Best Hotel View of Times Square Ball Drop

Of all the New York hotels which are bunched in Manhattan, and specificially those in Times Square, which hotel has the best view of the Times Square Ball Drop on Dec 31? That would be, without any doubt, the Marriott Marquis.

You might be wondering why I'm writing this on Dec 31? Well, that's because the suites at the hotel which offer the best views of Times Square are booked solid a year in advance, and sometimes even more than that. So if you want to have any chance of being in a perfect location to see the Ball Drop without being engulfed by a sea of humanity and stuck on the streets of New York for well over half a day, then you have to book now for 2010, or for 2011.

So, what's the dope on the Marquis? Well, in their own words, "The Marriott Marquis sparkles with updated hotel rooms, high-speed elevators and six hotel restaurants and lounges. With area attractions such as Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, NBC Studios and Central Park just minutes away, a stay at this New York City hotel ensures that entertainment is just around the corner."

Plus, they have a 4000 sq ft fitness center overlooking Times Square. And what about those rooms with a view? In addition to wired internet inside the rooms and wirless in public areas, the rooms at the Marriott Marquis are equipped with a coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and bathroom amenities, cable TV with pay per view movies, down comforters, custom duvets, cotton-rich linens, a pull-out sofa bed, rollaway bed and safe.

Info: 1535 Broadway New York NY 10036; (212) 398-1900; Web site.