Note: this also appears with my reviews over on Yelp
Overall Impression:
If you want something functional at a relatively decent price, this could work for you. If you need modern touches (say, something from within the last 15 years) and any kind of glamor vibe, keep looking.
I had stayed at another Affinia property a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it (think it was either the Dumont or the Shelburne Murray Hill). Sleek room plus a small kitchenette at a comparatively great price. So I was a little disappointed when I got into room 1616 at Affinia Manhattan. While the lobby may give off some grand airs, the room transported me to a 1980s roadside motel in Maine. Old TV, old a/c, awful old 'window treatments', old light fixtures. Ugh. In fairness, this was late at night, and during the day with the shades up and the windows open it has a much nicer feel. But the immediate impact of walking in at 10pm after your cab ride from LGA can take the spring out of one's step.
Definitely not a top choice, but in the current hotel climate where rooms at the W next week are quoting $900/night, this is a sane, serviceable option.
Highlights / Lowlights:
What was great
Kitchenette - Not because it is especially nice, but just because I love having a kitchen when I travel. Making some coffee in the morning. Pulling some milk out of the fridge for cereal. Grabbing a beer and watching SportsCenter. Little things make it feel a bit less like you're away from home. Not to mention it can be 15 times less expensive than room service. Especially when there is a nice market 2 doors down the block on 7th Ave.
Front Desk - Friendly, helpful and smooth. Randomly had a little self-serve picnic like dispenser of Snapple cran-apple or something when I checked in. Odd, but nice gesture.
The Internets - Reliable, decent speed.
What wasn't so great
Furnishings - Everything in the room had seen better days. The desks could have been salvaged from a not-so-well-off estate sale. TV was a 25" old school model. In general it had the feel of a 2-star, out of the way discounted joint you might accidentally fall into while trying to do Europe on a tight budget. Wasn't what I expected for $420/night directly across from Madison Square Garden.
The Scorecard:
Two Critical Questions
Would I stay here again?
If it was $200/night cheaper than other options again, sure.
Was it good value?
Only relatively speaking.
Essentials
Space - good size rooms
Service - good and friendly
Bed - comfortable
Bath - okay, somewhat small
Workspace - okay to below average; desk is tiny
Amenities
Kitchen - good, useful if outdated. Note: the cleaning service will tidy up used dishes for you, which is nice.
Room service - N/A
TV - okay
Fitness center - great selection of cardio machines and free weights, possibly the most modern aspect of the entire property
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