The case of the Hungry Housekeeper
I stayed at the Setai during the first weekend of October for three nights. I was really excited about staying at this five star hotel that has received many great reviews. Our last stay was at Sofitel, and I absolutely loved the service (held your bags, doorman became my friend, gorgeous suite)- Sofitel clearly understands five-star service. The Setai, in my standards, could not deliver when it came to friendly service and hospitality. The concierage did not go out of their way, and the doormen acted more like security guards. The only employee in Setai that actually knew the meaning of real quality five-star service was Brett. Thank you, Brett :) The rest should learn from him!
Here is a breakdown of the Positives and Negatives:
- gave us a room right away as soon as we landed, so easy early check in
- became obsessed with the espresso machine! But, housekeeper was so cheap on providing extra pods
- good location if you are into midtown/Times Square, personally, next time we want to be closer to Central Park 
- Gym had good equipment, but dark paint on walls and no windows may be a hard environment for some to work out in, and what's up with the old, bruised fruit?
- the room service was nice and quick (Sheniqua was a friendly voice on the other end)
- free shoe shine and ironing
- even though I was not happy with the hotel, the room itself was great. Our deluxe king room and bathroom was spacious and nice
- mini-fridge
- hotel car, if you can get it, is a maserati
- be careful, since the location is right on fifth ave, lower level room occupants might be able to hear the busy street, we were on floor 15, but I could still hear the hustle and bustle outside from the bathroom only not the room
******* Oh, the icing on the cake, the housekeeper threw away my take-out twice! The first time, grrr, I let it go, but then the next day, my Mario Batali pizza that was not even placed near a garbage was also "cleaned up". The manager was non-chalent and unapologetic. 
*** I do not mind paying good money for good service, heck I stay at five-stars to receive it, but Setai was a huge disappointment. Not worth it! 
To end on a positive note, make sure you have drinks at the Manadarin one night to enjoy the million dollar view, I love u NYC!