New York
I think everyone working at the hotel is Russian, and they didn't seem happy about being there so you won't find many cheerful smiles and sunny dispositions although they did warm up after a couple of days. My room seemed larger because a very small double bed allowed plenty of walking space either side of the mattress. I was there on my own so it was big enough for a single but I don't think an average-sized couple would be too comfortable. If you're into high threadcount bed linens, you won't like the St.James sheets: they're some sort of fleecy manmade fiber that clings and are clean but well worn. The bathroom was fine and the plumbing worked, the couple next door could be heard through the walls, the elevators are very slow so you have to keep in mind that the great thing about this hotel is the price for the location: I've stayed at several of the other 42nd/43rd/44th/45th street hotels on the west side and the St.James is one of the best if you just want somewhere to sleep. There's a good-sized lobby to meet people, but it's not a business hotel, which becomes obvious if you ask about the internet - it's free but is not password-protected and even the receptionist will admit that it's totally insecure. When I got to my room and opened the wifi connection, software protection warnings started going off like crazy. So you just go to Starbucks 50 yards away if you want to keep your computer to yourself. Hotel staff were working on a lounge at the back of the lobby while I was staying and it seemed like there were computers being installed, so maybe it will improve, but right now the St. James wifi is hacker heaven. All in all, if you keep your expectations under control and remember that this is a cheap hotel in a great location, you won't be disappointed and you might even be impressed.