The Salisbury Sold Me.
I first visited New York in March 2010, after years of procrastination (and spending the money I was saving on other things). After a while of euphoric squeals of "Oh my God, I'm in New York!" I was able to look at my surroundings a bit more.
I enjoyed this hotel thoroughly. I was provided with a big, comfy bed, a giant TV with plenty of channels and a safe in the closet for me to put my passport in. The staff were friendly and chatty. There was a breakfast buffet as well, but depending on your booking, this may or may not be incorporated in the room price, so I advise everyone to double-check whilst booking. It costs $6 each time otherwise. It's all you can eat, but we're talking about bagels, donuts, pastries, waffles, toast and cereal with tea, coffee and juice to boot. I couldn't help but notice the paper cups plates and plastic cutlery provided. Somebody cheaped out.
As has been said, the location is good. There is also a subway station if you turn right out of the hotel. You might prefer to walk around the city taking in everything, but it's useful nonetheless. 
I would definitely stay in the hotel again. In fact, I did! I returned two years later, almost to the day. I almost picked up where I left off. The paper plates were still there during the breakfast service, though, but no complaints otherwise. 
The hotel also has a deliver-to-room service agreement with a few local restaurants - Angelo's Pizza being one of them. This is almost next door and I thoroughly recommend it, and if it's full, they've opened another down the block!
I have nothing grossly bad to say about the hotel, but I would change the following things:
-I would probably replace the individual room doors with more modern ones.
-I would refurbish the stairwell; it's currently been painted one-colour with cheapish paint. That is, if you ever actually use the stairs.
-I would upgrade the air conditioning system. The old '70s-style units are still incorporated into the windows and they protrude slightly.
-I would make the WiFi free. You have to pay for it each time you use it, so if you log-out or disconnect, you've got to start from scratch, forking over a minimum of $4 each time.
I am sure I will visit New York for a third time in the future, and I am sure I will stay here again.