sc flier

I came here looking for answers to the same question. The above room descriptions are found by clicking on the rate Terms and Details link when booking a paid stay.

merrickdb

There are actually two outlets in the desk. They're located on the front of the box of TV inputs (HDMI, etc.) on one of the shelves on the right side.

I do have to agree with other posters about the crazy elevator situation, even with 103 rooms left for sale when I was there Saturday night.

hmattila

While reading these messages, I was wondering can this really be so bad hotel. Well, staying right now here, I can say, it can. Just back from the "war" downstairs trying to get something to eat from the place they call breakfast. Only thing that there was hardly anything available.

Was asking first person who I saw downstairs (Tim, head doorman), to help to get some food and he just gave some attitude and told its not his problem. Huh, never seen someone with some much attitude.

I never seen such a mess even at university, people literally fighting for food. I would definately not get back to this hotel and would not recommend it to anyone. Never been so upset in my life in any Starwood property.

Btw, the evening drinks are only Monday to Thursday, not on weekends, anyone know why? Also the lady at reception had some attitude issues - have not seen such in any other hotels in New York. Stress? And yes, it did took a good while to wait an elevator. Room internet was also quite slow.

GVA

My views of this hotel are a mixed bag.

Location wise, personally I think it is 2 avenues down from what would make it ideal. There are a number of budget hotels further down from the hotel, if walking towards the hudson river.

At checkin, staff member was friendly. They give you two complimentary bottles of water, in my case they gave me two right away and the voucher to come back for another two after.

I was given a room on the 4th floor, so had no problems walking up or down the stairs at any point. My room gave on the entrance of the hotel, beware there are some clubs around the corner and it can be quite noisy. I also noted a room between two elevators on each floor, so also on that front be careful.

My room itself was small for an element hotel (compared to Irving or Summerlin) but fairly large for NYC. No bedbugs, nice bed. The kitchen seems to be a lite version of what I saw at other element hotels.

Breakfast was a total zoo. I went there at 7am on the Sunday thinking I would beat the crowds. Turned out some tour group was there at the same time and the place was already full. The breakfast taste was horrible (thank god for cereal and yogurt there). The egg, meat and hashbrowns were totally stale.

4PM checkout was granted, although when I got back at 3pm, i was escorted by security up to my room. At checkout, I wanted to pay in cash. They told me I was the first guest to pay by cash (this was in June) and tried a few times to make me pay by credit card. A manager even had to come over and approve the transaction - this took 25 minutes and everyone there had a bad attitude.

I wanted to leave my two bags with them, but discovered that they don't have a secured bag room. Your baggage is left right by the entrance. I'm sure potential thieves enjoy the convenience factor here.

Overall, the worst Element hotel I have been to until now. In fact if this were my first visit to an Element, my impression of the brand as a whole would be very poor.

The only good thing about this property is the fact that it is cheap and the rooms are clean.

DCBob

A FlyerTalker paying CASH for a hotel room? Seriously, that should be grounds for expulsion from FT for squandering the chance to earn valuable points! And you call yourself an SPG Plat!

DCBob

You are right. The food and setup for breakfast at Element is horrific! But there are plenty of places in NYC you can get a REAL breakfast, so why bother with the garbage this place serves? Next time, have brunch at Norma's at Le Parker Meridien. It's worth the exorbitant price to go there.

SensFan

By cash he must have meant presidential coins.

christianj

Could not agree more! Best brunch I have had in NYC and one of the reasons I sometimes stay at the Parker. The prices are somewhat crazy and the bill for 2 can set you back as much as a hotel room in a rural location. The place can have a zoo like atmosphere as well....but probably not as bad as what is described here for the element. Add to that the fact that they sometimes pack you in the place like sardines....but hey... we have been back several times.

DCBob

You can also avoid lines on the weekend by reserving a table a day in advance on opentable.com, plus you will earn 100 points on Opentable.

DCBob

A bad use of Presidential coins! Use them where you can't use a credit card - such as Carnegie Deli in NYC, gambling in Atlantic City or Las Vegas, etc.

christianj

That's what we have done the last couple of times we ate there but we still had to wait a while even with the resi.

DCBob

With a res, I have always been seated within 3 minutes. Maybe some diners ate a bit too leisurely!

ehud

Can you share your experience as to points posting for this property...

I'm now 5 days after check out & the points/stay credit hadn't been post yet

flyerbjorn

Could anyone tell me the difference between a king room and a studio ?

Thanks in advance ^

flyerbjorn

I'm staying in a King room at the Element right now and really like it. I'm in NY for a 4 week work trip and the Element is perfect for that. I don't really care about room service or the restaurant of the hotel. There's plenty of other options around. The hotel feels new and practical and my room is in good condition.

Some thoughts:

• The internet service is fast and reliable: I work in technology and this is a big one for me.
• The A (express) subway is conveniently located just a small block away. I can get to the office in 5 min.
• I'm staying on a high floor, which is nice: I can easily get to the roof terrace and like the Manhattan view from the room. I've always been the first person to enter the elevator going down and I've never waited for more than a minute.
• Considering how small the lobby is and how many guests they have, it shouldn't come as a surprise that there's not seating for everyone. There's always been more than enough food though. The breakfast is more of an express option, rather than a fancy hotel breakfast.

So to answer my own question above, the difference between rooms are:
Standard Room - 305-350 square feet
Studio Room - 385 square feet
Suite - 522 square feet