Lobby was very cool with white, modern lounge type furniture, blue carpeting, and techno music playing in the background. This is a place to drink excellent martini's (though expensive at about $10), hang out with friends, and people watch before a late night on the town. This and the tiny bar alongside it were highly recommended by a Zagat's survey. Staff was very helpful in helping with the luggage and check in was very easy. Elevators were small, dark, and hip, but very fast.

The first night we stayed in a small (expected in Manhattan) but very swank room with minimalistic modern decor. Bed was firm and low to the ground, but very comfortable with a down comforter and 300 count sheets. There was a sitting area against the wall which was a nice touch. There also is a CD player and a VCR in the room (go to Hell's Kitchen for good sales on "instructional videos" for you and your partner:)). The best part about the room was the bathroom. Large standing glass shower with the best water pressure I have ever had! Candles and daily fresh flowers were a nice touch.

The next night we moved to the room that I reserved through Orbitz. This room had a 5 foot circular tub which was incredible! Very romantic and a perfect tub for 2. The bathroom of this room seemed larger than the first, but the room seemed smaller. There was less (not enough) storage area and only one window with a view of a brick wall. This made it difficult to get up in the morning because no light entered the room. The first room had 3 large windows with more light (view of some office buildings)--but we sacrificed this to have that bathtub. Both rooms were quiet.

Though this is a relatively large hotel, it felt much smaller and intimate, which was very nice.

Cleaning staff was very good but could be annoying at times, since we tended to stay out late and wake up late (not always intended). Restaurant is supposed to be good, but for money reasons we tended to eat at the deli (very good) and diner (not so good), both conveniently located right across the street.

As a bonus we did get to see a few stars from the MTV Video music awards drinking in the lounge. Check out was very busy since a whole group of people were checking in (one of them being the band Slayer-who were very nice by the way), but we still had help getting a taxi to the airport.

Overall, an excellent experience for 9 nights, especially if you like a good location, romance, a cool ambiance, and staying up.

The hotel allowed an early check in. From the moment we walked into the hotel an ethereal calm drifted into us. It felt like we were in an undersea world, subdued lighting, blues, whites, stark satisfying decor all around. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The room had a view, not of another building 10 feet away, but it was a clear view of a city block.

Walking through the winding corridor brought to mind an ocean liner with portholes on room doors. The ship theme continued in the room with porthole cut outs next to each bed holding a telephone and bedside light. The bathroom was tiled from floor to ceiling in rough mossy squares. Soft yet striking designer features from light fixtures to the sink and bath products were welcoming after a sweltering city day.

Though you are in the most fabulous city in the world....you could easily stay in the room and order room service, or treat yourself to an incredibly stocked mini bar. Soft down comforters to cuddle and comfort as you settle into the quiet of a beautifully designed space....all yours for the night.