Some pluses, but needs updating for the e-traveler
Floor plans vary in this historic art deco hotel that was once an apartment building for sorority sisters. We entered our bedroom through the kitchen. Perhaps for this reason, the bedroom was dead quiet, even though we could hear squealing children and conversing adults in the hallway. The furniture was solid wood, a bit old-fashioned, but the bed was exceptionally comfortable. Haven't seen a straight shower-curtain rod (instead of curved) in a decade or so. One of three elevators was not in service, so occasionally waits were long. As still happens in retro hotels, there is a daily (or weekly) charge for a not-always-speedy wi-fi. However, there was no free wi-fi in the lobby and there were nickel-and-dime changes for time and printing in the business center. I’m not sure whether to call this silly or insulting, but it is time for a change, even if the reasonable prices were raised a bit. The slightly out-of-the-way location has pluses and minuses. The 10–15 minute walk to the subway gets old, but there is a charming pocket park along the way—and the walk around the corner through Beekman Place, the pedestrian bridge across the FDR Drive, and then down and along the East River can be delightful. The view from the rooftop bar over the East River is another plus. The mediocre but not cheap food and the not-well-stocked bar (Tanquery but not Ten; Daniels, Jack but not Gentleman) means it is not very crowded. One final plus: Leaving for La Guardia, we used the hotel’s car service, quite reasonable at $40 (plus tip), and enjoyed a luxurious and comfortable ride and a thoroughly professional driver (who knew how to navigate Queens and avoid tolls).