Could be so much better
The Hudson Hotel in NYC looks so good - but the reality is that it is badly let (and lit) down in comparison to other boutique hotels I've stayed at.
Firstly though, the one big compliment. With the exception of a doorman who I found to be rude (not to me but to the taxis of NYC which didn't ensure a smooth ride anywhere!) the staff were very good. From reception, to the breakfast guys to security and cleaners - though they did try to get in three times whilst I was either trying to go to the loo or shower. Thankfully the room is so small you can stop access pretty quickly!
However, the problem is there are more downsides then ups. Aside from breakfast (which I'll come on to later), there was absolutely no food available in the hotel aside from vending machines on each floor. The one or ours appeared to be turned off, and the drinks one took my three dollars and wouldn't give it back when it eventually said there was no drinks available. You couldn't even get a cup of coffee or a cup or tea - no in-room facilities - at the very least, you should be able to get a warm drink!
Breakfast was very over-priced for what it was - and unfortunately, a booking error meant that we ended up paying for this (not The Hudson's error admittedly). The food is served in the library on the pool table and constists of fruit, yoghurt, hard-boiled eggs, bread rolls and a few pastries. One of which, is discovered far too late, appeared to be date and walnut! It didn't make for a comfortable return home to Heathrow I can assure you.
Back to the rooms and both me and my parents had problems with them. Mum and Dad had to change rooms after it was discovered to be impossible to open the cupboards as the builders had put the door on the wrong side of the cupboards making them inoperable. They didn't have a fridge either (which wasn't on anyway when you got one), so they changed rooms. The rooms are tiny - from the bed I was able to touch both walls without too much difficulty. When you add cases, ironing boards and such like there isn't a lot of room to play with. From the bed you can see right through to the bathroom via the shower - might be nice with the right people, but do you really want to see someone else sitting on the toilet? Not a particularly nice thought!
I had a problem with my safe - quickly sorted admittedly - while our tv's both needed attention. In the end it became quicker to deal with it ourselves but should guests really have to unplug and then plug their tv's back in when they return at night?
The rooms were noisy with the city life below which can't be helped - but the heavy doors were also very easily slammed. When you living that close to each other, you can hear it very quickly. Indeed, my mother suggested that she'd always wanted to know how it felt like to be in prison.....well, now she knew.
In short, with a little bit more love and attention, The Hudson could be a very good boutique hotel, ideally situated near the subway and Central Park on Colombus Circle. At present though, it fails to hit the mark on far too many targets. If you're claustrophobic in any way - don't even bother.