The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York

Negatives: The restaurant is under renovation, so we couldn't judge that. Seems though like the restaurant will not have outside space, and there aren't any general outside areas, which would be nice.

Negatives: The room had been recently renovated and was not finished to a high standard. There were paint marks all over the floor and some finishings were broken. When we arrived, our room was not 100% clean. There were crumbs over the floor and dust in places. Our bathroom toiletries were also almost empty and there were small hairs and stains in the sheets. We called to reception to ask for the housekeeping to take care of it the next day but unfortunately it hardly improved. Though the crumbs were gone and sheets and towels got changed, the room was still dusty in places and we called each day for new toiletries and never got them.

Negatives: I have no idea how this hotel obtained 5 stars... I have never seen such unprofessional staff and such dirty carpets in any of the 5 star hotels I have stayed. Despite prior arrangements that I made 2 days prior arrival, nothing was set or done as promised and staff was really rude.

Negatives: We didn't get sheets for the baby crib and there was no dining table to eat in the room (only a small desk)

Negatives: The kitchen was being renovated. So there was no breakfast at the hotel. It would really have helped if this could have been pointed out beforehand. We didn't know the area well so had to wander round looking for a place to eat. There were of course plenty but it was a bit of a pain. Other than that all was good.