The Ridge Hotel provides an interesting alternative for people looking for a no-frills stay at a cost typically below other properties in the area. By limiting when staff is on-site (based on my experience, only around check-out time, and then primarily to ensure check-outs, clean up and turnover rooms) The Ridge is able to cut costs. The room I stayed in was small, but clean and functional. Furniture was limited, with no desk or chair, just the bed. However, a communal area in the basement was large and provided space to work, eat, watch television and converse with friends. The guest room also included a small refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as a television. Unfortunately, the TV in my room only received a few channels when I arrived, and later stopped receiving any channels. Since my stay was short and the room was primarily for sleeping and changing clothes, that was not a major issue for me. The bathroom was clean and provided a spacious shower. There is also a rooftop observation deck equipped with small tables and chairs and a nice view of much of the Manhattan skyline that would provide a comfortable atmosphere for conversation and a drink in warmer weather (I was there in January, when the weather was not conducive to spending much time on the observation deck). Because my room was on the first floor at street level, traffic noise was a factor, but I didn't have any trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep in spite of it.