Our oversized, "Studio Suite" style Deluxe Rooms are adorned with a blend of contemporary accessories, artworks and traditional dècor altogether to a chic and yet charming effect. The custom mahogany furnishings feature one king size bed (some are canopied) and a separate sitting/ work area with a pull out full size sofa bed, an oversized desk, laptop-sized safe, a Flat Screen TV, and a telephone. The private elegant full baths are designed with Mexican ceramic textiles in bold sunflower yellow and cobalt blue. All rooms are fully air conditioned with their own climate control thermostat. This room sleeps up to five people with Queen Size beds, and a rollaway bed.
"From street level, the nondescript door hardly looks like a hotel entrance. But up a narrow stairway, you'll find one of bargain lodging's best-kept secrets. Two years ago, owners Ted an Claudia Howard transformed the former hot-sheets transient hotel (Madonna lived here before her big break) into a charming, funky find facing Madison Square Garden. The clientele is largely youthful and European; the flavor, decidedly arty. A small second floor lobby is painted a cheerful yellow with blue cityscapes and glass brick; sounds of a fountain echo through industrial-chic hallways of pressed tin and exposed brick."
"...artist Rob Graf designed each [room] with a unique theme. The Shakespeare Room's walls are lined with sonnets and gray velvet swags; the Orbit Room's deep blue walls and ceilings glow with fluorescent stars at night. Baths are clean and new, with gray slate and black marble; all are shared (generally one shower and two toilets per six-room floor). All the rooms have TVs.
"...light sleepers might want a room facing away from Eighth Avenue. Décor varies dramatically, so get a room list ahead of time and choose one to suit your taste."
"Suites with baths are available in the building next door..."
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel
September/October/November 2000