The hotel was apparently having some renovations done while I was there, and I almost wish they would keep it the way it was. It has a kind of 40s private eye movie feel that I found quite appealing. One could almost imagine seeing Humphrey Bogart or George Raft walking in. It was comfortable, cozy and retro and I loved it.
The public area adjacent to the lobby was a lovely spot to get some work done in a private library setting. I would get some takeout from the deli next door and have a leisurely meal in there while editing documentaries and TV commercials on my laptop. I often sat at the bar, which was very interesting in that it was not a working bar. In fact, the multitude of bottles were empty. It amplified the “40s movie set” feel very well.
All this being said, I do hope that the renovations include new beds and other furnishings in the rooms. My bed was so hard (and had a peak in the middle) that my back hurt really badly when I got up. The other furniture was showing its age, and not in a quaint, retro sort of way. With any luck, they will put in new pieces that retain the sort of period feel.
In addition, it’s only a bit over a block away from Times Square and only a few minutes away from all the theaters. I would definitely stay there again.