I had a project in Lower Manhattan last year and reserved several night at the CQ, and encouraged my team to do the same. Within a couple of weeks we were all staying at the Chelsea Four Points, two subway trains and about 20 minutes away, and $80/night more. It was simply unacceptable to professional business travelers.
If I were in town on my own dime, by myself, I might stay there for a night or two. But I wouldn't take a family member/friend there.