Its all about the location!
This is a basic hotel in an amazing location at the right price. We stayed 3 nights on MLK weekend a fantastic price of about $150 night including taxes for an advance purchase. The property itself is a bit tired looking, the lobby is cramped and crowded, but our room on the 4th floor was renovated and clean. The room was small, but not shockingly so. The bed was comfortable and the flat screen a nice touch. The walls are thin, and hallway and adjoining room noise can be a bit much at times, but earplugs took care of that for sleeping. The breakfast was typical contintental fare and the breakfast room was VERY crowded all 3 days we stayed, but we just piled up our plates and took it back to our room. The thing that makes this hotel a great place to stay is the location. Especially in frigid January! Just a short walk to awesome shops and restaraunts in Hells Kitchen or all the glitz and lights of the Theater District and Times Square. The subway stop is just a block away. I'd trade location for a swanky lobby any day. If the price is right, this hotel is an excellent option.