Don't stay here if you want space, luxury, or a good night's sleep
When the taxi dropped us off outside the entrance to this hotel, in what looked like a pretty run-down area of Manhattan, I thought he'd tricked us. There's no branding or signage anywhere, just two lime-green lit escalators up. We thought we'd try our luck, and were met at the top by a magical looking room, filled with fake ivy and dark wood, which forms the hotel reception. Clever, I thought, it's one of those 'trendy' places. The warm cider on arrival was very welcome. 
I just about managed to find my way to the lift despite the ridiculous low lighting, and once up in the corridors, it doesn't brighten up. It's a bit like being in some kind of seedy apartment block, all the doors are luminous green. Once in my room, I had to laugh at what they've got away with. It's literally just about the size of the double bed itself, and a very squeezed en suite. I could barely sit on the toilet, the wall was so close in front of me. 
That said, it had all the mod cons, huge LG HD TV, comfortable bed, good water pressure, and free wi-fi, (something I've discovered is relatively hard to come by in US hotels). I'm so glad I brought ear plugs. My room was over the bar area and the noise was unbearable. On top of that, the clanking pipes made me feel like I was sleeping in a factory all night. I've tried to understand what they're doing, but I just can't see why anyone would stay here, it's not luxurious, it's not quiet, and it's not a nice experience.