Swissotel New York - The Drake

What a experience, let me tell you:

Gym: OK
Room: OK, not better than Park Central hotel, a cheaper hotel
Breakfast and dinner: Average food and drink, astronomic prices, friendly people
Employees: hummmmmmm. Chinese concierge with worse english than me, some of the women weren't very friendly, the man that receives you in from of the hotel and carry your baggage, is a man with less education than a monkey, people that carry the luggage to your room don't use deodorant, laundry like a 2 star hotel....
Room: OK

Unique Quality: Location
Internet wireless access (not from the hotel but from a friendly neighbor...)

Directions: Manhattan Midtown

Was the third time we have stayed at a Swissotel, so kind of knew what to expect - a decent, fairly upmarket, 4 star hotel.

Booked the room through QuikBook, that seems to be one of the US's best discount booking sites. As usual in New York, they don't miss a trick to rip you off so don't be taken in with the inital advertised price. Add on the room tax, city tax, hospitality tax, then the tax on the tax, for the true rate. (Think it worked out as about 130 UK pounds a night).

Room wasn't as good as The Howard (Londons Swissotel), and we were treated with a view of a large brick wall at the back of the hotel (although it was quiet). Don't expect admission to the basement fitness club to be included either ($10 a time).

Would only stay at The Drake again if I could get the room for less than about 90 UK pounds a night - which is unlikely.

Although near to most North / South Subway stations, we always seemed to be travelling downtown. My advice - stay in Greenwich Village / Meatpacking / Tribeca areas - most of the decent bars / clubs / restaurants will be on your doorstep.

Unique Quality: Located in one of Manhattens most upmarket neighbourhoods - few blocks from Tiffinys.

Can't think of anything else outstanding about this place for the price you will pay.