Park Savoy

It's a good-value stay if you want a no-frills place in a great location. The hotel is about a block from Central Park and near the theater and comedy club area. The room, bedding, and bathroom seemed clean enough, and the window-unit AC was adjustable. Our view was of the side of another building. The front desk staff weren't especially friendly or helpful. When we asked about ice, they told us to try the bar next door. We got better hospitality from the corner deli. If you want a bargain hotel in Manhattan, it isn't a bad option, as long as you're not expecting extra service or perks.

The staff were rude and unwilling to help, and the maintenance problems just kept coming. The rooms are tiny, the beds are rock hard, and in many rooms the old heater either doesn't work or barely warms the room. The window AC unit lets in a cold draft, and the thin walls make it noisy. Refrigerators don't work, TV channels barely come in, and the toilet won't flush. I've stayed in plenty of New York City hotels and never run into so many issues. The place feels dated and poorly maintained, and you can find better for the same price.

It's now a men's shelter, which is great since they help men find employment and provide transitional housing. Back in the 90s, though, it was a somewhat run-down motel-style hotel with all sorts of characters. I knew someone who stayed there temporarily and spent a few different nights there myself. It's close to Central Park.

The concierge really improved our stay. They even moved us to another room to avoid street noise, though I hadn't found it especially loud. The maids were very sweet and took good care of us. The hotel also provides free morning coffee and breakfast from the pizza place next door, which has delicious pizza. The building is dated, but I liked its character and history. Our room was larger than expected, and bigger than the rooms in fancier city hotels I've stayed at, while costing less. For the same price, you could get a nicer-looking room with similar amenities in the same location for hundreds more per night. The location and price are the best parts: subway stations are very close, the park is around the corner, and lower Manhattan takes under 30 minutes to reach. If you want a comfortable hotel in a great spot, I'd suggest this one.