I'm currently here now. To me, this place is far from "dump" status. Yes, the room decor is a bit dated, but everything seems to be clean. Beds are comfortable. There is one elevator out, but there are signs saying that guests can use the service elevator if they want. Breakfast seems to be the typical ES fare. The nightly reception is far from a zoo, but that may be due to the low occupancy rates for the past few nights.
I will say there appears to have been some major turnover in management here. Not sure if that is good or bad. Only time will tell.
If price was equal, I still prefer this ES to the HGI.