Caveat, i am not in consulting, or sales, so i don't travel all that much.
i was at the andaz in NYC on 5th ave. i was here the weekend after july 4th. i was very impressed with the lobby, the 2nd floor, and my suite.
however, there is a lot wrong with this place, and i would be very hesitant to go back if i wasn't comped in some way.
first, this new-age check-in sucks. yeah, sure, there are some people that travel soley for the hotel, and a leisurely/slow check-in would be wonderful. however, given that many trips are destination bound and not "hotel" bound, wasting a good 45 minutes of my time to check-in is ridiculous.
i knew i was going to have issues when the hostess asked me if i would like some beverages...well no, i would not. i would like my room key so i can go rest and relax. instead we waited and waited and waited.
finally, the room was amazing. however, like others have mentioned, function or form. the desk is not comfortable, the touch lights work poorly, the sink is stupidly designed, and the non-door in the shower is pointless.
great hotel, with too much fluff.