We have just returned from staying 6 nights over xmas in this hotel with 2 children aged 8 and 4. We had a terrific time and the hotel superseded our expectations, which were high due to the previous feedback on trip advisor. The location is very good, the room was large, clean, very comfortable with a great view. The service was exceptional, the food in the fire and smoke restaurant was also very good and reasonably priced. All in all an absolutely brilliant stay and I would also like to Dan on the concierge desk (very helpful), Rowetta on check in, the girls who kept the room clean ( good job) and the door man who arranged our return transport.
My only gripe, is that wifi in the rooms is expensive although it is offered free in the lobby?
We would revisit (no hesitation), we would absolutely recommend and it is easily the best hotel in the area.

We stayed in this hotel because it was cheaper than those highly exorbitant priced hotels with crappy rooms in NYC.This one was a nice hotel with enough room space. There is no specific restaurants around. Right next to it is a mall with Macy's and in a driving distance is Target. Path station is like 3 mins walking distance from the hotel, if you plan to take a cheaper option($2.25 each way) to get to NYC, if not then you need to pay $50 each way by cab. With the deal I received, I thought it was worth it considering we were visiting NYC

The hotel is conveniently located in NJ, and also good if your intention is to go to Manhattan, be it by car or using the subway. The rooms are clean and big enough, with all that you expect from a good hotel. The staff was very friendly and the restaurant served amazing food so I would recommend it if you don't mind the price

This hotel offers upgrades from traditional rooms to deluxe rooms for an additional $10 per night and junior suite for an additional $60 per night, depending on availability. Given these options, SPG gold and platinum members, should not expect any appreciation of their loyalty, such as upgrades to nicer rooms. There are only one junior suite per floor and it offers million dollar views of the Manhattan skyline. From the deluxe room, you get partial views of the water. Note that the junior suite is an open concept room and it does not offer a separate living room and bedroom.

Regarding its half moon restaurant for breakfast, do NOT get the buffet breakfast, which was $18.95 per person plus 18% gratuity. For this price, the selection was very limited, scrambled eggs, bacon, and home fries on the hot side. In addition, they had bagels, cereal, fruits, and danishes. At such a location, one would have expected an omelette station or pancakes. I believe that these options were offered on the a la carte, but I don't know the prices.

Upon your arrival, if you will not be using your car once again, then use the self parking option, which I believe the price was $22 or $24 per day, but no in and out privileges. However, if you will require your car, then use the valet option, which costs $31 per day, as you have in and out privileges, and I did not have any long wait times when requesting my car. When you call for the car, note that you are told how long before your car will be ready. During my stay that was approximately 10 minutes, so expect some lead time.

The hotel is a great alternative to staying in Manhattan, given that prices are lower in Jersey city and the easy access by train to Manhattan. However, if the spg hotels in Manhattan have specials that are close to the cost of staying at this hotel, I would definitely recommend staying at the Manhattan hotel.