I don't know about the opening date. Semi-related, I do routinely stay on that street when I am in NYC. The Fairfield a few doors down is good. I have tried the Springhill portion of the dual Springhill/Townplace property. The lack of a desk and lack of a real chair was deal breaker for me. Instead it just has a funky loveseat with those pull up tables/pseudo desks. Too uncomfortable to work in the room. A colleague tried the Townplace portion and liked it. I didn't see it; however, he said the TPS rooms have a desk and a chair. Half the points earning is a deal breaker for me on the TPS. The dual SHS/TPS property also seemed to suffer more from elevator congestion and extended wait times for them. The Moxy brand doesn't appeal to me, so I haven't tried it. I will try the Aloft once it opens and look forward to trip reports on it.

--Jon

P.S. I think it is a great area. Easy access to Penn Station and lots of subway service. Plenty of nice restaurants within easy walking distance. A bit further a way but still waking distance to Broadway Theater District and Times Square.