Essentially, there isn't much to say about this hotel other than to believe all of the previous bad reviews. I was unfortunate enough to stay herel on my recent trip to NYC. Personally I don't expect much, I just like to stay in a basically clean, maintained hotel - and this one does not fit that bill. One thing to note, is that I think *some* of the rooms may have been renovated - which is why there are a couple of positive reviews, but the chances of getting a nice room are very slim.
The sole positive aspect of this hotel is the location right across from Madison Square Gardens and walking distance to Times Square, Macys & many shops, theatres, attractions and transportation. The hotel website pictures are very deceiving, since the lobby is the best looking part of the whole hotel and it goes way downhill from there. The few staff we encountered were generally pleasant and helpful, its too bad they have to work in such a rundown place. Take a look at the candid traveller photos - they accurately represent what you're getting!
To begin with, the whole hotel is absolutely filthy - I couldn't find a single clean area during my visit. Everything from bangs, dents, stains and marks on walls to peeling paint, rusty fixtures, and broken furniture. Our room came complete with an electrical socket that hung out of the wall, a window that wouldn't close, a bathroom knob that actually came off in our hands and an unmentionable bathroom. The bed came supplied with a broken mattress, worn sheets and stained coverlet.
I never took my shoes off in the room, didn't sleep well & did not feel clean there. Its tough to relax and have a nice hot shower after a long day of sightseeing with paint peeling around you and above your head.
This may be *budget* New York, but personally I'd have paid a LOT more to not have to stay there. I would think that if you've planned a long awaited vacation and are spending a few days in the city you'll feel much more relaxed and comfortable in another hotel. Although I've never stayed there, my best friend who stayed with me recommended the "Edison", similar in price range but much nicer and cleaner overall. To that end, I saw several hotels around the area - so it would pay to do your homework here. Parents, don't bring little ones - I wouldn't want any of my kids on the filthy floor or touching any of the bare wires or broken things I saw all over this hotel.
I wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone, much less a friend or family member. You'll only be happy here if you don't care at all about the cleanliness of the room you're staying in, just need a place to crash for a night or two and spend as little time as possible in the dank and dingy cells they call rooms.
My two cents, cabs are cheap in NYC - if you can't find a hotel to fit your budget within walking distance of Times Square consider staying out of the district in a nicer hotel and use the money towards cab fare or transportation costs. I wish I'd had that option.
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