So I know the PHNY gets decidedly mixed reviews here, but we just recently had a wonderful stay that exceeded our expectations in almost every way (granted, we went in with low expectations based on many reviews here).

I had booked 4 nights on points, and in the end, taking advice from here on FT, we did use a SUA, so we were in a 1 Bed King Suite (not a studio). Very spacious, well laid out, clean & comfortable. 10th floor (Room 1004). If we had to gripe, my wife wished the closet space had a few more drawers but we made it work fine. Location is great, thats been discussed already extensively, and it was more or less exactly where we wanted to be in the city.

I guess my only "negative" experience was at check-in, where after being acknowledged as a Globalist, and also acknowledged we'd be in a Suite, the front desk lady 'recommended' we upgrade to a better room with a view for an extra $125/night. Ya, no thanks. We actually enjoyed the street view in the evenings. I suppose the only other hiccup was that one of the vanity lights in the bathroom was out, but that was fixed with a single call and someone coming within 15 minutes and replacing, no problem at all.

Beyond that, breakfast daily was fantastic. First day we did it at the restaurant, then for remainder of our trip, in our room. Wife and I were able to order what we wanted including multiple drinks each day, and all charges automagically disappeared from our final bill. We enjoyed more or less a wide selection of breakfast options from bagels & lox, eggs, pastries, etc etc. All were well prepared and tasty. Coffee was good, enjoyed the juices, and all in all, one of the better free breakfasts I've enjoyed at a US Hyatt.

We did not make use of the spa or fitness center, but did enjoy the pool one day. Warm (not too hot), and only 2 other people, so that was a nice reprieve from walking around every day. Kind of wish the pool went closer to the window line, but I suppose structurally that would be difficult, and would have eliminated some seating as well. Was still a cool experience.

Daily housekeeping was good, as was turndown service, which was very accommodating to our schedule. And we asked for extra 'everything' (towels, mouthwash, bottled water, etc), and all were provided daily and without any issues.

Beyond that, we made use of the car service twice (once to MoMa, and another to Le Bernardin for lunch), was available both times we asked, so that was a nice bonus.

Worth it? For us, absolutely. While I'd never pay the cash rates here, burning 40k/points a night and using the SUA was a no-brainer for us and I'd do so again without question (granted, I'm sitting on a massive pile of points). We had not been to New York in 11 years (ie, pre-kids), and are definitely planning to be back again much sooner then that. Maybe even get crazy and go with the kids next time.