I stayed here Thursday, primarily to attend a Billy Joel Concert in NYC the same night.

I was in room 933...this is the room that is wrapped around the elevator. However, at least for my stay, both 933 and 1033 were available for Gold members (1033 was taken when I finally checked in online). And everyone on the 9th & 10th floors has access to the Executive Lounge, so I was now eligible for that.

First, the room: It was fine. it was clean. There was a queen sized bed (although seemingly a bit smaller than a true queen bed). Due to the elevator, the room has a slightly different layout than most. After you enter, it's about a 6' hall to the main part of the room. Turn right to get to the bathroom. Prior to the bathroom, there's a small, 18" or so area on either side for hanging clothes. Not a true closet per say, but at least your stuff will be out of the way. The bathroom was typical; a little tight but not too bad. The counter was a bit higher than some.

Noise: You do hear some of the clanging from the elevator shaft, but otherwise we didn't hear anyone talking, yelling, etc. More notable was the traffic - horn honking and sirens blaring. But, very typical city-type atmosphere.

Executive Center: Went there at 5pm. They were still setting up, but had a small assortment of snacks - veges with dip, pizza bites, hummus, chips, etc. About 5:30 they brought up a cheese platter. Sodas/Waters are free; however there's no free alcohol...beers and wines cost $6 or $7 (or $6.50 or $7.50, depending what you read). The attendant, after finishing setting up, went over to the TV, changed the channel and TURNED THE TV UP VERY LOUD FOR THE 5 PEOPLE THAT WERE IN THE ROOM, and then sat down. She acted as if she drew the short straw for the shift and did not want to be there whatsoever.

Friday morning, we returned for breakfast. Two types of scrambled eggs were the hot entrees; cereals, breakfast bars breads and other small items were available as well. Coffee machine is a little confusing...you have to hit the size coffee you want first (only the small size button works) and then your coffee selection. Juices available as well. The attendant was a bit more personable.

Front Desk: Personal were pleasant both when we arrived and departed. Upon looking at my account, they got us our two waters for being Gold members as we arrived. When we departed, I simply give the clerk my room number and we left.

Access to Penn Station: Very easy. Go out the door, turn left, walk down the corridor to the train station. Returning though, the corridor was closed. Simply had to go downstairs, walked outside underneath the corridor, then entered on the ground floor. We took the PATH to NYC. Stairway 1 and 2 takes you up to the train platform. No problems going in. Returning, a signal problem delayed us about 15 minutes or so.

Parking: This is my big screwup. I figured I would park myself - $21 a day. Didn't worry about telling the front desk I parked there. When I left, the charge was $42! I called an attended over. The sign (which I don't recall seeing one on entry) is $21 for 4 Hours to 12AM...not 24 hours! So at midnight, the time starts over again. It's definitely a bit deceiving. So next time, I'll know to get my parking validated thru the hotel. The parking garage is *very* tight also. I had a Honda Pilot, and while it fit, it was definitely a squeeze. Inside parking, you leave the key with the attendant. There are self-serve spaces outside the garage as well.

Overall, the hotel was fine, and when prices in NYC are very high, it's definitely a hotel I would consider staying at again.