hotels in the neighborhood -- the Millenium Hilton and the Ritz Carlton -- this Lower Manhattan Marriot is definitely less congested and can be as much as $100 cheaper than its Midtown sister property. If guests are willing to put up with a less manicured neighborhood where construction sites are the norm, they may find much to like about this historic neighborhood that is far from the frenzy of Midtown.

The Marriott downtown is directly next to the construction site on the site of the former World Trade Center. If that's not a deal-breaker, you'll find an interesting neighborhood that's in flux but rich with history and interesting tourist sites. Among other local assets, the hotel is within a 10-minute walk to the ferries that take visitors to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.This hotel is also just a few blocks away from the Hudson River Greenway, an 11-mile pedestrian route, great for a stroll, run, rollerblade, or bike ride (there's even a spot in Battery Park to rent bikes by the hour). There are plenty of lovely stops to take in the river view along the way. Just a two-block walk from the hotel, visitors may have the best view of the Statue of Liberty, short of heading to Liberty Island.The Financial District is not the place to look for bustling nightlife. There are a handful of well-known restaurants, including Delmonico's and Cipriani's on Wall Street; but restaurant-, bar-, and shop-filled TriBeCa is a short walk north.Transportation is easy enough. Visitors can catch the R, N and 1 trains at Rector Street; the 4, and 5 trains can be picked up at Wall Street. Taxis may not come around here as much as Midtown, but they are still easy enough to get. The doorman of hotel seems constantly busy hailing cabs for guests.The area is fairly empty and quiet at night -- but generally safe.

Standard rooms at this Marriott are mostly built for the business traveler, but leisure guests should find plenty to like, too. About 70 percent of the rooms have a view of the New York City harbor and are about 324 square feet -- a far cry from the usual 200 or so allotted to New York City hotel rooms. For the harbor view, guests must pay a little extra.- After Standard rooms, Studio suites are the next largest at 405 square feet and are available with a King size bed.

• Executive suites come in at 703 square feet and are available with one King size bed.
• Beds have Marriott's trademark 300-thread-count linens.
• 37-inch LG flat-screen TVs have a decent picture, and are equipped with standard basic cable package plus HBO and Movies On Demand.
• iHome docks
• Specially built power outlet in each room, which allow guests to project their laptop onto the flat-screen TV and play an MP3 or iPod through the TV.
• Bath and Body Works bath products.
• Coffeemakers are available in all rooms
• In-room Wi-Fi or wired Internet for a fee
• No minibar in the rooms, just an empty minifridge.

• 24-hour gym has treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and free weights.
• Concierge Lounge is a popular add-on feature at this hotel. For an extra fee, guests can upgrade their standard room to one with an impressive view of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty -- and also gain access to the Concierge Lounge, which serves free continental breakfast in the morning, hors d'oeuvres in the early evening, and desserts Sunday through Thursday evenings. It also features several large-screen plasma TVs, newspapers and magazines, two computers, and wireless Internet.
• Hertz car rental services can be arranged through the hotel
• 24-hour business center has several computer work stations, fax machines, printers, and copy machines. Printing and fax services are free up to 20 pages.
• Wireless Internet is available in all rooms, the lobby and conference area, and both restaurants for a daily fee.

Some families, especially those pushing kids in strollers, may want to avoid the broken-up streets and sidewalks caused by the construction going on throughout the neighborhood. That said, the waterfront park and promenade two blocks away is a great place for kids to get their energy out. And cribs and rollaway beds are available at no extra charge. Connecting rooms are also available in most room types (but not Standard rooms).Baby-sitting services are available, with 24 hours' notice, for an additional charge.

• 85 West is a sports bar and grill, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restautant features large HDTV projections.
• The hotel also have a cafe on-site, and serves coffee and pasties, as well as breakfast and lunch.
• Room service is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.