December 2007. I flew into Newark and began my stay in Manhattan at the Hyatt Regency on the Hudson in Jersey City. A good alternative to privacy Manhttan properties and I have written a previous review of that property which I recommend. I took at private car from Newark to Jersey City for $45.00. In order to get to the Hampton Inn from Jersey City I used Carmel Limos which has always been dependble with welcoming drivers. Weather was cold but I thought it was colder in January of this year. I was in Manhattan to complete my Labor Relations Collective Bargaining certificate with Cornell University's Industrial Labor Relations school which has been one of best experiences of my life.
This Hilton property is on of the most unflattering areas of midtown. I've at stayed nearby at the Marriott Residence Inn near Bryant Park and the Affinia Dumont. I have written reviews of both properties which I highly recommend. At the end of this trip I stayed at Affinia Dumont which I believe provides the best service of mid range properties including a kitchen.
The Hampton Lobby is small and when I first checked into the prpety my room was not available. There is construction and demolition occuring behind the rear of the building, so there is tremendous noise between 8:00 and 4:30 p.m. One of the Front Desk staff knew this but another did not. I checked out the back of the property which typically has more quiet rooms but it was very noisy with demolition equipment breaking up cement floors and walls.
At this property I found some of the front desk staff to be welcoming but some to be rude and unhelpful. Unfortunately I have found Hilton properties to have some of worst staff attitudes. I'm not sure if it is function of the way the local management treats them?
My biggest concern of this property, is the surrounding neighborhood where I almost got into altercation nearby this property on 31st street. I have spent over 50 nights in Manhattan & Jersey City since late October 2006 and this was my first altercation with thug like local area folks. Some strange and potentially violent characters nearby this property. Residence Inn, Affinia Dumont, Shelburne Murrary Hill, and Hyatt on the Hudson all offer better surroundings.
My room was small but adequate if you not going to spend much time in your room and just need a clean and reasonably quiet place to stay for a short trip (under four nights) in Manhattan. The room was cleaned every day. The queen bed was comfortable. There is a small desk and free internet connection. I was on the third floor which was remarkably quiet during most of my staff, but not much privacy if you like to leave your windows open as offices across the way can clearly see into your room. There was a small closet and small clean bathroom.
There is flat screen television with limited channels. No in room movie service. I used the small gym several mornings around 6:30 a.m. with no other folks working out. Very basic and simple machines. This property offers complementary limited breakfast which was average. Coffee is available around the clock.
Restaurants I recommend during my visit to Manhattan. At the Southstreet Seaport (accessible by the Paulius Hook ferry from Jersey City to Pier 11): Harbor Lights was the best restaurant I ate at during this trip. The Hyatt on the Hudson for breakfast was good. I also recommend Jackson Hole Burger's on 3rd avenue north of 34th street. Good Korean takeout near the Hampton called Koo Yip. Good Thai restaurant on 33rd between Lexington and 3rd st. Disappointing resturants included Heartland Brewery in the Empire State building complex (over priced and not very good). I was really disappointed with the service at Moonstruck Diner on Madison in Midtown.
Visited the Metro Museum of Art which was suprisingly crowded during the weekday afternoon with many school kids. I also saw the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. Something everyone should do during a winter holiday visit to Manhattan.
I used group rate of around $215.00 per night at the Hampton Inn which was a good rate for this time of the year. I would not pay much more for this property during this time of the year. It is simple and clean property to sleep in clean and reasonably quiet room (unless you are in the back of the property). You get a decent limited breakfast. Housekeeping was good. Front desk service is suspect. Neighborhood is suspect so be vigelent. Keep your distance from suspect folks. Though there appeared to be many women guests staying by themselves at this property.
I talked to some of them during breakfast in their breakfast room which just a bit smaller than their lobby.
So if you're looking for lower cost clean alternative, I recommend this property but I am wary of the surrounding neighborhood. If you want a better neighborhood, checkout the Residence Inn or Affinia Dumont. Other alternatives include the Hyatt in Jersey City and Budget property Holland Motor Lodge in Jersey City too.
I took a taxi from Manhattan to La Guardia. My flight was cancelled due to winter weather and my replacement flight was delayed and spent from 9:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. waiting for American Airlines flight. Barely made my connection in DFW but made it home safety from my business trip to Manhattan.
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