SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- Fantastic hospitality; the kindest service persons I've seen operate a hotel.
For an electronic-assisted checkin, the process is really slow (they could really learn a thing or two from the Little House brand).
Transitions aren't strong:
Small lobby; really tight + slow elevators; narrow stairs; keycard required at every transition.
Waiting for a lift can take MANY minutes & traveling to an upper floor is just as slow.
Stairs are an option if you're comfortable with many flights of narrow steps.
Latest checkout offered 12pm @ $50, crazy steep for a no-frills hotel❌❌❌
3rd-party booking site pictures do a poor job representing this one, so call ahead to confirm your room type.
I found it confusing to navigate or identify which rooms have what features, even in-person. Room for improvement in transparency & quality of their booking system.
A minimal work desk is installed. It's tiny and lacking ergonomics; a bummer for doing any real sitting work. Windows are also sealed shut in some configurations. 😭
The improvised wardrobe/storage was very clever!
BED -- A clean & tidy queen mattress. For those that enjoy old-school spring beds, you're in luck.
Sleep quality was not good for me though. I never made it through a full night w/o waking up.
Duvet & linens were pristine & airy.
Pillows were decent.
BATH -- Either a split-bath design or full-bath, depending on the room. Both types include a box walk-in shower, streamlined design with bath products included.
Temperatures & water pressure were satisfactory. It's a difficult experience for those with larger builds.
No tub options, unless you win the lotto & procure the Stratford king room type.
⚠️ Towels provided by request only. ⚠️
TV/ENTERTAINMENT -- Expectations were low given the profile of this hotel, but some of these patterns were
odd.
~40" Samsung smart TV mounted rather high. No physical wiggle room due to the choice of mount.
Thankfully a Netflix integration is built in & they sprung for DirecTV!
⚠️TV resets every day at 3am even while using which can be inconvenient.
WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- Maximum reception (Verizon).
Internet bandwidth was free & tolerable.
--Performance--
Video streaming - average
Online gaming - average
Video chatting - average
--Nerd Stats--
16-56 Mbps download
4-18 Mbps upload
0% packet loss
7 ms latency
14 ms jitter
FOOD & DRINK -- Not DoorDash friendly. There are drinks served in the lobby, but thats all the convenience you get with this one when it comes to nourishment.
In-room/on-floor:
❌ microwave
❌ mini-fridge
❌ in-room coffee
❌ vending machines
❌ ice
✅ tea
NOISE -- Minimal/quiet. You're still at the mercy of being inside the city (sirens, unhomed, horns, etc) so YMMV.
LOCATION -- Right in the thick of it (Union Square)! Literal steps away from designer stores, tours, & public transit.
Good security practices made me feel safe.
RATING
It's a competitive location & hospitality was unforgettable. Although "no frills", they will do what they can to make your stay comfortable. The Chancellor is still my goto in this same category, but I could see myself staying here again & would recommend it for those that need a barebones property.
4.5/5 ⭐️
@mrstaycation
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