10/10 Exceptional
Exceptionally spacious for NYC, excellent value — but the door-code system needs a rethink
We stayed at Mint House at 70 Pine (operated by Kasa) and overall had a very strong experience—especially by New York City standards, where “space” is usually the first luxury to disappear. Our unit was genuinely large, and for the price point (which was comparable to many standard-sized NYC hotels), the value was outstanding.
The layout felt more like a well-designed apartment than a typical hotel room: a full-size refrigerator, kitchen with dishwasher, and a comfortable seating area made it easy to settle in. The separate sleeping area with a pullout couch also created real privacy for other family members, which is rare to find in the city without paying a premium. There was even a large walk-in closet that, in NYC terms, could practically qualify as another room.
Check-in was straightforward, and it’s clearly designed to be done online. I didn’t complete the online step ahead of time because I was briefly confused by the deposit options ($60 non-refundable vs. $250 refundable, which I assume functions as a security/damage deposit). That part is probably on me—had I done it in advance, I expect arrival would have been even quicker.
My only meaningful concern is the no-key system. Instead of keys/cards, you’re given a six-digit code that’s used both to access your floor via the elevator and to enter your room. In practice, that means you’re entering your room code in public, within view of anyone standing nearby. We actually encountered a situation where a stranger appeared poised to follow us into the elevator, and I chose to step back into the lobby rather than type the code with someone watching. I appreciate the convenience of a code-based system, but using the same code in an exposed setting and then again at the room door feels like an avoidable security vulnerability—especially in a city where situational awareness matters.
That said, this was still an excellent stay: spacious, comfortable, well-equipped, and a genuinely good value for NYC. If Kasa adjusts the access system (or adds a more secure option), this place would be close to a slam dunk. I would absolutely stay here again and would recommend it to friends—particularly anyone traveling with family or who simply wants room to breathe in Manhattan.