I spent over a week at the Motto and it was good for one person.

Likes -
Location - multiple subway stops within a few blocks, restaurants, Whole Foods, Madison Square Park, easy walk to the High Line. I found it extremely nice to use as a home base
Bar - loved being able to use my $18 per day at a decent bar with good happy hour snacks. I don't find breakfast too valuable in NYC since there are 10,000 bagel and breakfast spots in the city better than 98% of hotel breakfasts. Though the Motto did have a nice little breakfast counter if that's your thing. But being able to sit at the bar after a long day of walking or grab two drinks to take up to my room is very much appreciated.
View - I was in a Landmark room on the top floor. Amazing view.

Dislikes -
The slamming doors - wow, seriously. If they could do something about this it would really make a difference. I tried to close my door without slamming it, you can't do it. I could hear the door across the hall close (easily hear it) even when I was in the shower with the water on. I got a little more used to it over the days I was there, but is still startled me more than a few times. It's very loud.
The AC - I never got the room properly cool. I had it set on 66 which would normally be unbearable to me, but I would guess it was really 73. Close the curtains while I was out during the day, but it was still just a little warm especially after coming in from a long day of walking. The AC would cut off (as if it had actually reached 66) even thought it was nowhere near that. It was not running constantly, it just was not accurate.
The motion detecting lights - Okay, so I'm totally fine with this concept, lights going off automatically if I'm not in the room is 100% fine. I generally turn things off when I leave but I know not everyone does and it probably saves a lot. But these would turn off way too fast - about 10 minutes. Reading a book before bed, doing some work on your laptop, watching tv, the lights are going off. It basically only sensed really large movements. The worst was when they went off when I was in the shower. I'd say after 5 minutes. It doesn't pick up movement in the shower so I would have to open the door and step out to get them back on. It's really dark in there without the lights.

Overall, I would stay there again for sure but I would not pay a premium for it. If one of my other regular spots was available for less, I would go there. I greatly value a good night's sleep when I go on vacation and I did not get it here at first despite being on the top floor and at the end of the hall. I could try some ear plugs, but I don't usually use those unless I'm on a very low floor. Street noise doesn't bother me, I live in the middle of the city every day. I don't use them in my 8th floor condo that is 1/2 miles from the largest hospital in the city so I really don't expect to need them on the 42nd floor.

It's pretty good, but cold be great with just a couple of little tweaks by the engineering team.