This might be my go-to hotel for NYC trips. The hotel was comfortable and the staff were fantastic from doormen to desk managers to housekeepers and bartenders. I had a great time and the Blue Bar is the best place to chill in the afternoon or evening and meet both locals and visitors. As a solo traveler I found it very comfortable, safe, and even met a few cool folks when I sat at the bar for a drink.
I even got to meet our favorite orange boi, Hamlet - a highlight of the trip.
If you're coming from non-city parts of the U.S. you'll think the rooms are small, but I found them bigger than other NYC hotels...which is actually surprising considering the age of this one.
The location is fantastic, within walking distance to Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the UN, Bryant Park, shopping on 5th avenue and Central Park. Most of the main subway lines go through Times Square so it's easy to get to anywhere in Manhattan.
While centrally located, this particular block of 44th is a bit quieter than places closer to 7th and Broadway. But, again, if you're coming from non-city locales you'll probably find it noisier than you're used to. If you end up with a room facing the street you might need ear plugs or a white noise machine. Things quiet down from about 12 AM - 7 AM, but otherwise it's a pretty steady stream of people yelling, horns honking, and, early morning garbage and delivery trucks.
Overall I really enjoyed my business/leisure trip and will be back again.