It's astounding this is a Starwood property
Had to be in NYC for a couple days for a meeting, and to meet up with a friend who was in NYC for the summer. Booked the Manhattan because I'm Starwood loyal, and the price (a bit over $200 per night) was reasonable for the area. Perhaps it was the heat and humidity of NYC (mid-90s) when I was there, but I couldn't believe this hotel was part of Starwood. Where do I start?
First, the small entrance lobby was quite shabby-looking and crowded with people. While check-in staff were very friendly and accommodating, the feeling I got was that I was in a Holiday Inn based on the decor and the crowds. It was definitely not a Starwood-level comfort and ambiance. The lobby restaurant was closed every time I came through, and it reminded me of a roadside diner. Second, the hallways on my floor exuded the same shabbiness. Worn-out paint and peeling wallpaper (in the corner).
Third, the room needed some work. While functional, the room had a worn-out sense about it. It was dark, and the old in-wall air conditioner rattled and looked like it had been painted over a couple times. Outlets (to re-charge my phone or my laptop) were on the wall near the ground. Fourth, the bathroom was quite small and also worn out. Cracks in the tiles, a loose toilet and yellow aging in the grout. Fifth, the in-wall air conditioner could never cool the room properly.
I've been a bit harsh here, but I have certain expectations of a Starwood property. I knew this wasn't a Westin, but I knew this had been a former Sheraton. Even at Sheraton, I know what minimum level of comfort and accommodations to expect. Perhaps I should have paid attention to the fact it was a former Sheraton. While the front desk staff were all universally friendly and more than helpful, for the price I paid (and yes, I know NYC is notoriously expensive), I expected a bit more from the physical plant itself. 
My conclusion: Starwood should be slightly embarrassed this hotel is listed as one of their properties. I can't say I'd come back--I'd probably pay a bit more and stay at the new Sheraton a block away.
P.S. Went to visit the Statue of Liberty for the first time in decades on this trip. Book your boat ticket a day or two ahead of time. Make sure to reserve the first boat of the day as it will give you a nice, quiet (uncrowded) Liberty Island. (Note: the Statute of Liberty itself was closed for renovations when I went). Then, after walking around the island admiring the raw emotional power of the statue, head over to Ellis Island. I had never been to Ellis Island before, and taking the self-guided tour through the immigration hall was a moving experience.