I was so excited when I got to the hotel. The lobby was nice, the reception team was fast and friendly. After rushing from work to catch a 3 hour evening flight to New York – I was just so happy to get there and check into my room. And then I saw my room…
Room
I booked the Classic room with a Queen size bed, very last minute on a Friday and arrived past midnight. I was given an old room that was way due for renovation. Saw the room next to mine was closed for renovation, so I guessed my room was next on the list? Anyway for the price I paid, it was very disappointing. The room looked clean (I think) but seriously old; you can see the wallpaper peeling here and there, the carpet looked so worn out. The room was gloomy. The lighting wasn’t great, and the wallpaper colour choice made it worst. The bathroom looked nice though – a bit small but looked like it was renovated. Thank goodness.
I was staying just two nights, and it was too late to make a fuss. Had an early tour in the morning. So I thought whatever. But I remembered thinking I really should have gone for a slightly higher priced room. Quite sure the room looked quite nice on the website (perhaps the picture referred to the refurbished room). I wish I knew the state of the room, so that I can make an ‘informed decision’.
Size wise, it was a very small room. I assumed for that price in a very central location, it was to be expected. The room barely fit a small study table, a double bed and a side table. And there was a small closet that I didn’t really feel like using. The closet door looked like something out of those old Hollywood horror movies, like something is going to come out from there at any moment. I also couldn’t tell if it was really clean in there with the bad lighting.
Travelling solo in a city I am unfamiliar with – I just wished the room was more welcoming. At least the room had windows – not much of a view – but still.
I found out later – that the Classic rooms are older rooms. If you want to stay here, go for the Signature rooms. I saw a lot of nice reviews on the hotel on Trip Advisor – so I am assuming most people booked the Signature rooms. With these old rooms, I guess what you get is dependent on your luck.
Location
I chose this hotel because of the location. Location is simply super! The hotel is a few minutes walk to Times Square. The next morning, I had plenty of time to have breakfast and then walk around Times Square before the start of the walking tour (which meeting point was also Times Square). There was hardly any crowd that early in the morning – so you can get a lot of selfie moments.
I also booked to watch a Broadway show that evening. The hotel is a short walking distance from the major theatres. So it’s always busy here – there are many people around the area till late that you won’t feel so worried walking all by yourself. Also, where there are people, there is food. You can find food stands around the Times Square area eg. kebab stands – in case you’re hungry for cheap late night food.
Service
The service was good. As mentioned, I arrived past midnight, reception was very pleasant and fast. I felt very welcomed. Checkout was great too and fast. The team was very helpful – they can arrange airport transfers if needed. Don’t do it last minute though.
I also left my bags at the concierge after checking out – so that I can do a bit more sightseeing before I head out to the airport. There is a minimal charge for left baggage. My first time encountering such a thing but the charge is small so I wasn’t that bothered.
The Verdict
I don’t mind staying at this hotel again but I would definitely avoid the Classic Rooms, and just to be sure – ask for renovated rooms. You just can’t beat the location. It is close to Times Square and all the Broadway theatres. You’re not too far from Central Park and you can easily walk to Rockefeller centre etc. Also – it feels quite safe to stay here as there are many people around all the time till late night.
But then again there are quite a number of hotels in this area – for roughly the same price you do have options.
For Things to do in New York – check out New York Highlights – Part 1 & Part 2