I just finished my first stay here on Saturday night.

• Got off a red eye from SFO to JFK. Requested early check-in of 10:30am granted with no problems - plAAne landed at 8:15am, track work on E train this past weekend make a typically routine trip into Manhattan an ordeal
  
• andaz5 code, G bonus, and 1,000 diamond amenity acknowleged at check-in. I had to inquire the host about the Diamond breakfast amenity.
  
• Complimentary mini muffins near reception was especially tasty, as was the orange juice
  
• I really enjoy reading newspapers. I was especially impressed by the excellent selection available in the lobby including NYT, FT, and IHT (very rare in the U.S.). Even the Sunday NYT was available the next day which is often not available at many hotels since the Sunday edition is several times more expensive than Monday-Saturday editions.
  
• I agree the standard rooms are large by New York standards. Hardwood floors. Clean design. A little sterile for my taste.
  
• Very friendly service, everyone from reception, to room service staff.
  
• I attended both matinee and evening performances at the Metropolitan Opera on Saturday. The hotel was located only two blocks from the Wall St. subway stop where the 2 and 3 go directly to Lincoln Center. This was very convenient for me since I was able to come back to the hotel after the matinee for a nap and room service dinner using my andaz5 credit.
  
• Bed was quite comfortable (but then again, I'm a heavy sleeper and can sleep anywhere, even in economy class to Asia). I agree the mattress is firm, reminds me of hotel beds in Asia.
  
• Room service breakfast was fine. Ordered an omlette, with toast. The bowl of berries was very fresh (which I was pleasantly surprised. The quality of the blueberries was much better than what I find at my local Trader Joe's and Whole Foods). Room service dinner was excellent. I ordered the "Make your own" sandwich. The sandwich was made perfectly, juicy chicken, excellent crispy bacon, and a just a wonderful whole grain roll toasted to perfection. Quite a bargain at $12. Flourless chocolate cake was fine. After an evening at the Met, came back for a room service late supper of pumpkin soup and an appetizer of smoked salmon. Both were very satisfying. Room service prices are very reasonable. The gratuity is only 18% (I've seen some hotels charge 21%) and there's no delivery fee (usually another $4 or $5 at most hotels in the U.S.)
  
• Neighborhood is dead on the weekends. Down the street is Pink, Tiffany, and La Maison du Chocolat, which are all out of my price range.

I will definitely come back to this hotel. I already have another andaz5 reservation for late May.