Has anyone stayed in this hotel? They are giving me a good rate for Dec. Should I take it or stay at a more expensive hotel like I usually do?

I stayed at the hotel this past November- we took it b.c. the rate was so low. We learned our lesson. The rooms and halls were dirty, the service was poor, and the hotel was basically in a state of disrepair. I would have definitely paid more to stay at another place. I don't mind cheap hotels as long as they are clean- this one did not meet that requirement!

I agree. I stayed with 3 friends at the Hotel Penn last December, and while it was a great location, the rooms were not nice. Small is okay - dirty and smelly are not.

There always seemed to be an endless line to check-in and check-out and when members of my party got tired of leaning against the wall waiting for me to check-out and sat on the floor next to their bags, some from the hotel staff came and told them in no uncertain terms that they could not sit down - they must stand.

The room we had reserved was not offered at the price we had a confirmation for and the front desk staff told us that they had no idea why anyone would have given us that rate. We ended up paying about $60.00 more per night for the room that we had guaranteed more than 3 months before.

Thank you very much for your comments which made me make up my mind against the Penna. We booked, for more money, at the Helmsley Windsor. We have stayed there before and enjoyed the small hotel which is clean and remodeled.

Sounds like it's too late to change your mind, Mimi, but I have to post a dissenting opinion. I stayed at the Hotel Penn. earlier this month and it exceeded my expectations (which actually weren't too high). For $130/night I got a room for 2 that was clean, quite large, w/ a new king bed, new TV and furniture, new bathroom and fair closet space. Service was fine. Location is bland but very close to major subways. Maybe I got lucky, cuz they're renovating the place. It's an enormous old railroad hotel that's seen more glamorous days, but great bargain for the money. I'll stay there again without doubt.

FYI

and i agree with the last gentleman...we just returned from a stay at the Hotel Pennsylvania and we were very pleased. While not the Grand Hyatt it was a good value,,,clean and courteous and very convenient