Expected a Bit More from Flatiron Hotel
Had a one night stay at the Flatiron Hotel, a boutique style hotel in New York City. The address on 26th St, close to 5th Avenue, was its best asset as far as I was concerned. It was close to where I needed to be as the next day my daughter's final fitting at Kleinfeld's bridal was within easy walking distance. Madison Square Park, Shake Shack, and Eataly nearby which I like. I thought the hotel was good but not great for these reasons: upon walking into the hotel for check-in after 9:30 pm, the ground floor entrance was interesting, especially the exotic round cylinder fish tank running up the middle of the room. However, the band playing in the lounge which is open to the check-in area, was absolutely blasting, so unnecessarily loud. We felt bad for the clerk who must have hearing loss by this time. Thankfully, check-in was so quick we got our room keys and quickly got out of there. Security while traveling is important to me, so I was disappointed that anyone could enter the elevators and go up to our floor without restriction. Our room was practically across the elevator and the hallway was quite narrow in favor of a rather large size room (two queen beds in this room) with very high tray ceilings and ornate crown molding. The beds, while stylishly decorated, especially the headboards with decorative curtains on either side, were not as comfortable as I've had for the price and the mattresses were hard, but some like it that way. Nice pillow selection and nice sheets. The beds were platform beds with drawers for storage, so I promptly banged my leg on the corner of the platform. The rest of the furniture in the room, in my opinion, was cheap looking, nothing special. I'm used to minibars, but this one the clerk actually warned us about it upon check-in saying that you only have 20 seconds and if the sensor picks up that something is not in its place, you're getting charged. That includes a sensor for dry snacks on top which look like they're in an ordinary tray - they're not. Needless to say, didn't touch either. One cup at a time coffee maker, lousy coffee. There's a Starbucks a stone's throw from the hotel, much better. There is a restaurant which I assume serves meals in the same location that becomes the lounge for entertainment in the evenings. I didn't have any meals there. The little extras that did not impress me was a TV in the mirror of the bathroom (you had to shut the door to get in front of the sink) so the only time you might want to watch it is while washing you face, etc. since you can't see it unless you are standing right in front of it. The shower was very nice with a large rainshower head, optional jets for lower body, plenty of towels, etc. but no where to hang them except one hook on the back of the door. Toilet small, very low. Air conditioning very good. Robes in wardrobe closet. Lighted buttons for do not disturb or to request housekeep. Very large windows running the width of the room with motorized curtains. Free wifi and nice large LG flat screen TV on the wall. Clean room, but definitely wouldn't say immaculate. Seems like a lot of stuff that might appeal to some, but when it came down to it, I decided I'll stay somewhere different next time.