I recently stayed at the Doubletree Metropolitan in New York City for 2 nights on business. I really haven't picked a favorite hotel in New York and because of the wide range of rates I haven't been able to establish a favorite, rather a list that I prefer and book based on who has the best rate when I am in town. I have to say that this hotel is definitely going on that list.

While I have never found my "perfect" hotel in New York, the Doubletree Metropolitan definitely beats out most I have stayed in here including such 5 star favorites such as the Waldorf Astoria.

The hotel has apparently undergone a renovation because everything is very clean and new. I enjoyed the theme the hotel was going with. On check in, the staff were very friendly and helpful and continued throughout my entire stay. The staff at this hotel is some of the best I have experienced at any hotel in New York.

The room, while small, is amazingly functional. For those of you who have never been in New York, hotel rooms in the city are generally smaller then most cities (200-250 sq ft on average). Good hotels make good use of the space and this hotel is one of them. I had a king bed, small sofa, desk and stool in my room and felt completely comfortable. The only time you notice the size is when you stare at the walls (which for frequent travelers happens from time to time). The rooms furnishings all appear new and in very good shape. The bathroom is a nice size for New York with great pressure and hot water. The room had a plasma TV which you could swivel at the desk or in bed. Speaking of the bed it was very nice, one of my favorites this year.

The climate control in the room worked very well, for those of you who like a cold room to sleep in, you will like this one. You can also crack the window for fresh air which I always appreciate when I start to feel hotel claustrophobic.

The fitness center has plenty of equipment, both cardio and free weights and all are in good shape.

Overall I would definitely stay here again. I was comfortable in the room and the staff were wonderful. I still haven't found my favorite New York hotel yet but this one makes the list of return visits.

We arrived at the Hotel and checked in at 1 pm the receptionist said they had no Executive King Rooms ready at this time so we said that we would leave our bags and check in later,she then said she had one available on the 16th floor.The Expedia website states these Executive King Rooms are on the 17-18th floor.We went to the room and it was a small queen room.Back in reception I complained about this and was told this was an executive king so I showed the rececptionist the picture on her counter the room I had just viewed and it was a queen room.We were advised to leave our bags in the room and not touch anything and come back at 3pm to guarantee a larger room on the 17th or 18 floor. At 3pm I saw a different receptionist I explained this problem to her and she immediately called for Tony pressumeably her manager who tried to tell me that was what I paid for .Once again after the 3rd time of explaining he offered me 2 rooms to view on the 17th and 19th floor .We took the room 1708 on the 17th floor this room had a king bed and was much larger than the original room.This room was great,clean,tidy and lots of toileteries.Tony later phoned to see if the room was ok and my wife spoke to him and said it was great.Don't let them fob you of with a smaller room than you have paid for.The picture of the Executive King is larger than the real thing.The location is great,subway station on the corner of 51st..Central Park 15min walk..times square 30mins walk.If you have time go shopping to Woodbury Commons its approx 1 hr from the Port Authority Bus Terminal great prices on original designer gear.

Stayed at the Doubletree Metropolitan on Lexington for 5 nights from April 10 and was extremely disappointed. Hotel room was shabby, wardrobe tiny and clearly built in in the 60's - smelled so old we just could not bring ourselves to hang our clothes in it. Bathroom tiny and again maybe was state of the art in the early 60's when the hotel opened but is now dated and missing any sign of luxury. No bath sheets or bath/shower gels, just tiny bath, tiny towels and basic toiletries. During our 5 night stay our room was not tidied once - only the beds were made. Decor drab and dated. Staff were pleasant enough and location is excellent, but no way is this hotel worth the money and for value and comfort it fell way behind any other New York hotel I have stayed in - not a dive but certainly nothing special.

Stayed here for 6 nights and really had nothing positive to write about the hotel (perhaps the complimentary cookies at check in). Was visiting NYC for work, and having lived in the city for a while, was looking for a clean room that would give me a quiet night of sleep. On the first day at 8:30am on a Saturday, I was shocked to hear loud drilling, sawing and construction taking place in the adjoining room. Sawdust also seeped through the connecting door into my room which started smelling like a wood shop. Called the front desk who politely apologized and said that there was nothing they could do as it was mission critical work - which I refuse to believe as this was evidently planned for a while given the scale of work. My request to have them wait an hour before I left the room was also denied, though was offered a new room. Spoke to the manager as well, who was apologetic and polite but also concluded that there was nothing that could be done. I was offered a new room but had to wait till the afternoon when one become available - inconveniencing some meetings I had in the afternoon. So clearly, day 1 started on the wrong foot. A security guard also had the nerve to tell me "we take tips here by the way". Unreal. The rest of the trip was average - room was clean, bathrooms shower curtain was old and didn't smell good, walls were thin so neighboring TV's could be heard....basically, am sure there are a lot other hotels in the area and the city for the same price, and I struggle to see why I should recommend this place.