Your review almost matches mine lol. Anyway, we stayed for $78/night from June 24 to Jul 8 (two weeks) - so hey you would have been there too mr! And we were on the same floor as you, and in the same place for the fireworks lol Anyway, Firstly, I was very impressed by the hotel. To get to the hotel, we too the Airtrain to the last stop from JFK, then took the E Subway to the WTC, and then got the PATH across (either PATH train stops at Exchange Place), then it was just directly opposite the path door in to the hotel! First thoughts of the hotel were great. The doormen continually open the door for you on entering, and will take any luggage you have to your room on request, though we denied this, since we could manage to take it up the escalator. We had used 1800-CHECKIN at JFK, so we just had to pick up our electronic keycard. We were on room 718 (so a few doors down from you!).. It was odd though, I guessed at the phone on checkin we would be at room 718, simply because I looked at the phone number on the public telephone, and considering it was in Queens, it was (718)- XXX XXXX.. and I was like "hmm.. 718", ironic huh! Anyway, the room was very nice and spacious. Had two double beds, with headrests, 3 pillows, and very very comfortable duvets. Each room has an electronic safe, fridge, coffee maker, cable TV with on-demand movies, closet with iron and ironing board, telphone and individual climate control. The bathroom was also very nice and clean, with a bath, nicely rounded basin area, and, suprise suprise, a toilet lol. The house keeping ensured all the amenities were replaced every day too, and we always gave a standard gratuity of $2/day. The Vu restaurant was also very nice, but a little pricey for two Irish visitors, so we just got the odd drink or two there and enjoyed the.. well, view, which was spectacular! Our room had an amazing view too, of Lower Manhattan (Downtown, Financial District and Battery Park City), and of Liberty. We got a good view of the July 4 fireworks from the Sundial area in front of the hotel too, where we could see all 7 of the shows. There is also a pier to the side of the hotel, where a lot of people gather during the day, whether to chat, to sleep, to sunbathe, or to eat. In terms of shopping, there is a small Mall beside the hotel too. We got the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail up to Pavonia-Newport, which is directly beside a large shopping mall with a movie theatre which was useful in the evenings (and to see War of the Worlds when it came out!). The Light Rail is now up to $1.75 a trip, $3.50 return, up from the $1.50/$3 it was at the beginning of my stay.. think it changed around the 6th of July or so? The PATH literally takes 2mins to Ground Zero, where the E train can take you literally anywhere around Manhattan.. it's a great line. You can stop at 42nd St, to be right in the heart of everything in Times Square, or simply walk around and explore the bargains in Century 21 opposite the PATH station at Ground Zero. Staff were also very friendly, and like yourself (above), we too were only granted an extension to 12.30, which we accepted.. but ended up leaving at 11 anyway, so we left our luggage with the staff who curteously marked it for us and stored it until we returned with our ticket number. In terms of food, there is an excellent restaurant directly opposite the hotel, in what looked like a financial building (the one directly opposite the PATH). It's called Rosie Radigans, and their prices are VERY reasonable, portions are very large, and service is great. They also offer a very cheap take-out service, which is useful in the evenings.. but they are only opened in the weekdays. If you go, tell them the two (girl and guy) from Ireland told you about them!! It really is a wonderful place, and even has a bar too We also took the light-rail down to the Liberty Science Museum which was nice, and has an IMAX theatre which was a very good experience I have to admit.. I enjoyed the 'Mystery of the Nile' movie a lot! With prices gradually going down again for this property, I would HIGHLY recommend it. You can't get any better of a deal for this quality of hotel anywhere else in the area. It is just ideally located, the staff and rooms are wonderful too. I took a picture or two with the camera when we arrived of the room, and have some of the view etc which I will upload to Real Hotel Photos once they are developed and I scan them in. I do think the walls may be slightly thin though, I dont know.. but I could have swore I heard a couple 'at it' on July 4th night above our room.. and we could hear a wedding party one night, but it's nothing too loud that will disturb your sleep! Wonderful place, enjoy your stay!! Matt
