June 13 2007: We stayed at this hotel for a short break in New York last November. My partner had stayed here earlier in the year and raved about how good it was. Unfortunately, the second time round wasn't as good.

The hotel from the outside looks very swanky and the staff were very welcoming, escorting you and your luggage to the lobby. Once we had checked in and reached our floor, we couldn't help but notice and overpowering smell of smoke (even though this floor was supposed to be no-smoking).

The room didn't smell too great either because of this. Decent size, comfortable beds, but our view from the window wasn't spectacular. We overlooked a few appartments and some alley - it wasn't so bad because we were able to mooch off the opposites wi-fi as the hotel's connection was sporadic at the best of times.

But the location was brilliant - 10 minute or so walk to Times Square which was the main draw to staying in the hotel in the first place. There were also lots of delis scattered around the hotel if you needed to pop in for a quick snack (delis are one of the best parts of NYC!).

So in summary, if you want a central location, this hotel is superb and the value for money is good too. But don't expect too much!

June 27 2007: I stayed at the Park Central at the turn of Spring and I couldn't have picked a better time.  The proximity to both Central Park and Times Square is unbeatable and the immediate area is full of NYC excitement.

The room was spacious and and clean, had 2 plasma TVs, and an incredibly cozy oversized bed. Oh, and if you don't feel like going out, there is a convenient bar downstairs and a top-notch restaurant as well.

 I recommend the Park Central hotel to anyone coming to New York City for business or leisure purposes.

September 12 2007: Pros: Great location two blocks from the park and 10-12 from Times Square. Also right on the Broadway-7th Ave subway lines, so easy to get around. Nice little hotel bar with a really friendly, experienced bartender -- makes a nice mojito. And our room (1907) had a great view all the way down 7th Ave to Times Square. And the bed was very comfortable, with good pillows. Nice flat screen TV.

Cons: Rooms are a bit small. Elevators were under repair so waits could be long. Weak water pressure in the showers, and a leaky cold water tap. Some wall paper cracking in places.  We had free breakfast as part of the rate, but the buffet was sort of mediocre. The waffle iron broke, and the waiters actually charged us for two breakfasts, which we have to get removed when checking out.

Overall: Great midtown location for the Park, Times Square, plays, food, etc. Not too expensive, but also not too luxurious.