great location, not so friendly!
first of all, let me say that First impressions are Lasting ones!
I booked my stay at the Excelsior through Hotwire and while I realized that I would only be guaranteed the number of beds required for the party, I was not aware that I prepaid for the smallest, twin room size. I asked about the room size and was told that that was the arrangement th hotel had with Hotwire. The hotel was not at ll to capacity. The overall attitude and unpleasantness of the front desk staff did not stop there. Each time I had an inquiry or issue, I was met with no smiles, and an overall sense of coldness. Once at night, I asked the front rest man on duty for a decent restraunts to use for delivery, it was about 9 pm. Th concierge was not there. He told m to ck back tomorrow and the concierge would help me. 
On a good note, the housekeeping staff and the bellman were all very very nice. The room was so clean and we did have a nice view!
 I loved this location. This was my 5 th trip to NYC and first time to stay in the Upper West.
My daughter and I felt so safe and loved walking the neighborhoods and bfast at Zabars!!!!!