St. Marks is a very basic, but clean place to stay in Manhattan. Checked the bedbug registry and this place came back negative. Very well located in the East Village and within walking distance to the Lower East Side. We had a queen bed with private bath. The room was tiny, but that's the norm for Manhattan. The bed was made up only with sheets, not even a blanket or bedspread. We called and asked for a blanket, which was clean and promptly delivered. Very few amenities in the bath, not even kleenex. It is noisy, but all of Manhattan is noisy. Didn't really bother us, we slept well. I would stay here again but my wife would not. As long as your expectations are for something basic, it would be hard to beat the value of the St. Marks.

Just got back from a 4 night stay. There were three of us and we had a two room "suite". Yes, the room is basic. However, it was very clean and larger than I had expected. The staff was always friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the area and especially The Bagel Cafe and the bar downstairs. So much fun to enjoy a beverage/snack at either of these spots and watch the world walk by. Subway stops are close by and lots of good resturants close by. The only draw back to me was the lack of an elevator. A small issue for such a nice room and great location. We plan on staying here again.

Had a good stay at the St. Marks.

Pros : Good location, very close to subways, restaurants, bars, etc...
Price is fair for NYC.
Clean.

Cons : They only take cash.
No elevator.
Bathroom and the room in general was tiny.

For $170 a night it was an excellent deal. The room was basic but surprisingly clean, small flat screen tv and bathroom was small but absolutely clean. Area is NYU territory so you will see college kids (bars, hang outs, etc.) but If you cannot tolerate the "college students" lifestyle then choose another hotel. I am in my mid 40's but I was once young and free :-)