How to cope in a crisis.....
This is my first Tripadvisor review and I felt compelled to write after our experience staying at The Sohotel. Our flight to NYC was booked for Thursday 1 November. As you all know, Hurricane Sandy hit NYC on Monday 29 October. Having booked the flight and hotel independently, and as the power went down in Lower Manhattan, we had no way of contacting the hotel to establish whether they were still open for business. From a Holiday Insurance persepctive, as our flight wasn't cancelled, we had no option but to fly out and take a chance on whether the hotel was open and if not, see what we could find out in NYC. 
When we arrived, the power was still on but the Sohotel were still open. We were met at the door and our bags carried up the steps and we were quickly checked in by staff working by candle and torchlight, and shown to our room. We were also advised where we could find hot drinks and food. It has to be said, seeing the reality of the situation in Lower Manhattan left us a bit shell-shocked and (looking back, I think we were a bit hasty and unreasonable) we asked the staff whether, if we were to find alternative accomodation in Mid Town, we could check out and get a refund.
Again, the staff were very helpful and accomodating, assuring us this wouldn't be a problem but suggesting we stay there that night before rushing into a decision. Advice which proved to be very sound indeed as we struggled to find anything up in Mid Town, what with the effects of the hurricane AND the NYC Marathon taking place. 
That first night, without power, was perfectly fine as the bed was very warm and comfortable. They even offered to move us to a quieter room as someone outside was running a generator, which we declined. Luckily for us, the power came on the next day and the hotel was back up and running and for the remainder of our stay, we were perfectly happy with everything the hotel had to offer.
Whilst it is true the hotel is not up to 4 Star standard, it doesn't claim to be. Yes our room and the bathroom was small, but it was clean and cleaned everyday, it was modern and the facilities were perfectly adequate for our needs. Yes, there was some noise from the street, but it is New York. For the price you will pay to stay at this hotel, I believe it represents excellent value for money. And for us, the location cannot be beat. If, like us, for your the heart of New York is Greenwich Village/East Village/West Village/Little Italy/Chinatown, all this is on your doorstep, no more than 20 minutes walk away.
I really cannot praise the staff enough. Throughout what must have been a very trying time, they remained professional and helpful and courteous at all times, and helped turn what could have been a disaster into a holiday to remember.