Growing up in Vegas, and having traveled around the world, I take the idea of "hospitality" seriously - simply adding "upscale" to your description, dressing your staff in all black, and having European accents, is not quite sufficient.
To be fair, I stayed at the Hudson during hurricane Sandy, and while I understand the constraints the hotel was in during this rough period, I also don't think the hotel displayed the hospitality that would be becoming of an "upscale" property.
First of all, the rooms - yes, crazy tiny, but I knew when I booked the room that they would be. (I had no idea I would be spending so much time in the tiny room due to the storm, but whatever - I survived.) However, there should at least be a coffee pot in the room - esp since there is no other way of getting a cup of caffeine without walking outside. (Hotel restaurant is under renovation and the chic library bar doesn't serve hot drinks.)
And, I had a tiny window in the room that faced other buildings - not unusual in NYC - but the window was CAKED with dirt (well before the storm hit - which probably cleaned them up a bit) - so it really did feel a bit suffocating at times.
Second, I was a bit appalled that the hotel charged a whopping $26 for a cold continental breakfast - almost like it was exploiting the fact that some people wouldn't want to go out into the storm. (I did - thankfully the deli down the street remained open.) Furthermore, it offered a "first come first serve" lunch and dinner (at a cost) to guests. "First come, first serve?!" come on.... Again, thankfully, nothing got so bad that I wasn't able to find better food elsewhere, but I just found it a bit distasteful.
The bright side? Free internet, great gym, and the beds were comfy.
Even without the hurricane, and although it is centrally located, I'm not sure this property is worth the price. Fancy facade, but nothing to write home about.
hotel reviews