A friend mentioned this hotel as a possibility in NYC (she hasn't been there). Can't find a whole lot of info on it, besides the 3 stars on Orbitz. (Tripadvisor has nothing).

Any input?

Hmmm, where is it located in NYC?

Have never heard of it - or seen it. Did your friend tell you were it is? If she's nearby can she check it out? Or at least get you a web address?

It's on E 40th between 5th & Madison. It looks pretty decent (3 pictures on Quikbook.com.) The rates there show $160/nt for the weekend we're looking at, which makes me suspicious, since everything else decent is above $200.

I'm thinking that maybe it's either new or a reincarnation of another hotel? Might that be the reason for the lack of info and low prices?

My friend is a flight attendant and just heard about it in passing.

Okay,

I just googled it again and found out that it's the Clarion Hotel 5th Ave. "renamed", and they're offering special rates in advance of their $3million remodel. (I swear that article wasn't there yesterday!)

I'm not sure I'd like to stay in a that's getting ready to remodel. I'll do further research on the Clarion.
Meanwhile, any input on the Clarion would be appreciated!

Thanks.

That Clarion gets good reviews on tripadvisor
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._New_York.html

as does the Clarion Park Ave.

Forgot to mention, if it's just for a weekend, have you considered the parksouthhotel.com? They often have special weekend packages. Not as convenient as the 40th st location though.