That's it exactly, sf7307. I just went to travelzoo and checked the deal for the Pearl Hotel. I clicked where it said something like "book this deal" and was redirected to the Pearl Hotel's reservation site. So ita was indeed booking directly with the hotel. That seems to be the difference in the way these two cases were handled.

this is good to know. Maybe it is best to book directly with the hotel. Originally I had booked another hotel through some booking agent and when I went to cancel it the next day I found that I had been charged for the entire amount. It was refunded, but I would have been unhappy if I had to pay that amount on my credit card and wait for a refund

Has anyone successfully stayed at this hotel? I am curious how it turned out.

I have successfully walked by the lobby and spoken to the door people on a few occasions recently. It is open although they were doing some construction work on the side of the lobby last week.

We stayed there a couple of weeks ago. Fabulous - huge room, good price, very stylish, very professional staff. Still going through something of a shakedown cruise, e.g. the continental breakfast served in the lobby (a temporary location) was a bit disorganized, but we'd happily - no, eagerly - stay there again.

We got tickets to Fela! in the Eugene O'Neill Theater directly across the street. Talk about a great evening...