very positive experience. though not a fancy place, it is clean, safe and the staff is very friendly, helpful, and accomodating. i was not thrilled with the room they gave me, and when i called the desk to say so they immediately offered me another room - my choice! on the day of checkout, i asked if i could checkout at 1 rather than noon, and they said absolutely, no problem - at no charge. (some hotels are terrible sticklers for late checkouots...). i will absolutely return. only problem, no clock in the room. and maybe the reception area could do with some kind of colour rather than the very stark white walls and flourescent lights (a little harsh on the eyes). but for the price, wouldn't stay anywhere else.

This was our first visit to New York so we were a bit wary. At first sight of the hotel I just wanted to go home, but once inside could'nt of been happier. The first room they gave us the shower would'nt work but a very quick visit to reception sorted that out straight away, and we were moved. The staff were so friendly and very helpful recommending places for us to go. The room it's self was clean and warm (just what you need after spending all day out on a late November day!) Was close to EVERYTHING! and also the Brooklyn Bagel Cafe on the corner at 5th avenue we went there every day. Would recommend the Grand Union to anybody.

Stayed in NY for 5 days in Feb during the recent cold freeze. The hotel is comfortable and clean and seemingly full of English tourists. The front desk is helpful and even let me have a late checkout which was very nice. It's a block and a half from the Empire State, about 3 blocks from Macys, about a 15-20 minute walk to Times Square, a 25 minute walk up 5th Ave to Central park and a 20 minute walk down 5th Ave to Union Square past the Flatiron building. It's in a nice quiet area and there's excellent pizza places, a 24 hour bagel and coffee places on the next block near the Empire State and two internet cafes within 5 minutes walk. The French restaurant nearby was good offering a fixed price 3 course menu. There's also a 24hr convenience store/pharmacy at the Empire State and linked to the hotel foyer is a small burger place that does okay breakfasts, coffee and even make a normal cup of tea (so hard to find!). There's a subway stop on the same block that goes downtown and uptown which is perfect for getting to most of the sites and 2 ATMs across the corner. I found that I could easily walk to the hotel from Penn Station about 6 blocks away so I could catch the airtrain to Penn station, and then simply walk to the hotel which was much cheaper than catching a cab. The rooms are comfortable and cleaned daily, they are of a good size, there's heaps of TV channels, a bath/shower and a clean marble bathroom. My only complaint is that while it was -15C outside my room was too hot, but not uncomfortable - better than being cold I guess! The locked luggage room was very handy. There's also a fridge and an airconditioner in the room as well. No coffee/tea making facilities. I'd definitely stay here again but I'd try to get a front corner room for a view of the Empire State.