I can't say that I have tremendous experience with hotel stays during natural disasters, but the level of professionalism, ingenuity and sheer kindness that the staff at Thompson LES showed during Hurricane Sandy was truly awe-inspiring.

We had already been there several days before the storm hit, and they were always very communicative about being prepared in all manner of scenarios.

When the power went out on Monday night, a very calm voice explained over the PA system exactly what was going on, what services will be available and how best to connect with the staff. We were also invited down to the second floor bar, where it seemed much of the guests congregated, and played card games and drank by candle light. And they even left a bottle of Makers Mark for us as the crowd began to ween.

The next morning, we headed back down to the second floor (there was one elevator working, thank heavens) where the gregarious chef was greeting people and directing them to the complimentary breakfast that they had waiting for everyone. They even had soy milk, which this particular lactose intolerant soul very much appreciated. The staff also ran a long extension cord to their limited generator power to run a TV set in the lounge so everyone could stay informed.

Disasters are a great test of one's true colors, and the staff at the Thompson LES pass with, and I hate cliches, flying colors. They remained ever-calm, ever-courteous and ever-helpful. They may not have been able to control the weather or the power, but they made this traveller feel as home as one could possibly imagine.

And for that, I will be forever grateful.

See you soon, I'm sure.

The location is absolutely great: the subway is across the street, taxis are easily grabbed. It is located in a trendy area that it is full of cafe, little restaurants and clubs.
Rooms have a good size. The breakfast is outrageously expensive like all the food at the "Ribbon", which is the restaurant of the hotel. For example, you will pay $ 6 for each little slice of sashimi (meaning $ 60 for 10 pieces of fish. The Internet connection is $ 15 a day, which is a robbery.
The service is very good.

I stayed here on October 25th for a business trip (was not paying out of my pocket) and was staying on the 9th floor. Came bak to the room at 11:30pm to a blaring nightclub under my room and a stain on the sheets. Needless to say I will book elsewhere next time.

Thompson LES is fantastic property. Rooms nicely appointed and Miguel at front desk went above and beyond to help (in lieu of a business center which would be my only suggestion).

Close to everything, coffee shops, boutiques - so many good restaurants to count within a block or so - Rayuela really good, and Cata AMAZING.

Forego the mess that is the Meatpacking district, LES is much more fun and filling in with some really unique properties.

We went to waterfront and took a run around the point to the west side.