We stayed at this hotel for 2 nights. The location was good being slightly off the busy, touristy area - yet close enough to walk. We appreciated being close to Times Square and Central Park, but being able to escape the noise and traffic.
Our room was a King Suite, and although the size was decent for NYC standards, the room was very dark and impractical. Our room had windows on each side in the living room and in the bedroom. Neither had any view, nor let any light in. I understand that this is NYC as the manager stated in previous responses, and the area is very densely populated, but there are many other hotels in the same price category that are taller and do offer some light and views. Perhaps you can request a higher floor or pay even more than we already did, but the overall darkness in the room made for a very depressing atmosphere. Also, despite being designed by a "famous" designer, some practical things were overlooked: proper lighting, a normal sized clock, and a reasonable desk/workspace to get work done if there on business.
We found to staff to be hit or miss in terms of customer service. On the positive side, when checking in they were helpful and attentive, and offered to help with bags. On the negative side, however, either they were completely in your face trying to make small talk about the weather as you walk in toward the elevator or caught up in their own conversations with each other and not paying attention to guests coming or going.
The positive aspects of the hotel were the gym, which was great for a hotel gym, the coffee available all day, and the location. Free breakfast may also be a perk for some. For us, we didn't really take advantage of it other than a coffee as there were not many options available for us. Since that is a personal diet issue, we cannot fault the hotel. While breakfast is a perk, with the amount being spent on the room at this hotel, I wouldn't say this should be a selling point in your decision to stay at this hotel since you could get a similar breakfast at a nearby coffee shop or bagel place for under $10. Another positive was the quality products in the bathroom and availability of umbrellas in every room. These items are not unique to this hotel, in fact most offer the same, but at least it was not overlooked.
Overall, I would say that the hotel is fine. Each traveller is different, hence the variations in reviews - some good some bad. I wouldn't believe anyone who says this hotel is terrible - it is not. But at the same time, know your own preferences and you could love this hotel. Nothing would necessarily draw us back, but at the same time nothing happened to make us say that we would never stay there again. I guess if there was a deal, we would consider it. But for the price we would try other hotels in the area like the new Setai which looks wonderful.
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