Hi, Just returned from a 3 night point stretcher stay. My first time at this hotel. I was quite impressed and enjoyed it. As a Diamond I was given a King Deluxe corner room on the 35th floor, room #3501. The room was very nice, good sized, but not huge. The bathroom was not large, but was about big enough so that you wouldn't call it "small." There was a very comfy easy chair and ottoman in the room, a nice floor lamp with a dimmer switch (which was a nice touch because dimming the lights gave the room a nice ambience). There was also a desk with a chair on each side, and a tv with a minibar fridge and safe underneath it. They offered free high speed internet access. I asked if an upgrade to a suite was possible, but was told that they were booked solid. The desk clerk did say that she would check each morning for me and try to get me into a suite. I must admit that although one never became available, they did leave me a message each morning stating that they had my request for a suite but that nothing was available. Was given 2 breakfast coupons for each day without asking. The coupons state right on them that if you do not use them, you can exchange them at the front desk for 500 hhonors points per day. Breakfast, as stated by others in this thread, is very good, with eggs, bacon, salmon, fruit, etc, and runs for $18, so it is by far worth more than the 500 points. However, if you can't eat breakfast for whatever reason, it is a nice option to be able to exchange the coupons for points. I liked that the restaurant stayed open late for breakfast. They were open until 11 am on weekdays, 11:30 on Saturday, and noon on Sunday. They get big points for staying open late. I hate it when some hotels only offer breakfast until 9 or 9:30. For a late sleeper like me (at least while on vacation), it forces me to choose between sleep or breakfast. One disappointment with the hotel was that the front desk staff at night never knew what time breakfast ended the next morning. Every person I asked gave a different answer. Was forced to call the restaurant each morning to confirm the actual closing time. Not a big deal, but you'd think they'd know something that basic. Was granted a late checkout with no hassles. I'd have to agree with the other posts in this thread that the location of this hotel is fabulous, but 42nd street just outside the hotel does get quite busy with many young people, especially on weekend nights. There is a huge police presence though, and that helped make things feel safe. I still prefer the Waldorf to this hotel, but this is definitely a good hotel.

Edited to add: Was given turndown service every evening without asking. They left chocolates on the night stand and two bottles of poland spring water in the room. Unlike turndown service at other hotels though, they did not clean the room or provide new towels or new bathroom amenities. Also wanted to mention that there was a robe in the room, and that the bed and pillows were quite comfy. The rooms are very quiet for NYC. The windows kept out virtually all noise except the occasional siren. [This message has been edited by hhonorman (edited 02-23-2003).]