several friends and i stayed here for a reunion of sorts in brooklyn. the hotel is conveniently located and easy walking distance to 5th ave shops and cafes and to the union st subway station. the "lobby" (aka desk) and the rooms were really tiny. no place to sit other than the bed. i think the only lighting was one overhead light. no nightstand, never mind a light on the stand! but the rooms were clean, the beds were comfortable, and the staff was nice. the complimentary breakfast at the diner down the street was good. i suggest NOT getting a ground floor room as the people passing on the street can look right in, unless you have the shades closed. disappointingly, the roofdeck looked nothing like the photos on the website and was basically just cement, some chairs and tables, no bar (our stay was in early october, but it was about 75 degrees, so it would have been nice to hang on the roof).

My husband and I stayed here to rock climb a few doors down. So the location was perfect and within a few blocks of all kinds of great food and neat little stores. We loved the free breakfast at the diner 2 blocks down! The food came out perfectly and the servers were really nice. The hotel decor was a modern contemporary style, which was unique -bathrooms were really cool and the ipod charger was another plus. We found the staff very helpful when we had questions. Though our room was smaller than what we were used to, it was cozy and comfy. Subway is next to the diner which was also a huge plus. We would definitely return next time for another stay. Prices were better than the other hotels nearby.

I made a reservation and received a confirmation no for the 4 night stay. It was for a specific event and reason for location of this hotel was it was close by to where the event was. 1 day before we were to leave I received a call to say there was an error in the system that gave the confirmation for accomodation and that there was NO ACCOMMODATION. When I asked what am I supposed to do and that they should make good on this, I was advised to contact the hotel chain - CHOICE. I emailed them and received an email saying to contact the hotel! This was a let down and unacceptable and it ruined the occasion. To date I've not heard a word, not an apology, a free night or two compensation. My advice to anyone using Choice hotels, DON'T USE THEM! There are more hotel chains with a better customer service credo than this bunch!

The union hotel is, for new york, a cheap option. The rooms are very small but big enough if you just sleep there. Bathroom is very nice. We did not use the AC.
The walls are thin so you might here your neighbor.
The rooftop terrace is a bit loud and not cozy, but it has a nice manhattan view.

The Location near 4th Street is a bit shabby nut the subway is not far and we did not feel unsecure. Nice area with restaurants just around the corner in the 5th street.
With the Subway 20 min to South Manhattan, 40 min to central park.