We will return.... BUT
My husband and I just returned from a stay at the Emprie Hotel in NYC. We were going to three operas at Lincoln Center and the location cannot be beat. There are plenty of excellent restaurants in the area so we were within walking distance most of the time. 
Our room was very large. We were not expecting that after reading all the reviews to the contrary. And the maid service was prompt and thorough. We had windows overlooking Lincoln Center. So what do we have to complain about....
Reception. We arrived about 11:00 and were told that our room was not ready. There WAS a room on a smoking floor if we would like that. We said that we would wait. We went to eat lunch at the restaurant next door. When we came back we were told that the room was not ready yet. We waited in the lobby until about 2:45. Someone came and told us that our room was finally ready and we were thrilled to be able to get in and unpack right away. It was only AFTER we had unpacked our bags that my husband noticed that there was an ashtray and Empire Hotel matches on the desk. And we began to realize that the room was actually on the smoking floor! Thankfully the room had been cleaned very well and did not have that "smoking floor" odor. The hallway had been a bit "musty" but we had been so anxious to get to our room that we hadn't paid much attention. We had been kept waiting in the lobby for almost 4 hours and then were given the room we had turned down when we first arrived! The manager offered little when I called to complain. We stayed in the room... but feel that the hotel treated us shamefully. If only they could get their act together I would give them more points....