So, I tried to be optimistic in my review of this hotel (because the front desk staff was so friendly and helpful). But, beyond that, this 39-room little hotel near Hell's Kitchen isn't all that precious.
Here's what shines about the Gem:
- good proximity to Times Square and other touristy hot spots
- the neighborhood is pretty safe (I went for a late-night stroll and never felt unsafe)
- rooms are standard size for NYC (about 150 sq ft) with air conditioning
- Wi-Fi is free (slow, but FREE!) and so is the cable TV
- the front entrance is inviting with a small terrace-look-alike appeal
- rooms have coffee makers with Wolfgang Puck coffee, an iron, and a desk with ample outlets to recharge all your devices
...AND HERE'S WHAT DOESN'T SHINE
- my room was dirty, plain and simple (no signs of bed bugs, though!). The bed sheets had some stains on the duvet cover and the bathroom wasn't sufficiently cleaned (found an old receipt from a previous traveler on the floor, tiles and grout in the tub were stained and looked a bit moldy, and the toilet had a dirt ring around the bowl). Thank God I always travel with Clorox wipes.
- the room was also a bit worn looking (scratched and peeling wallpaper) with loose fixtures
- the air conditioner was very noisy and ran non-stop (it did the job, though)
- the staff failed to refresh the room (i.e. clean the bathroom, restock towels, change sheets and all that jazz) during my two-night stay
- the "complimentary" toiletries were used (the seal was broken on the mouthwash and there was a lovely strand of hair stuck to it. mmm...feel the minty freshness!)
Overall, my stay wasn't awful; but it wasn't great, either. If you're seeking a safe place to sleep that's close to the tourist spots and gives you some cool air and a cup of coffee in the morning, the Gem might be right for you. If, like me, you hope for just a little more (like a clean, quiet room, with service and some nearby food options), you might try the competitor up the street.
Sorry Gem. I wanted to like my stay here; I really did.
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