The few times I've visited New York in the past, I've always stayed in a midtown hotel. This time, we selected West Eleventh online, and we were just a little hesitant. We shouldn't have been. It was just wonderful.
As many other reviewers have said, it's just like having your own place in the West Village. It's definitely not a hotel, but for us it was better. When we travel, we usually like to carry our own bags, turn down our own beds and hail our own cabs, so we didn't miss the hotel services. In exchange, we found a quiet oasis in a wonderful neighborhood. The apartment (El Greco)was clean and pleasant, and it was great to have a refrigerator and microwave. Check-in was not difficult. Silvia was very nice, and she was at the townhouse as scheduled.
There are many, many fantastic shops and restaurants within an easy walk. The subway stops are nearby. It couldn't have been better.
As things turned out, I (a "mature" female) was at West Eleventh alone for a couple of days. I felt very comfortable and secure, in both the apartment and the neighborhood.
A great place!