We Were There for Hurricane Sandy
The Kitano is a great hotel in a superb location. Close to Grand Central Station and The Empire State Building. Rooms are very nice and clean, with comfy beds and a good bathroom. Our room had a great view of ESB. The Restaurant is great quality, if a little pricey, but you're obviously free to eat at lower cost restaurants close by.
We arrived the day before the storm hit, and unfortunately lost power and consequently hot water, at about 8pm on Monday. Hotel management briefed guests, and provided glow lamps to help, relying on emergency generator power for essential services only. 
The hotel provided complimentary cold buffet breakfasts, and did all they could to help the guests, in spite, I'm sure of significant personal problems as a result of the storm. They were really 1st class.
We left before things returned to normal, as power had not been reconnected.
Would we return under normal circumstances?......yes, with no hesitation.