Yet, the Lowell has quite well sized rooms for NYC standards and a lot of upgrade potential with such a large suite inventory. The Dukes loses out a lot based on rooms size. While the personality is there, people have trouble getting past the numbers. I'll chime in again for The Stafford, which has the same location as The Dukes and large accommodations in The Mews section. Mews is probably over budget for Benlee's trip but still interesting. .
I would never equate Dukes with The Lowell NYC - worlds apart in terms of quality. The Lowell is so much better and the rooms/suites larger, too.
The Stafford is OK if you just opt for a room/suite, but the food there is dreadful IMHO. maybe Benlee would not care as he is just looking for a room, but at The Stafford, you need a suite if you want to survive.