NYC Hotel Reviews: Expert Analysis & Recommendations

Yes, unfortunately. Many NYC hotels charge mandatory "destination fees," "facility fees," or "urban resort fees" ranging from $25-50 per night. These fees are rarely included in the advertised room rate, making price comparison challenging. Most commonly, these fees purportedly cover amenities like WiFi, fitness center access, and bottled water---items that were traditionally included in the room rate.

While some hotels are transparent about these fees during booking, others disclose them only at check-in. Always read the fine print before confirming reservations, and factor these fees into your total budget. Hotels typically charging these fees include most Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt properties in Manhattan, though some independent hotels and budget brands still avoid this practice. For more details on total pricing, check our accommodations guide.

While Manhattan below 59th Street commands premium rates, several neighborhoods offer significantly better value while maintaining good accessibility:

• Long Island City (Queens): Just one subway stop from Midtown Manhattan with excellent transportation links, hotels here typically cost 30-40% less than equivalent Manhattan properties. Many rooms offer spectacular Manhattan skyline views.
• Downtown Brooklyn/Brooklyn Heights: Well-connected to Manhattan via multiple subway lines with a more residential feel. Expect 20-30% savings compared to Manhattan rates while enjoying a distinctive Brooklyn experience.
• Upper Manhattan (above 96th Street): Areas like Harlem and Washington Heights offer authentic NYC experiences with convenient subway access to tourist areas at 15-25% discounts versus Midtown, plus proximity to attractions like Central Park's northern end.
• Jersey City: Properties near PATH train stations provide quick access to Lower Manhattan while offering significant savings (30-45%) and often larger rooms than NYC equivalents, with stunning skyline views across the Hudson.

The trade-off is typically 10-20 additional minutes of transit time to major attractions---a worthwhile consideration, especially for stays of 3+ nights when the savings can be substantial. See our neighborhood guides for detailed information on these areas.

New York's space constraints make family accommodations challenging but not impossible. Consider these options:

• Suite Properties: Extended-stay brands like Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, and AKA offer one and two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes, often at better value than adjoining rooms at traditional hotels. These are particularly good for families wanting to prepare simple meals and save on dining costs.
• Room Guarantees: When booking a hotel promising "sleeps 4," verify whether this means two double/queen beds or includes pull-out sofas, which vary greatly in comfort. Always confirm bed configurations directly with the hotel.
• Strategic Locations: Hotels near Central Park provide easy access to free recreation space that gives children room to run around---valuable in a dense urban environment---and proximity to family-friendly museums.
• Residential Alternatives: Consider legal apartment hotels like The Beekman Tower or Sutton Court, which offer residential-style accommodations with more space than typical hotel rooms, ideal for longer family stays.

Most importantly, always call the hotel directly to confirm bed types and room layouts for family bookings, as online descriptions can be misleading regarding actual space configurations. For more family travel tips, see our travel tips from locals with family-specific advice.

Standard check-in at most NYC hotels is 3:00-4:00 PM, with check-out typically at 11:00 AM or 12:00 PM. These times tend to be strictly enforced due to high occupancy rates and limited housekeeping resources, particularly at larger properties in popular areas like Midtown.

For early arrivals, consider these strategies:

• Request early check-in during booking and again 24-48 hours before arrival, but understand it's never guaranteed
• Hotels with digital check-in apps sometimes allow you to see when your specific room becomes available
• Most properties will store luggage for free if your room isn't ready, allowing you to begin exploring NYC attractions immediately
• Some hotels offer paid early check-in options (typically $50-75) that you can purchase in advance
• Elite status with hotel chains often provides priority for early room availability

For guaranteed early access, the most reliable option is booking the room for the night before your arrival, though this effectively doubles your nightly rate. For late-arriving flights, check our transportation guide for advice on safely reaching your hotel at night.

Yes, New York City hotel rooms are notoriously compact compared to other U.S. cities due to extremely high real estate costs and many historic building conversions. Expect these typical room sizes by category:

• Budget/Economy: 150-200 square feet (extremely tight, often with limited storage)
• Mid-range: 200-275 square feet (functional but compact)
• Luxury: 300-400 square feet (comparable to standard rooms elsewhere)
• Suites: 450-900+ square feet (significant premium pricing)

The perception of size is also influenced by design---properties using light colors, smart storage solutions, and minimal furniture often feel more spacious than their square footage suggests. Hotels in Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey typically offer 15-25% more space than Manhattan equivalents at similar price points.

If room size is a priority, explicitly ask for square footage when booking, as terms like "Deluxe" or "Superior" vary dramatically between properties and don't guarantee additional space. For specific hotel recommendations focusing on larger rooms, see our NYC Stays guide.

Certain premium amenities can significantly enhance your NYC experience and may justify additional cost. These include:

• Skyline Views: Rooms with views of iconic landmarks or water often command $50-100+ premiums but create memorable experiences, especially for special occasions.
• In-room Kitchenettes: For stays longer than 3 days, having even basic kitchen facilities can offset the premium through food savings in a city with high restaurant costs.
• Complimentary Breakfast: Worth paying $20-30 extra per night for quality offerings, as breakfast for two in Manhattan typically costs $40-60 daily.
• Rooftop Spaces: Hotels with accessible rooftop bars or lounges often provide exceptional city views and memorable experiences that would otherwise require expensive observation deck tickets.
• Club/Executive Lounge Access: At luxury properties, lounge access with complimentary breakfast, snacks, and evening drinks can deliver excellent value for $100-150 daily premium, especially for couples or business travelers.

Conversely, amenities generally not worth premium charges in NYC include swimming pools (often overcrowded), spas (better options available throughout the city), and concierge services (now largely replaceable with smartphone apps). For more details on maximizing hotel value, see our accommodations guide.