Great Hotel and Great Location
Travelling on my own I chose the New York Palace after a recommendation by a friend and stayed here for a week over the Memorial Day holiday. Hotel was fantastic more than I had expected. The staff at reception were very nice and helpful and checkin quick and all done with a smile. Requested the use of a kettle for my stay and it was delivered to my room and had it for the duration of my holiday. All the staff I came into contact with during my stay were very welcoming and happy to help which seemed the opposite to some of the reviews of the hotel.
The rooms are big in comparision to some hotels I've stayed in in New York. Huge king size bed, a big flat screen tv, not that I watched much on it as was busy seeing the city. The bathroom was a good size and the shower was great, lots of power and hot. Loved the makeup mirror and the nice Molton Brown toiletries. Room was very clean and bed turned down every night and 2 little chocolates left to enjoy. Loved the big safe as i could keep my ipad in it along with some expensive gifts. I did not use the mini bar or any of the drinks or food on top of cabinet as I knew they would be very expensive but with a Duane Reade drugstore 2 blocks away I got water, food and some toiletries I needed. 
The lobby area was always busy with people on their laptops, ipads and phones. It was a nice area to sit in and email family & friends but why not just give you it free in your room? Did not need to use the concierge as been to NYC so many many times and know it well but heard them giving out help and information to many guests and was amazed at there knowledge.
I had a room at the back of building on 15th floor with a view out to Park Ave which was fine as only spent time in the room to bring back my shopping/gifts and to sleep. it was a very nice quiet floor. I was on the side where the large crane was for most of my week stay and I never heard any noise from the work being done neither late into the night or early morning. There was a Starbucks opposite the entrance and every morning I headed down there for breakfast of a peach melba/granola pot and muffin all for around 8 dollars and well worth it, breakfast was just too expensive to eat in the hotel.
The hotel location was perfect, Madison Ave and 50th/51st Streets and one block to 5th Ave. I had all the shops I wanted so close to hand. Plenty of places to eat all so close to hand. I found Bills Bar & Burger Bar close to the Rockefeller Centre and it was a great place to eat in. The food was fantastic, it was on 51st St just off 5th Ave.
On the day I was checking out I had a late flight and asked if there were restrooms I could use to freshen up and was told I could use the showers and facilities in the fitness and spa centre as it was all complimentary. It was great as it was a hot humid day and around 5pm I was able to shower, freshen up my hair and change into my clothes for flight home. I thought this was a nice little perk for guests. Also on that day one of the porters was a real gent (unfortunately I cannot remember his name, very tall guy late 50's early 60's) I have a joint problem with one of my elbows and he very nicely weighed my case with travel scales I'd brought with me.
The New York Palace is a great hotel and if I can get as good a room rate as I had for this holiday on the next one then I will definitely be back. I've recommended it to all my family and friends and hopefully will return next time with my hubby.