I just spent four nights here again and no problem with the upgrade as a gold or the breakfast coupons, and the hotel was full so I wasn't really expecting the upgrade. My mini-suite was the exact same as last time - XX11 (Empire State and Woolworth building out the large wall of windows; WTC site out the other side). Perhaps the other corner is XX02.

I don't have the hotel's email address, but I have always put a little note at the bottom of my reservation saying, "I would really love an upgrade to a corner room if one is available." A phone call to the front desk the morning of your arrival can work too.

The breakfast coupons are worth $18.99 each.

It has gotten a little noisy. Construction in the area started early in the morning - 7ish - and was going late at night.

I think the price is somewhat dependent on the season. In the winter it was cheap; it's about triple the rate now.

Also .. be prepared to help any drivers with directions. I've only had one or two cab drivers out of about 10 who knew where the hotel was. The others I've had to direct.