We booked this hotel as part of a package holiday and found it excellent. The room was small (as are the towels I have to say :)) but who goes to New York and stays in their room? The room was very clean and the beds were very comfy. We didn't find it noisy at all. The staff are wonderful - they even ordered a chinese for us to eat in our room! The breakfast is fabulous - we were there for four days and there was a different hot option each day - we didn't need to eat till well into the afternoon. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate available 24/7 - wi-fi and computer access to print off those all important passes to some of the attractions (9/11 Memorial is free but you need a pass). Nearest subway very close (two mins walk) and cheap and easy way to get about - the hotel will give you a subway map. Tip: buy an unlimited subway pass if you're staying more than a couple of days - it really does work out cheaper. Another tip: don't go for the fast track entry to the Empire State which includes a skyride (simulated helicopter ride) - it would be ok if it actually did simulate a helicopter ride over Manhattan but they tried to make it funny by pretending the helicopter goes through shops and down to street level - this just made me feel ill. The longest line we encountered was for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island trip - it was literally a mile long. I would strongly advise pre-booking it if you're going at a busy time (we were there over Easter). The Staten Island ferry is free and a good way to see the famous skyline. You go over on one ferry and return on the very next one so no waiting at all. We only ate in two restaurants during our time there but I would recommend both very highly - one is directly opposite Grand Central Station (Pershing Square) and the other is near the hotel, and called the AOA Bar - and both included service in the bill so we didnt have to work out tips. We ate hot dogs and pretzels in Central Park which were delicious. If you venture onto Canal Street and into Chinatown be prepared to be assailed at every turn by someone trying to sell fake designer handbags. There is no sign of the bags but I was told by a friend that you have to go down an alley and literally into the back of a van to look at them so I wasn't tempted!! OMG (for jeans) and K-Mart (very affordable fashion) were the only two stores we managed to spend any time in. We never encountered any of the famous NY rudeness - apart from our first trip on the subway when me and my husband didnt move out of the doorway of the train quick enough for people getting off and a woman called us jerks!!
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