Went to NYC for Birthday.
The hotel is in a great location....and the free muffins and coffee was much appreciated!
But apart from that, it was pretty poor.
I agree with other reviewers, the reception desk service was poor.
Our room was big, but cold, which in January is a problem! The bathroom was tiny, and impractical.
I went with a group of 5 and none of us liked it, and would never stay there again.

Stayed here in June 2004 for four nights and I have to be honest in saying it wasn't too bad. Yes the lifts are slow, and I do think that the reception Staff could be a little friendlier but on the whole and for the price it was a pretty good Hotel! The Location is superb and the room was clean and tidy. I certain would stay at this Hotel again, you could do a lot worse!!

Just stayed at the Wolcott from 1/14/05-1/17/05 and was not happy. The first room we were offered had no glass on part of the window. This window had cardboard taped over the opening! We quickly got another room which smelled of smoke.
If you plan on staying here because it is inexpensive and a great location be prepared to change rooms. Also the bath tub was not cleaned and had hair from a previous guest in it. Furthermore, the twin beds were rather stiff to sleep on.
The hotel was recomended by a friend and I was very disapointed.

We stayed at Wolcott for two nights in november 2004 and found the hotel old but clean, not superclean but OK. It´s simple, yes, but if you want to save money and have a great location when staying in New York, Wolcott is just fine. For europeans the hotel might be simple and not like a 2 star hotel overseas but remember this is New York!
Empire state building is 2 min. walk away and Times square 10 min. away, great location!
Staff was friendly, elevators slow ( but who cares! ), nice with free muffins and coffee/tea in the morning.
I am a travelagent in Sweden so I saw a few more budgethotels while in NY and Wolcott was one of the better once.
So, If you don´t expect a first class or even middle class hotel, this hotel is just fine for a few nights.