Clean modern boutique hotel in excellent location
This was my first trip to NYC and based my selection of this hotel on other reviews so I will try and give some different perspectives on the hotel and provide some of my views on some of the earlier comments.
Firstly the location - the hotel is situated between Time Square and Hells Kitchen and was ideal for us as first time visitors to get around. The subway was a 5 minute walk and Time Square about 10. The area is out of the main 'tourist trap' of Time Square but close enough to be in the tick of it if thats what you seek! Regarding any concerns about safety, the hotel is behind the Port Authority bus station and is in a busy but not hectic area - you are not secluded at any point. It is quite safe to walk around late at night around the hotel even if this is not exactly 5th Avenue or the Upper West Side.
The room - now I've seen several reviews say the rooms are smaller than expected. I was at the front of the hotel and found the room to exceed my expectations. The room as fantastic - spacious, modern and clean. In fact the only time I have had a bigger room in a city hotel are those to be found in south or south east Asia where your money gets more. I've stayed in hotels in the UK which were half the size of this room and more expensive. There was a coffee machine in the room, a safe, dressing gowns etc etc. I was very impressed. The hotel is not large by any standard but makes up for it in substance.
The staff were excellent - its been said before but they were helpful, pleasant and without being over the top. They were just very professional and knowledgable especially when I couldn't figure the best way to get back to JFK and manage the cab system!
A couple of tips for the first timer which we wished we had known before wandering around Manhattan for two days trying to explore eating options outside of the hotel (which I didn't try only in that I make a habit of eating locally). If you don't know where to start - just turn left out of the hotel and walk 100 metres to 9th Avenue and turn right - you will be spoilt for choice for food in Hells Kitchen. We avoided Time Square and the tourist snare!
In essence this is a good value, top quality hotel in a fantastic location for the mid range visitor. I will be visiting here again. Thank you to all of the staff.