HotelChatter

The biggest difference between this Element and the others is the room size. The rooms here--both the standard and studio options--are much smaller than the ones in Vegas and probably smaller than the other Element hotels which are often found in secondary and tertiary markets across the U.S. and hence have more room to go around.

So while this Element is the first one to open in a major market (and NYC no less!) if you've stayed at other Elements elsewhere, just be prepared to come down in size a bit.

Yet both the standard and the studio suite rooms have king-sized beds and full kitchens complete with a microwave, a small stovetop, flatware, cookware and a large refrigerator. Need groceries? Just order delivery from the grocery service, FreshDirect or really, any other place in the city.

All the products inside the rooms are green and eco-friendly from the toiletry dispensers in the showers to the recycled paper towels, the Seventh Generation dishsoap and even to the "Vacation" function on the refrigerator which you can activate when you're out of the room to conserve energy.

The studio rooms come with more space in the form of a small sitting area which allows you to have guests over or provides a new place for you to stare out at western Manhattan (including sister hotel, The Westin Times Square.) But we kinda like the coziness of the standard rooms. Literally, you can fall out of bed and start making some eggs. And the view of the Empire State building is not bad either!

So while the rooms are sure to comfort you, the prices are not quite as soothing. The hotel is still offering an introductory $199 room rate but not for much longer. We were able to find a room next week, mid-week for $199, but all other weekend rates are much higher at $359 a night.

True, you are getting a lot for the money--like the free WiFi, breakfast and your own kitchen--but there are far more affordable hotels in and around Times Square if you're on a tight budget. Will they smell as nice as Element? Probably not. But that's the risk you take.

Stay tuned tomorrow when we show you around the public spaces at Element Times Square, including those plug panels in the tables downstairs as well as a sneak peek at their rooftop!