...isn't necessarily what you get. Despite the flattering photo on the hotel web page, the reality of Park 79 was that there were no rails on the front steps and the interior was more hostel than hotel: a tiny, threadbare lobby; a six-person elevator to serve many rooms; no restaurant on the premises.
The double room (402) was cell-like and cramped, stripped of any decoration (unless you count the tv!). The bathroom was a disaster, from the quixotic water force and temperature to the Stygian shower, no place for the faint of heart --dubiously dim, lightless, claustrophobic.
The air conditioner had been programmed to turn off just as I slid into bed in 90-degree temps.
The manager was, of course, unavailable when I requested to speak to him/her regarding my experience. (Purportedly, he/she was available between 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m when, just coincidentally, visitors are visiting the city, not hanging around the hotel!)
Dingy it was, overpriced,dishonestly represented, and I was trapped because I would suffer a penalty of my entire two-night cost of $394 if I cancelled upon my arrival.
It all goes to prove that on the toney Upper West Side, as elsewhere, deceptions can occur and caveat emptor! ( Restaurant? Fitness Center? Gotta be kidding!)
hotel reviews