The Gershwin wants to be the Chelsea but is nowhere near it. But compared to other budget hotels it is at least somewhat creative and colorful. So if you are on a budget, it may be an OK choice, particularly as the location is excellent.

During my first night however, a heating valve the heating created a massive noise every hour or so, making it impossible to sleep. From talking to other hotel guests, that was not only an issue of my one room. At least they changed my room without discussion the next day, but with no discount or at least apology offered either.

There's only one elevator which takes forever so walking is actually quicker but with luggage you better plan some time.

The shuttle service to Newark is a disaster - costs almost 40$, leaves only every hour, and takes the first hour criss-crossing through Midtown including stopping at the very Gershwin after 25 minutes. You better take the train or if you are three or more share a cab.

Beds not very comfortable in both of my rooms, bathrooms OK.

As mentioned - don't expect an art hotel or anything near the beloved Chelsea Hotel that now died, but for that price it is still a more interesting and unique choice than YMCA or other budget options. I would have given three points, but the heating valve disaster during my first night and the unacceptable airport shuttle should make them happy that I didn't give just one.

We stayed in this hotel on the night of new years eve. Check in was easy and the people in the lobby were able to look after our bags before check in time without an issue. The location of this hotel is great too, just around the corner from the empire state building.
The problem I had was with sleeping. First of all, my comforter/doona thing was totally lumpy. Also there seemed to be a gap between the 2 panes of glass in the window, which meant that every outside noise came in. Finally I was woken up every 10-20 minutes by the gas heater thing that was in the corner of the room. It would make a really loud hissing noise every time it came on.
That was my worst night's sleep in my whole 2 weeks of staying in new york.

Overall my brief stay at this hotel was pretty smooth and straightforward. The first night was easy to sleep, the second night was trouble, and the third night was terrible. There was maintenance from 10 all the way to 3o'clock at night to the morning, which is unacceptable. You would think that the majority of the work would be done during the day, but that did not seem to be the case. At any rate, the hotel staff was very courteous, graceful, and were genuinely nice (not some act). The room and bathroom were clean and well kept. The bed was ridiculously amazing.. I miss it. The TV was in a high and awkward position, making it pretty difficult to watch for an extended period of time on the bed. Mind you, I don't watch TV at all, so this is a first for me and it wasn't pleasant. If the TV was lowered about 1-2 feet, that would make a world of difference. I can't think of anything else to say

My daughter and I stayed here first week of December although the rooms are fairly basic the location and staff are amazing. First night wasn't the best as was some construction happening below our window. Asked reception if we could change rooms and we were changed later that day. I would upgrade rooms next time as standard is very basic....Birch Cafe which is right by reception has best coffee to,start day with. Concierge was really helpful and recommended we use the hop on hop off buses, which are great for seeing the sights. Got us really good seats at Chicago show too. We managed to walk everywhere from here, and weren't getting home till after 12am every night, felt safe walking the streets. Loved NY can't get to come back again and would stay here again too.....