My wife and I stayed at the Blakely Hotel over the long weekend in February 2013, and we really enjoyed our stay. Perfect location: 55th street between 6th and 7th Avenues - close to several subway stops, restaurants, shopping, etc. Our room (1308) and the bathroom were fairly big by NYC standards, clean, and very comfortable. Continental breakfast and wi-fi were included in the rate.

The only complaint I have is a heater/AC unit - it made high-pitched shrieking noise throughout the night - I had to turn it off and it eventually stopped.

Clean, nicely appointed rooms. I have never been disappointed by the sleeping experience on the comfortable beds. The streetside rooms are noisy but I'll gladly accept the street sounds for the reasonably price at this high quality hotel. Services are limited but I rarely use hotel services when traveling on business.

This hotel is charming and quaint. Hard wood floors, beautifully decorated, and immaculate. The bathroom is modern and has a rain forest shower. The suite was spacious and well laid out. Definitely the place to stay.

The paneled lobby, the flocked chairs flanking the sofa in the lobby, the suede-lined walls in the floors above ~ all reminiscent of an English club. While not ostentatious or snobby at all, The Blakely has much to desire in NYC - fabulous location for this price (Gosh, the St. Regis is a few blocks over for a lot more $$$, the Hilton is on the corner for more $$$), friendly and helpful everybody, and more than accommodating rooms.
Rates include a continental breakfast served in the restaurant adjacent to the lobby. Watermelon in February was spectacular! Luscious! Thanks, Blakely!
Our room had all you could want in its galley kitchen in the hallway - mini-bar, frig, sink, plenty of dishes and cutlery (you could dine here if you chose), microwave, a Keurig for morning coffee.
Bath and room were more than adequate - lots of mirrors in the bath, comfy bed and a sitting area beside. We were on the 11th floor with a great view of City Centre and welcomed sunlight each morning!
The lighted closet had great space, an ironing board, a hair dryer, wonderful shelving.
This is a find for those of us who don't want to pay through the nose to enjoy NYC. Just stay away when I want to come so there is a room for me!