Hello Scott,
I just had middle fossa at HEC/St. Vincent's 2 weeks ago. i don't have any other hospitalization experiences, but EVERYONE there was great. Some nurses are better than others but they are all dedicated and seem to follow a philosophy of caring. My surgeons and their associates were incredibly positive and attentive and I feel very priveleged to have been under their care.
I found Seton kind of gross, frankly. But I only saw one room. I stayed at the downtown Marriot. There are several hotels dowtown that offer special (and good) rates if you're there for surgery. The hospital food isn't very good either but neighboring mexican food is good. The clinic is directly across the street from the hospital and Seton is connected to the hospital. There is parking and I think you just get validated at the hospital. I am also living in NYC, but grew up in LA. I would not say the immediate neighborhood is particularly unsafe, just very urban.
Your pre-op day will be a looong one, fyi. I had already left NY before my info packet arrived and this was a surprise to me.
Best of luck! I really can't say enough good things about my experience there.
