The Hotel Pennsylvania is a dump. It was recently renovated, but some colleagues took a chance there about a month ago, and had nothing good to say. No desk in the room and one lamp.........
The Southgate Tower Hotel is still in very good condition. They're your best bet in the area, all suite hotel. Best rates found on Quikbook or see mesuite.com. Go see Joanne at the concierge desk, she'll look after you.
The New Yorker hotel is the bare basics, but clean and safe. Rooms are very starkly decorated.
No other hotels in that immediate area worth a mention.
Restaurants nearby:
Tupelo Grill (34th bet 7/8th Ave, American) Seven (7th Ave/29th St, American)
TS Ma (8th Ave/33rd, Chinese)
Bars nearby on 7th Ave:
Mustang Harrys
Mustang Sallys (they're next door to each other)
Triple Crown
all three are a lot of fun
Hope it helps!

[This message has been edited by Mollins&LuLu (edited 05-30-2001).]