[AJ007]

There are lots of hotels listing on airbnb. And yes, some look like they were intended to be apartments.

NYC hotel laws are strict. Its very possible what the landlord is doing is illegal. If the OP was staying in his room, may be it qualified as a bed & breakfast. I don't think the landlord would meet that qualification.

[JoeAltmaier]

In an efficient market, every niche will be filled. Resistance is futile. If there is money to be made, landlords will flock to it. The laws will change or be ignored.