I stayed at the HI Long Island City on a 5k "Points Break" award. I was on my own and just needed a place to sleep and wasn't expecting much. I was very pleasantly surprised.

As is obvious from this thread, the hotel is new. My room had a huge balcony. I thought it was a cool view (featuring a taxi garage and a couple of elevated sections of the subway), even though it did not look out on Manhattan. Others have aptly reported on the amenities, but I thought it was curious that so many details at this HI are superior to the Barclay: the flat-screen TV, for instance, while my suite at the IC last week had old TVs. The Barclay had a Bose radio, but only the HI had an iPod docking station. Both had Keurig coffee machines, but the HI did a better job keeping it tidy and stocked with K-cups. Internet was free at both properties, but at the Barclay one has to be an Ambassador to get this perk. To be fair, the IC bath products (Floris) were better.

Considering it's so easy and quick to get from 39th Av. & 29th St. to Midtown, I would recommend this hotel to many travelers primarily interested in Manhattan. Of course, I also like the location because I'm a big fan of gritty Queens. There are lots of great restaurants in walking distance, especially in Astoria around Ditmars Boulevard.