We stay at the Hotel Carter every time we stay overnight in NYC--four times over an eight-year period (once for a week, the other times over weekends), and each visit was better than the last. We have never seen the vermin or mold reported by other reviewers, nor have we ever felt unsafe in or around the hotel at any hour of the day or night.
Our most recent visit found new keycard locks on the doors, newly-painted walls, working plumbing (with one exception, see below), plastic-wrapped mattresses (no signs of bedbugs), and the room was spotless. We did have a minor problem with the shower, but when we called downstairs our request was handled graciously, and a repairman was in the room within five minutes. The Hotel Carter is not without its flaws, and is not as comfortable as most chain motels, but it is 1) very inexpensive, 2) located less than a block off Times Square, and 3) nowhere near as bad as most of the reviews claim. It is not a hotel for whiners or nitpickers, but is just perfect for students, or anyone else traveling on the cheap. (One note: believe it or not, call ahead! We were surprised this time to find the hotel fully booked, and had to double-up with a friend.)
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