The location is difficult to beat, W44th runs into Times Square, ABC news is on one corner and Toys r us on the other.
This was our first trip to NYC.
It was within walking distance to most of the sights , Central Park one Way and Grand Central Station and Empire State Building etc the other. The Financial district is a probably a walk to far.
There are some great bars and restaurants in the same road, and a fantastic 24hr Deli.
The room? I suppose we were a tad disappointed, it was clean enough, we had been warned that NYC hotel rooms were small, it was quite well appointed, but it was at the back, dark and no view - other than a brick wall - the view the one thing I had asked if could be sorted out for us prior to arrival.
The aircon was on the noisy side which seems standard for American Hotels below the top standard, and the window only had thick net curtains , the full curtains did not pull and were for decoration only Although there were only a couple of windows that over looked the room it was a bit disconcerting getting undressed - not being able to pull a curtain that is.
The mini bar. We had been warned quite clearly by the guy on the desk not to touch anything on the mini bar, or if we did, just pick it up and put it straight back down again again within a few seconds or it would be charged.
When we got up to the room I had a look in the mini-bar fridge, as one does, and closed the door. On top of the cupboard were some sweets and a sewing kit. I picked up the sewing kit thinking it was a nice touch, only to discover it was what was described as an "intimacy kit" Oops!!
Further examination of the mini-bar price list shows that the cost of intimacy in the Mela is six and a half dollars, which I suppose is not bad when a large bottle of Fiji spring water is over $10 dollars. I of course quickly replaced this item when I realised the situation. Evidently not quickly enough it turns out, as a six and a half dollar charge showed up on my bill, which in fairness was removed without question, perhaps they realised I was perhaps not the intimate type ;)
The staff in general were very good, and despite the rooms shortcomings I think the Mela represents good value for money.
If I could find a great deal on a top line hotel I would probably go there.
Would I stay at the Mela again? - yes probably.
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