I wish I could write a better review - but hotel fails where it counts
I took a "risk" staying at this hotel, trying it over the many more familiar name brands just a few hundred yards away. This hotel has the best location around - about midpoint between Rockefeller Plaza and Times Square. The price was a good value "for where it is." But while location is important, a good night's sleep is more important.
The Good:
1. The man at the front desk was EXCELLENT. He took care of me, made me feel like a valued customer and was wonderful with his recommendations and directions which were spot on. Based only on my interaction with him, I would give this hotel the highest marks.
2. The bathroom appears to have been redone recently, and the fixtures sparkled and shined. Nice.
3. Some would rate this is a negative, but you had to hand in your key when you left the hotel and ask for it when you returned. I don't know why, but this made me feel an element of class that rose above the chain hotels with their plastic cards.
The Bad:
1. The room had no air-conditioning. None. It was a hot May day that was muggy as well. There was never relief from the heat, even at night. My only option was to sleep with the windows open. So I had heat and city noise and smells.
2. The bed felt cheap and the sheets felt worn and cheap, too.
3. The room was furnished sparingly, with the most basic of furniture. The blinds were worn and hanging unevenly. Spartan is a great way of describing it. Only the TV was new and nice. Everything else looked old and worn, and even then only the most basic, elemental of furniture.
Overall I considered this a New York adventure and took it in stride. But I could never recommend a hotel like this. I later learned some of the rooms had window units, but not all were installed for the summer yet.
If you are not too picky about furnishings and air conditioning is not a priority, then you may very well like this hotel. Its staff and location cannot be beat. Unfortunately, though, management has not given them much else to work with. Put in a decent bed, permanent AC and you have a boutique hotel that would kick butt. Until then, I cannot recommend it.