I'm looking for something on the West Side in the 50's, and would prefer to avoid a mega-hotel. Fodor's guidebook gives the nod to these two. Does anyone here have firsthand experience with either one? Or maybe you have another suggestion? Thanks!

We stayed there over Labor Day weekend and were very pleased. Great location-we walked everywhere. Room was spacious and well furnished and maintained. Highly recommend. I think we got a $169 rate through Quikbook.

You can't go wrong with the Michelangelo. YOu might check out the Gorham located on W. 55th just east of 7th Avenue. Very nice small hotel.

My husband and I stayed at the Michelangelo in October, and we loved it. I let them know when I made the reservation that it was his 40th birthday, and virtually every staff person we encountered wished him a happy birthday; we also received a free room upgrade, to an enormous suite. Their concierge, James, was very helpful, arranging restaurant reservations and giving advice on Boradway tickets, as well as helping my sister-in-law send us a bottle of wine. I never expected such personal service in the Big Apple. Plus, the location is excellent, within easy walking distance to lots and lots of things. A friend of ours took one of the Michelangelo's smallest rooms while we were there, and it was charming, cozy and very nicely decorated, and with the same huge bath as in our suite. The continental breakfast is very minimal, a snack, really, but it was enough to get us on our way, and the coffee was delicious. All in all, I would highly recommend the Michelangelo.

another nod for the Michelangelo. We stayed last March and have another trip planned. It's a very nice hotel with very nice folks working there. You won't be dissapointed. We have stayed at the Essex House for much more and had a much less attentive staff.

Just returned from The Michelangelo, loved it. Small, quite, and very special .