An Ideal Base whilst in New York
I recently went to New York for a 3 night girlie shopping and sightseeing trip (1st-4th Oct 2012). We were recommended the Hotel Pennsylvania and went ahead and booked it from this recommendation alone. Afterwards when we read the reviews on here we did have some concerns however the experience we had was a lot better than that of others.
We got the train from Newark Airport straight to Penn St Station which is directly opposite the hotel so very easy and stress free and only cost $12.50 each, much cheaper than a taxi and quicker. The journey time was only 28 minutes.
We arrived at the hotel at around 9pm on a Monday evening and we only had to wait about 20 minutes to check in. Our room was basic, which we expected as it is a 2 star hotel however the room was very clean and the beds were really comfortable. We had maid service everyday and they changed our towels and sheets each day. We asked for some extra blankets on our second night and they were brought up straight away. Everything in our room worked, we had no maintenance issues during our stay.
The only negative was the bathroom as it was a bit shabby, with some cracked enamel on the bathtub, watermarks around plughole and old tiling however everything worked and the shower was lovely and hot.
We were out pretty much all day every day of our trip so this hotel was just a base for us, so it was perfect for our needs. If you are looking to stay longer than 3 nights and are planning to spend long periods of time in your room then this hotel may not be for you but if you are out enjoying the city and just want a comfy bed and hot shower then it is ideal.
The hotel has a luggage room in the basement and can store your bags for you on the day of your departure. We did this and they charge $4 per bag, the luggage room has an attendant there at all times. You buy a ticket at reception.
The location of this hotel is great, you can walk to Times Square and all the Theatres. Madison Sq Garden is opposite the hotel and there are Sightseeing Bus tour guides outside the hotel everyday. Macy's department store is one block away and if you take you passport to the visitor centre they give you a discount card that takes the tax off your purchases for non US citizens. The Empire State building is only a couple blocks away. 
The tour desk lady in the hotel recommended a great nail spa located just behind the hotel where we had a lovely pedicure and massage which was just what we needed after all the walking and shopping we had done. There are loads of small eateries located near the hotel and I would highly recommend going to the Olive Garden restaurant in Times Square, 47th & 7th Ave ask for a table upstairs next to the window so you can look out at all the flashing billboards and people watch the crowds below. This restaurant is opposite the ticket booths in Times Square where you can buy discounted show tickets.
We payed £160 per night (£80 each) and for this price we were very happy with this hotel due to its location and overall comfort.