Biggie Fries, you are very wise!
I did not like Andaz 5th Avenue the first time I stayed there but it is one of my favourite hotels now.
So, PHV might deserve another chance.
But regarding the position of PHV.....my very first visit to Paris was in a quaint hotel with a flower market opposite, a cheese shop around the corner. It was a small room with an even smaller elevator but we loved it because we could pretend we were Parisians.
Since then, we have stayed at more expensive hotels in Paris but they have had atmosphere and were quaint.
PHV does not have the same 'feel'.
But it doesn't pretend to be.
Thinking about it all I realise it is the OUTLOOK that makes the hotel for me......PH Sydney is another of our favourites. The rooms have the best views and I enjoy sitting on the balcony with a glass of something, just taking in the views. Same with Andaz 5th Avenue.
PHV feels a little like a nicely furnished box (with great bathrooms)