If I'm not mistaken, there are only a few actual hotels in Staten Island, NY. Late in 2005, I had the pleasure of staying at the Vanderbilt.
I'm from the west coast, so Staten Island is pretty unfamiliar territory. My guess is its kinda like a Catalina island (without a bridge) in the suburban sense, but with a lot more to do.
The Vanderbilt exhibits that less than urban, sensibility too, in the good ways, that is. The hotel is small to medium-ish, but very cozy. Everything is clean and professional, yet friendly.
There are no extravagances here - spa, pool, gym, 24 restaurant, etc, but Staten Island doesn't seem the place for them. It's just a simple and nice hotel.