Miesque

^ I love staying downtown (although I stay over on the Hudson side at Conrad New York), once you do it a few times, you will prefer it to Midtown. You are right it is more personal, individual and upscale and also you feel you like you have so much more space.

I also have to add that taking the effort to understand the subway system (if you don't) makes downtown not a big deal as a lot of different lines are within walking distance as the island narrows. Just a note that repairs happen every weekend and you need to be cognizant to make sure the line you plan on taking somewhere is not impacted.