Stranded here during hurricane Sandy; average to good hotel, mostly pleasant staff, good location
I have been staying in the Crowne Plaza hotel nearly a week as a four day trip got extended due to hurricane Sandy. There are pros and cons to the hotel, some of which may not be representative of normal operations because of the very stressful circumstances everyone in New York has been under. First of all, I called the hotel prior to my arrival because I realized I had booked under a higher rate than the conference rate associated with the stay. None of the people I spoke with could help with and I was told no one could assist me until Monday. By the time Monday rolled around, the weather had deteriorated to a point that all flights were cancelled and my stay has been extended. Because the transit was shut down, the services in the hotel were very limited; but they managed to empty trash, provide clean towels and buffet service in the restaurant, which really serves pretty tasty food and has friendly staff. When my flights were cancelled, I have extended my stay, which required negotiations with the registration agent regarding the rates, which has been different each night. I overheard the agent next to her telling another patron that everyone was being charged the same rate under the circumstances, and then quoting the rate, which was significantly lower than what she was attempting to charge me. I brought this to her attention, and she went to an office for about five minutes, came back and told me that the agent next to her was wrong, but that because he said that she would give me the reduced rate, but that I would have to come back and renegotiate if my stay was extended another night.
The room is nice sized for Manhattan, and nicely equipped, but could use some updating. For example, there was some faint traces of graffiti on the bathroom wall above a picture, and a slight amount of rust stains in the tub area. Because the room is handicap access, I could not lean back in the tub. However, there is a nice desk for working (this has become my office away from home), plenty of good lighting and a FABULOUS view from the 41st floor of the Hudson River ( I did a lot of storm watching from here). The bed is king size and comfortable, but they really need to invest in some better pillows; as these have cheap foam filling. 
Things beyond the control of the hotel that have not gone well include having no hot water as a result of the storm. Quite a bummer to be stuck here without a hot bath! However, I know that some of the employees have also not been able to go home for several days now.
The location is very close to Times Square and all the Broadway shows, many restaurants and attractions. I would say it is a very good location if you don't mind the hustle and bustle that go along with this area. Be prepared to bring some ear plugs, however, even from the 41st floor before the storm hit the sirens, elevator and people sounds can interfere with sleep.