We chose this hotel because of it's Trip Advisor reviews and they prepared us well for what to expect. Yes the hotel is 2 blocks from Times Square itself but there is no deception here its just down to the way they classify the addresses in NY.
The frontage is very nice and you are assured of a warm welcome especially if Barry is on duty. It is true you have to pass the parole office and a couple of discrete adult shops if you choose to walk along from 8th Avenue but these can be avoided by approaching from 9th Avenue. Anyway its only the name above the entrance to the parole office that tell's you what it is - we never saw any "undesirables" and actually passed comment on how nice the planted tubs were outside. We never felt at all uneasy walking along this street, day or night, so please don't let it put you off staying here.
Every member of staff at Staybridge we came across greeted us with a smile and couldn't have been more helpful. My son especially liked Barry and was disappointed when he was off shift! (see photo). The concierge was also very helpful for booking bus trips and airport transfers.
We were a party of 6 and had 3 "rooms with a view" on 29th floor. One had a view of the Empire State Building if you looked out to the left but the other two (with convenient connecting door) had even better views of the lit up skyscrapers and over towards the Hudson River. The rooms were really well appointed, the beds really comfortable and the bathrooms were spotless. We even had a dishwasher! Ample white towels were refreshed daily. The air conditioning was a bit noisy for sleeping but welcome all the same.
To get a complimentary breakfast in New York is very unusual and saves time and money. Yes the seating is slightly inadequate for the numbers being catered for but additional seating is provided in the bar area and breakfast does run over three and a half hours! They also encourage you to "grab and go" so you can choose to take breakfast to your room which also means no one objects to you taking out coffee or fruit etc. Previous reviews have criticised the breakfasts but if you can't find something to suit you here you are very fussy. There is fresh pineapple or melon on alternate days, Activia yogurts and cereal with milk cartons chilled on ice. bagels, muffins and bread to toast with jams,honey and spreading cheese. 3 flavours of muffins and bananas and apples. The hot options are slightly mass produced but still very tasty. Yes there was a bit of a queue for the toaster and if I was the manager I would relocate the toaster or move the muffins elsewhere. We were a family of six and only once had to sit on two smaller tables rather than find a table for us all.
I suppose I have to comment on the lifts. We only ever had to wait 5 minutes at peak times and most often waited less than a minute. I do think people on the middle floors may have to wait longer but relax after all you are on holiday!
We loved our stay and would not think of looking elsewhere if we returned to New York. Thanks to everyone you truly deserve your rating status.
hotel reviews