Has anyone stayed at this hotel recently?

Actually the Franklin Hotel is on East 87th Street between Lexington & Third Avenue. The rooms are very small -- especially the lowest priced rooms. I'd strongly suggest paying a little extra for a larger room.

No can do - booked through priceline.co.uk!

Karene, when you check in see if you can be "upgraded", sometimes this can be done (especially if you ask nicely!) I have done this before (at other hotels) and sometimes I have paid a little extra money to be moved and sometimes the hotel has had space and have moved me to a larger room at no extra cost. Also, might not hurt to phone, fax or e-mail the property about a week before you arrive ask what is available.

I've never stayed there, but for years I lived around the corner from there. It is a nice, small, tourist-class hotel. The rooms are small, but the rates aren't bad. It seems to have a nice lobby area (but small) and I thought they had complimentary continental breakfast in the mornings and some kind of complimentary tea/coffee set up in the evenings.

For food in the area, let me suggest Pesce Pasta on 3rd Ave b/t 87 & 88. They don't take reservations, but the fish and pasta are good and reasonably priced. They have a wonderful antipasto table.

You might also try Sharz, a cafe and wine bar on 90th b/t 3rd & Lexington Aves. Italian and with dozens of great wines by the glass. It only has about 8 tables, so call for a reservation.

Sala Thai -- one of my favorites -- is on 2nd Ave & 89th street. Get the whole snapper -- YUM.

For a special occasion, you might try Centolire at 86th & Madison. Also Italian (do you detect a theme here?), with an interesting menu of "old world" and "new world" favorites. The made-at-your-table caesar salad is pricey, but worth it. You will definitely want a reservation here.

Enjoy!