Underwhelming
There are some serious issues with this place. But let's start with the positives: it is in a good location in central NYC within walking distance of Broadway/Time Square. Most of the staff (excluding the restaurant) are helpful. The gym is OK, if a bit on the small side.
Other than that I found the Benjamin to be disappointingly below par. Upon arrival my bags were seized by a porter without my knowledge which meant the inevitable tip was payable in order to avoid offence (sorry to US readers, I'm English and spell "offence" with a "c") being caused. If he'd taken the bags to my room I wouldn't have minded. Check-in was delayed because none of the rooms were ready even though it was past 3pm. The room itself was tiny, and had a lousy view despite the fact that I had asked for a large room. They did change my room the following day. There are only 2 lifts, sorry: elevators, for a 26 story building so you have to wait ages to move around the building. It's supposed to be a non-smoking hotel but the 14th floor, where I was, reeked of cigarette smoke. The internet is expensive, although free in the lobby. I was charged $7 for what I assumed was a complimentary (and very small) bottle of water next to the bed. The restaurant (The National) is too crowded with tables so close together that personal space is non-existent. The restaurant staff were disinterested and didn't listen to me. I asked for Eggs Benedict without sauerkraut and got Eggs Benedict with sauerkraut. I sent it back. Instead of making it again, they removed (most of) the sauerkraut and returned it by which time it was cold and disgusting (and still had shreds of sauerkraut in it).
I won't be staying there again. The Waldorf Astoria is just around the corner and is better value for money in my opinion even though it's a little past its prime.