A regular customer but this time problems
I'm a regular Affinia 50 customer, having stayed there when I have come to NYC for business since 2008. It's difficult to find a hotel you really like across the boards in Manhattan, and I have consistently been really happy with the 50 since 2008. I come to NYC for conferences and meetings annually and have really felt like the 50 has been a great "home" for me while in NYC. So I don't write this review without some struggle. Was just there for 4 nights for my January meetings, and this time something so unusual occurred that I had to write about it. I have never had a "bad" bed here before, in fact, having stayed at Affinia Chicago and at Affinia Shelbourne in Murray Hill in Manhattan, I have been consistently delighted with how comfortable the beds are in fact. This time, room 1401. Yikes. I usually get a junior suite, but got the one-bedroom suite because of being in NYC for less time. Usually am there for 8 nights and book the junior suite because I can spread out, work, entertain colleagues in the room etc. I checked in very late at night, and found my bed to be broken, ie one of the middle legs was broken or gone. Also the mattress was awful! Old and worn. I had a difficult nights sleep because I was so tired from my flight I wanted to go straight to bed and decided to talk to the front desk in the morning to move rooms. Next morning I explained my plight, staff informed me there were no rooms to move to, they were sold out but could move me the next day. I asked what they could do: they had engineering come and fix the broken part, and offered to put a board under the mattress, after I asked if they could provide a new mattress. They couldn't. I agreed to a board. Another mediocre nights sleep and I went to desk to see if a room was available as they had said. Sold out still, and couldn't fulfill promise. Now, I love this hotel, it has good memories for me, great location for my meetings, Rome always remembers my name, always have been a great guest and they in turn have been great hosts. When I asked what happened to the room they promised to move me to, the desk clerk said "maybe a new room tomorrow." He said I had a great room, and I could risk encountering something else I wouldn't be happy about in a new room. Weary of it all, I complied and stayed in the room. Two massages later my back is still out of whack. I don't like to be a demanding or difficult guest, so I cop to the fact that I just gave in - mostly because I really love this hotel and decided to cut them some slack. I'm not a fan of TripAdvisor tirades, nor am I super picky. But I found it odd upon reflection that something more couldn't be done about the bed or mattress. It's not a 2 star hotel, it's a 4 star. I write this with ambivalence because as I have said, there are so many nice staff people, and the hotel, while not shiny new and high end, is a very very good deal and in a great location. I found myself with fantasies of maybe things are slipping there. There was less door person presence - it was spotty. Rome was very sweet and welcoming, as was the warm night staff woman who checked me in, she was really great and welcoming and made my check out quick and easy as I was rushing to the airport. I have a conference in March, would like to book the Affinia 50, but for the first time, I am looking at other boutique hotels, sadly. I guess I can't get over the bed thing. It was so odd. Have never had anything like this happen there before, and certainly not a crappy mattress. I submitted the feedback survey they requested I fill out. I wasn't a shrew about it. I just hope management could check the beds!! Yikes. The room was great, quiet, as always. Repeat: I want to love this place as I always have!! Sad to write this. Make sure you check your bed when you get into the room!