Good for the money, but some glitches
I stayed at On The Ave for a period of three consecutive weeks this last summer. The location was very convenient, especially for us since we were working in NJ and it was easier to jump on the Hudson Freeway to get over the George Washington Bridge. Since it's in an area that's a bit more residential it's not quite as crazy as staying in downtown or midtown, it's also pretty close to Central Park and not too far down Broadway that you can't walk to midtown.
As far as the rooms are concerned, it was hit and miss. All rooms are decorated in that Metropolitan Home minimalist style (platform bed, white down comforter, you know the look) but depending on the room it could be in various states of wear and tear. I've found higher floors were usually much better appointed than lower floors (the hotel starts I think on the 5th floor, under that it's subsidized housing...) Also a lot of the rooms don't have any view at all, but rather a wall in front.
The bathroom is probably the best part of the room, although sizes vary greatly. Toiletries are high end, the showers all had the proper pressure. There's room service from an external restaurant (during restaurant hours of course) and some rather skimpy vending at the top level
The staff was courteous although not especially knowledgeable in some areas - I could never get anyone to turn on my high speed internet connection for example. Also, another disclaimer - the phone lines must be pretty old, because I could never get a speed over 28.8 on my modem.
Overall, a good value if you are not expecting the Ritz - the one thing though, is it has gone up ever since. I was paying $119 to $129 over the summer, and these days (Dec 2003) they are advertising on the website (address below) for $179 as a special. At that price point, I would go the Beacon, 2 blocks away, which was renovated much more recently and has consistently bigger rooms) and where you can get a suite for that price, or a double room for $145 until March.
Unique Quality: Great location, near Columbus Avenue restaurants and bars and near the subway
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Fifth Ave'
5Th Ave
5th Ave
Arthur Ave and !87th Street
