Just arrived at this hotel for the first time. This is the third Andaz I've tried and I conclude I am just not an Andaz sort of guy. Was upgraded to what appears to be the lowest level "suite," a room about 500 sqft partially divided by a construction that doesn't reach to the ceiling.

The single closet is the size of a coffin stacked vertically. There are no drawers for clothes. The bathroom has no tub, only a large shower which admittedly looks nice.

There are precisely two sets of towels for two of us. And the lighting in the 'bedroom' portion is totally inadequate. There is no reading light on one side of the bed and the total light consists of what appears to be one 20 watt flourescent in addition to the single reading light.

To call this a suite is trade puffery, plain and simple.

The light switches (which you swipe your hand across) barely work for me. The HVAC and lights appear to be on a motion sensor that resets both if you leave the room or don't move (the latter is guaranteed to happen when asleep since the sensor isn't visible from the bed area). Even thought it's 1am, we are negotiating with engineering about this otherwise sleep will be abysmal.

The room is tolerable for my current stay if tomorrow I buy a few cheap lamps (which I'll do and donate to the hotel on departure). They apparently don't have lamps of their own to loan.

What is most important to me at a hotel is the quality and size of the room; I am that rare breed (for Flyertalk) who doesn't care as much about free amenities other than internet or even -- dare I say it -- points. Based on what is important to me, so far it looks like Andaz 5th avenue is failing miserably. Maybe tomorrow, if I throw some money at the problem it can get better: stay tuned.