Wingate by Wyndham Manhattan Midtown

With a glass facade, marble floors, and overstuffed red couches, the atrium-like lobby at the Wingate is surprisingly colorful and airy. The hotel is suitable for business travelers, on account of its meeting room and 24-hour computer station, as well as families, who appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms (which are larger than most of the ones found at mid-range NYC hotels).

Located three long blocks west of the Empire State Building and seven blocks south of one of the busiest intersections in the world, Times Square's 42nd St. and Broadway, the Wingate Wyndham Manhattan Midtown is in a very convenient location. But those blocks make a big difference when it comes to the atmosphere around the hotel. While the neighborhood is hardly quiet -- it's two blocks from Penn Station, one of the busiest train stations in the country -- the area is significantly less touristed than its neighbor to the north, especially at night.

As for the neighborhood itself, some New Yorkers would call it the Garment District; others would simply designate it part of Midwest West. But the distinction isn't really important -- the boundaries of Manhattan's neighborhoods are always a little fuzzy. What's important is that you're within quick walking distance of a number of popular sites, including Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. And of course, Madison Square Garden -- home of the New York Knicks, Rangers, and many high-profile concerts -- is only a stone's throw away.

• One block from the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E subway lines; two blocks from the B, D, F, N, Q, and R lines -- quick and easy access to all of Manhattan's neighborhoods
• 10-minute walk to Times Square
• 10-minute walk to the Empire State Building 

Rooms lack distinctive style (this is a chain hotel, after all), but they're considerably spacious. Both standard and loft rooms start at 300 square feet -- larger than average -- and have either a king-size or two double beds. The only difference between the two room types is that the loft rooms have higher ceilings. Mini suites start at 350 square feet and include a separate living space and a private terrace.

All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi (though the connection isn't consistently strong). There's also a large desk or workspace in every room -- rare, for a New York hotel in this price range.

The free breakfast buffet here is notable, as it includes eggs, bacon, sausage, and waffles, in addition to the standard spread of cereals, bagels, muffins, coffee, and juices. There's also a meeting room with a whiteboard and 10-person conference table, and a fitness center with free weights, Matrix treadmills, a Precor weight bench, and towels. The lobby has an upper-level lounge area with flat-screen TV and couches, as well as a computer station.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but the signal is reportedly spotty.