This recently renovated hotel has nice staff and a very nicely done lobby. The hotel room was easily the smallest hotel room in which I have ever stayed. It was almost two small for the two of us. The bathroom is up to date and an efficient use of space. The room was very clean. The window faced the other rooms across the building, so the tiny room felt even smaller due to the lack of light. Would I stay there again? Yes, if there was nothing else around at a reasonable price.

I stayed at the Gem Hotel and, truly, it was a gem! The staff were very congenial and helpful. It is clean, quiet and well priced. A quick walk gets you to any number of great restaurants. I really hate to share this fantastic spot but if I don't, they may leave. So, when staying for fun or business, they have earned my allegiance as they will earn yours if you stay here.

My mom and I stayed at the Gem Hotel's Chelsea location on a Saturday night in January 2012. I was incredibly surprised that my mom got the room for only $159/night, which is unbelievably reasonable for the location. The hotel is located on 22nd and 8th Streets, more or less in the middle of Chelsea. It's within walking distance to the train station, and two different subway lines are within 1-2 blocks. However, it's a little bit of a walk (5-10 mins) to any good restaurants or shops in Chelsea (which I personally find a lot less exciting than Tribeca/Soho/Greenwich). But if you don't mind the exercise or hopping on a subway, it won't phase you.

The room was small, but we didn't care because we weren't in NY to sit around in the hotel. It was clean, modern, and tastefully decorated in a black/white theme. Our window looked out onto another building's windows, but again, we weren't there for the hotel view. A huge bonus is that it was quiet -- extremely quiet at night, and the bed was comfortable. The front desk service was also excellent. The only minus (and the only reason it gets 4 stars instead of 5) is that I found two stranger's hairs in the bathroom upon first getting to the room. Otherwise the bathroom was spotlessly clean, but I'm a stickler about hair (yuck).

Overall, for value (I mean, $159 in the middle of Manhattan!?!) this place can't be beat, and I would both recommend it and stay there again myself.

We had a great stay at the GEM. The staff were friendly and accommodating and the cleaners were amazing. Further, business centre was accessible with no additional printing costs. Finally, the GEM was exceptionally gay friendly. We will definitely stay at the GEM again.