Affinia Shelburne

Stayed 4 nights just after they unveiled their new look (June 1) and got an amazing internet rate , though can't seem to find that sort of rate again for later this year. We loved the interior; the desk clerk told us it was designed by decorators of the W chain. Our room was clean and quiet, and the Aveda products were a big plus. There's a cozy outdoor bar on top of the hotel to have a drink on a nice night, and Rare, the burger bar next door had great food at inexpensive prices - a sure spot to start or end the day on the cheap. The location was a perfect walk to all of the sites and the staff was very helpful. Tell them you're a guest and they'll give you the password for free internet access. We absolutely loved this place and are making it our go-to hotel every time we come back to NYC.

My wife, our 7-year old grandson and I stayed in a suite with a pullout bed for him. It was roomy and comfortable with all the expected conveniences. The staff was superb and I cannot say enough good things about them! The doorman even lent me an umbrella. The view of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings at night was terrific and the hotel is within walking distance of more things than we could cover in three days. We are looking to stay there again in the future.

Stayed 3 nights with my husband and two adult children. Had two rooms. Not a fan of the large chain holels. This was a small boutique hotel, much like European hotels. The decor was very tasteful. Bedding was wonderful. Very clean. Staff was very courteous. You could open the windows which is a great plus. Ate one night at Rare (restaurant in hotel) which was excellent, and very reasonably priced. The only complaint was room service. We ordered 2 pots of tea and 1 glass of wine. Cost was $*. Delivered quickly, but they only brought 1 pot, and water was tepid at best. They did bring another small pot up, but honestly, I think it was hot tap water. Elevator was being repaired and it was a nuisance for my husband, but didn't bother me. Overall, the pluses far out weighed the negatives. Would certainly stay again!

Stayed there for two nights and I was really surprised with the room. Great location, just a few blocks from Grand Central and the Chrysler building. Nice and safe area on Lexington Ave. The room was excellent, the only minor thing, the bathroom floors- they were really cold!!!! but the looks and accommodations are great. I would stay again when my travels take me to NY again.

We went for a NYC/New Year's Eve stay of 4 nights. For price, this hotel was good value. The room was clearly recently remodeled--clean, spacious, and well-appointed with usual amenities (iron, hairdryer, mini-fridge). Designer furniture, custom roman shade window treatments and bed pillows, special lighting, modern bath and REALLY COMFORTABLE king-size bed made the room special. Staff were helpful, especially the doorman. Good overall Manhattan location, right near Union Station. We walked to Times Square area, Rockefeller Plaza, and Central Park. Also used taxis to Whitney Museum and south end of Manhattan cafes when weather got really cold. Good restaurants, delis, cafe/bars also were within a couple blocks. (Had its own good cafe/bar--"Rare" by name. We had a vegeburger and a chicken burger, with sweet potato fries and parmesan truffle fries. Delicious! However, the small glasses of Coke were $4 each and charged again for refills!! Our bill with 20% tip was $* !! A bit pricey.) Minor negatives were: 1) Our large wall-mounted flatscreen High Def TV had only Standard Def satellite content, with stretched, distorted picture. (Mgr said this will change to HD later in 2010.) 2) Our third floor room did have some street noise, even though windows were new, double-planed. 3) The elevator area in the lobby seemed a LITTLE worn/tired. One MAJOR PEEVE: They still charge extra for room internet access (wired or wifi)--$* (!!) for a week or $* per day. Even the two very nice computers and printer off the lobby required a per-use charge--so, NO ONE used them. The Mgr. said such charges are typical in NYC; they need to catch up with the rest of the country and offer free wifi ! A small general increase in room rate would handle it and keep guests from feeling "nickel-and-dimed."