Five star service, two star rooms, one star superfluous charges. This hotel was cheaper than most, largely because the gym and spa were closed, or thats the best I could tell was the reason. But the hotel needs an update if its going to really claim four stars. The concierge was hilarious, kind, and helpful, but I was charged an additional $40 with no explanation or receipt and have tried repeatedly to get in touch with the hotel to explain this charge.
Great hotel near Columbus Circle. Its close to central park. Its proximity and location is great. The room and amenities are good. The rooms are small. The restroom situation in our room was annoying. Theres a lip that I kept tripping on to get into the bathroom. Other than that it was fine.
All in all and even though there are a few issues, this is a decent hotel in its price range, considering it being a NYC hotel. The location is fairly good and perhaps one of the more important aspects of this hotel. It is close to a number of good restaurants, services such as pharmacies, coffee shops and more as well as good communications. Even though the hotel, and this goes for the room I stayed in, could come across as a bit worn it is at the same time clean and the staff is, from my experience, both helpful and friendly. A more troublesome issue in the room I stayed in was that every sound in the corridor outside of the room could easily be heard inside the room. One other issue that might sound less relevant but which could be troublesome for some: during my stay in the spring of 2022, the free wifi connection was hardly working at all.
Reception and all greeters (and there were quite a few) are very professional and personable. Room was nice and in an ideal location. I was in awe of all that was around, including Target, Starbucks and Duane Reed for reasonably priced convenience items, The Lincoln Center for world class entertainment across the street, and great restaurants less than a 5 minute walk.Add to that the best price the weekend before Christmas and you could not do better.PS Metro station is a 5 -7 minute walk. It was so cool I didnt notice the time.
The location of this hotel is outstanding not only for any events at Lincoln Center but for just a stay on the west side with access to restaurants, the park, etc. Unfortunately the hotel itself is disappointing. The fellows at the front door/lobby were polite but the check-in staff, not so much. No eye contact, no friendly hello, just all business. They did allow early check in which I appreciated, but I was given a room with wet carpet around the cooling system, and the room smelled of mildew. They did move me to another room, and I left my phone charger, never to be seen again. The decor is sharp but the rooms show some wear especially in the bathrooms.One of the main features that enticed me to the hotel was having the restaurant up on the roof with great city views. Unfortunately it was booked for Saturday noon to 6, so my plans for dinner before Lincoln Center performance were dashed. When I tried to go in for drinks and hors d’oeuvres at other times, they told me I needed a reservation to sit outside, and tried to stuff me in a corner inside (I was alone) where the music was loud and the ambiance lacking and unappealing. I went elsewhere. This was a major disappointment. By the way hotel Front desk had nothing to say about the bar restaurant since it is privately owned.
Positive: the only two good things about this hotel were the amazing night staff we met and had the best conversation with. and the bar upstairs is really great. Negative: they didn¿t have toothpaste for my entire stay there. the water was murky and unclear. the radiator made noise the ENTIRE time. overall terrible hotel to stay at. i would only go up to the bar if i were staying here. and thankfully we didn¿t stay in
I was really looking forward to staying here but unfortunately it was quite a disappointment. While the hotel lobby is lovely, the actual room & accommodations are unfortunately not 4 star at all. I stayed here with my partner for 3 nights in a superior king room. None of the days we were there did housekeeping come through, our heater was broken in the sense that it either had to stay completely off or the room turned into a sauna even at the lowest setting. All of the furniture was fairly old and chipped, wobbly or dirty/stained (see pictures, even stains on the lampshade), odd layout and placements (like the fridge inside of the wardrobe?), jarring wall patterns everywhere and the quality was nothing like a different 4 star hotel I had stayed in for two nights prior. The view of “the courtyard” is just a straight look into other peoples rooms (and kind of depressing) so we couldn’t keep our curtains open without accidentally making eye contact with other guests in their rooms, and our room was really dark even with all lights available on. We received the handicap accessible room though we hadn’t chosen it/didn’t request it, so bathroom was pretty outdated and didn’t have any vanity space, instead just an old rolling metal shelf beside the sink. When we asked if there was another room we could move to for all of these reasons and more (i truly never ask for this type of thing) we were met with a short response and told there was nothing they could do. While the location was good, you can definitely find better in the area for a similar price. I feel like I overpaid for a nice lobby (the bar in the lobby was closed the entire time though) but nothing else. Sad to say I won’t be returning.
Definitely one of the bigger hotel rooms you can find in NYC. GREAT location, super close to Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, and tons of transportation options. Staff is very friendly and helpful, rooftop pool and bar are amazing with equally amazing service. Rooms could use an update, but plenty of amenities available. Closet, safe, and mini-fridge were lifesavers.
Great location, great room location- center front, well decorated. Mr. Luis at the front desk during our check- in and during our stay was exceptional! The male staff were kind, helpful, polite and friendly, they made us feel right at home. It was reasonably priced and Id definitely stay there again.
The hotel is not so far from the central park. Nothing is exceptional about this place. The room is quite small just like every other hotel in NYC. A quick stay is fine with me. The place was pretty clean during COVID time. One thing I do not like about this hotel is it doesnt have parking spaces available for guests to park overnight. I have to park in the private lot that is a street further down the road. Not convenient at all.
Unusual tiny bathroom. The room was clean with great view. But, no one answered when we called the front desk. The water from the shower flooded the floor because it seemed to back up, so we had to get extra towels to put down before showers. The hotel is in a great location, right across from the MET and Julliard. There was no breakfast, not even coffee, due to covid I was informed by the front desk.
Pros: Great location, Lots of staff to answer questions, clean rooms. Cons: That same staff offered no information: We were a party of four guests in town for a school reunion and had planned to go to rooftop bar after our event Saturday night, and were NEVER told it would be closed for a private party. So we were were faced with no plans after our event because most restaurants in the area were closing or already closed at midnight, which we were also never told. Pool was closed all weekend. We went to brunch the next day at the rooftop lounge. Decor needs some TLC badly, very shabby and worn. For the three at brunch, servers ran each item separately, first one drink, then another, then another, several minutes in between arrivals. Same for food. Recommendations: ask questions of staff, they may not know the answers but do not rely on the amenities on the hotel website. They will not be available to you.
This hotel is/was supposed to be a 4 star property, by whose standards??? After 2 calls to the front desk for washcloths, someone brought us yellow stained towels. We also called for a microwave and never received one, nor did we get a courtesy call saying that a microwave wasnt available. Ive worked in hospitality 17 years, and was appalled by the lack of service. The restroom is extremely small in the king room, and there was no visible way to adjust the temperature in the room. The best thing about this property is its location. Amenity wise; it fails.
The swimming pool is closed.Gym is closed. Roof top dining closed. Reservation was screwed up but thankfully they did accommodate us.You can hear the noise from the hallway and the elevators, very thin walls in the room.The staff was nice, but we would never go back to this hotel - we chose it and paid this money due to the amenities and they were all closed. Big disappointment.
Drove 12 hours to the Empire Hotel to find the pool closed at 7pm (we arrived at 6:52pm and it was 93-F outside). Very disappointing. Then the pool opens at 11am, but checkout is noon. Its almost set up so the guestcant use the pool. Theres also no coffee maker in the room (another big let down). And the parking is not available (by the hotel). Good luck with that. The only positive thing to say is it is close to Central Park.
Great location. That is about where it ends. We had to call maintenance 3 times for AC repairs (they credited me hotel taxes for troubles???). Staying her on vacation offered nothing if you want for conduct business (private area for conference calls). Unable to accommodate late check out as well.
Got upgraded to a king but it didn’t matter much because it was next to the elevator. Noise from all directions street side, a connected room, and the elevator. Extremely loud drilling in the morning, couldn’t relax unless I had my headphones or earplugs in. I understand it’s New York, but this noise was awful. I’ve stayed at plenty of hotels here that were cheaper and quieter. Blinds were dirty and some things beat up, but this hotel gets a lot of use. Did not understand the resort fee since it’s not swim season and the gym was closed. The only good things were the location, hot shower, and bed.
First off, the hotel room is hideous. The artwork makes you want to vomit. The amenities are sparse, the bathroom has fixtures with rust on them, the shower pressure is weak, a gardening can would outshine it. The only saving quality is the body lotion which is high quality.Sincerely,A NewYorker
The overall esthetic of this place is great. The staff was extremely friendly and the room was well maintained.My only gripe...the proximity of the toilet to the sink. It was literally put up against it. Requiring you to sit awkwardly at an angle on the toilet and lean over.
Location is probably the main reason why I booked this place. Its okay for sleeping and staying but the service is poor. The front desk was reluctant to help. Is it the most clean? No but its not super dirty either. Its a so so accommodation in an area close to central park. If you plan to spend most of your time going out, it will do just fine.
Positive: Location was great, lobby is pretty, front desk has bottles of water available. Negative: The hallways and room are very dark! The gym was closed. The bathroom was small with almost zero counter space and no hooks to hang things. No real closet or space to put luggage. The door opened not into the living area of the junior suite but by the bed
Unbeatable location right off Central Park close to the Met. Stylish lobby. Rooms decent size ( we had the king) That’s where the pros end. Staff is indifferent and not helpful. There is no tea or coffee in rooms moreover there are no drinks or anything hot in the entire hotel unless you go outside to the rooftop bar which does not allow children - great when it’s 23 and snowing outside. Staff directs you for hot tea to Starbucks next door which has convenient opening hours of 6 to 11 am. Shower is lukewarm at best , although did get fixed the next day. Extremely noisy AC, no sleep unless turned off. Tiny bathrooms that need updating. View is facing another building , so close you get to say hi to the residents of that other building🤦🏻♀️. One may say you get what you pay for and for 200$/night you don’t get the Essex house, but you’re much better off staying in 3 star chains like the Hampton or courtyard for the same money.
Friendly staff and nice lobby. Hallways to rooms were very dark, more lighting is needed for sure. Room key was difficult to work. Room was ok very tight space. Bathroom door would not close or lock. Shower drainer piece was broken and kept coming off. Tv in room didn’t work it states “network unavailable” room heater unit stayed on one temperature it appeared to not work no matter what we did to try to change it, and we had to open window because it was really hot. Overall some things need renovations especially rooms air/heater units. With a name like empire you think it will be grand but it’s very bland.
Because I cannot put 0 star.The room are the noisiest I have ever stayed in. It is like having an aircraft next to your windowThe excuse shared was because there is the AC of the hotel. I stayed in many many hotel in NYC and I have never seen this issue.The team is barely pretending to care and say the guest never complain. Strangely I have seen 4 guests complaining already.DONT STAY IN THIS HOTEL.Besides the convenient location and beautiful lobby, the rooms are in need of a refresh and are extremely small.
Rooms need major attention, updating and upgrading. Rooms are very dark with hokey patterned wallpaper and dated colors. Small, no views of anything besides the back of another wing of hotel, with HVAC stacks and equipment right outside the window. Bathrooms are tiny, water from shower gets all over the rest of the bathroom floor, using the towels was like drying your face with sandpaper, and never provided enough of them. Fridge didnt work. Housekeeping was unfriendly, knocked as they were already entering the room, and only cleaned twice during 5 night stay. Upon arrival, with luggage in hand and raining, the doorman looked right at us and didnt even bother to hold the door open. At $270+/night, plus taxes and fees, even for NYC, its hardly worth it, and should have explored other options.
To call this a 4-star is a laugh.The rooms are shabby, worn out, torn carpets and dingy walls. The service is even worse. Start to finish was a horrendous experience and one would expect better conditions at a motel 6.In room dining is shut down (June 2022), housekeeping don’t answer, concierge don’t answer, ie there are zero guest services. Front desk treat you like you are doing them a favor in paying for a room and disconnect you.Just don’t do it.
I have been here the whole week this month, let me tell you the staffs are true angels!! Especially Ms Karma went out of her way to provide me and my lover with city guides, most sorted out restaurants in the corner, room service and wow. What an experience. Will definitely return!
I would have given the lowest score on this hotel if it wasnt for Toms quick action to mend our problem with the room. After long hours of walk and drive around New York city with a pregnant wife and a 3 yr old toddler, the last thing youd want when checking in at 9pm is your smelly bad odor hotel room that smells like 30 sweaty football players stuck in an enclosed sauna room. At first, we were turned down for asking for switching the room. We were so unhappy about their service amd the smelly room, then after a short while, Tom from the front desk gave us a new room and a late check-out to make up their mistake. We appreciated Toms quick and proactive help.
First room on 4th floor had screws laying on the floor and was in terrible condition. Moved me to a new room on the 3rd which was also terribly worn and had AC stuck on (no heat). Button on the phone to call the front desk doesn’t work which they are aware of. Stains on curtains. Pretty gross.Just a really poorly run hotel whose rooms need a major freshening.
Bad experience checking in with Sarah Morales.Started normal until I asked to get the disclaimer paper to take a photo, she was annoyed that I was asking for this. Then as I needed to pay with my company card she said she needed to send me a credit card form online to fill out. I step outside so I can fill it out while she is helping somebody else. After 10 minutes without getting the cc authorization I asked her if she sent it and she said that I’ll have to wait, so she will check in others and then will send me the email. No idea why she just couldn’t send it before start checking in other people. After I receive the cc authorization she leaves without saying a word. So I have to find another person to help me telling me where to send it and finalize the check in.She was also giving attitude to other guest that were checking in while I was waiting. Completely unprofessional and a big contrast with the other team members that were there who had a good attitude with all guests and were helpful.
Positive: Location/staff. Negative: The room had a dip/uneven in the floor, pool was located on another floor - after getting of the elevator, then walk up 2 to 3 flights of stairs. Also, the pool was not open/not sure why hotel charges for resort fees when the pool is closed.
The staff is wonderful but the rooms are awful. We are currently staying here and it smells like dog urine in our room. I will not let my kids walk on the floor without shoes. Absolutely disgusting. Bathrooms need to be updated as well. They smell like mildew and are very dated. We are supposed to stay two nights but leaving after one.
Kitsch decor and great relaxing roofdeck but very bad customer service...We came as a group of 10 and we asked to pay for our own drinks and instead got a lousy manager and waiter who insisted on charging only one c. card, as it was too complicated for them to make separate checks...I was the birthday boy and they embarassed me in front of my friends...Definitely not coming back
I love organizing events, or meeting up with a friend/colleague here. The environment is sophisticated yet laid back, the food is delicious and beautifully presented, the management and staff are attentive and kind, and its a great, easy- to- get- to location with lovely views.
Positive: No recomiendo este hotel para nada la peor experiencia de mi vida nada q ver con la realidad del hotel ¿.. es viejo, peque¿¿simo y el ba¿o solo cab¿as de perfil. Ni un cafe me subieron porq no ten¿an servicio¿ pague por rooftop y cer Negative: No lo recomiendo para nada 1-10 (0) No hab¿a cafetera y por lo q cuesta la noche hasta el desayuno gratis deber¿a de ser Cuarto peque¿o y ba¿o ventanas sucias ni para una foto -Rooftop cerrada Pedi un caf¿ no ten¿an a nadie q llevara
Amamzing, had a little instant with my room when I showed up and was told it was not ready however I was amazingly accommodated by the general manager and issued a full refund for the night not only were they helpful but Im a long time customer and they took care of me in a way a long time customer should be this is one of the finest hotels Ive ever stayed at and plus the hotel is beautifulLarry David
Positive: The location, 12PM check out Negative: Window and shower curtains dirty, room was incredibly small, could barely close the bathroom door without hitting the toilet, Not very functional, The window binds were broken, Sink wouldnt drain, shower head was broken. Just not great for $--- a ni
Checked in tonight with no issues there but like others have said…the lobby is chic but it’s too bad the rooms aren’t. Our double bed room is small, a little musty and the bath is tiny. TV has intermittent signal. There is no thermostat for the AC/heat wall unit. We can hear the people next door to us talking. I will pick up earplugs tomorrow! Not a 4-star hotel but it is walkable to Times Square etc. so 3 stars for that. We’ll see how our stay goes but I think next time I’ll book the Hilton Garden Inn which is also close to things and I feel like the Hilton brand is better put together.
The nuts and bolts-great location, friendly/accommodating staff. Our room had a good view and was clean. The beds are too small (full-size) and the HVAC is the worst. It was so hot. I heard several guests complain about room temp. It was 30 degrees outside, we had the AC on the lowest it would go and the room temp didn’t go lower than 78.
I had stayed at this hotel-horrible customer service as I wrote the hotel an email November 30th see below:and have yet to receive any sort of communication. Unprofessional and beyond rude.My husband and I chose the empire hotel as our honeymoon to celebrate our wedding in Covid. During these unprecedented times we were in hopes of a perfect getaway. Our checkin date was Nov 26-29, 2021.Our stay at the hotel was disappointing and did not lead up to the ratings and reviews that we had read prior to our stay. We were woken up at 7am-8am by the housekeeping staff vacuuming the hallway so our morning sleep was completely ruined. Our washroom was very small to the point where I couldn’t stand in front of the wash basin to brush, I had to stand in front of the toilet to do so. The next morning we were woken up by dogs barking in the next room and although my husband and I are heavy sleepers and have never had this issue before we could not get any rest.I am beyond disappointed as this stay did not live up to our expectations. This was our honeymoon first time we were out after Covid, we did extensive research and paid a premium for this room.I will be anxiously waiting for a response.
2 stars for the Nice staff and location. Everything else is terrible. The rooms are dirty, the carpet is so old it’s crusty. Everything smells of carpet deodorizer. The wifi is spotty at best. Couldn’t even get on to send emails, never mind stream anything. Bathroom is tiny with no counter space. The tv didn’t have a remote. The hotel needs a full renovation.
Lobby and location is good for visitors, restaurants and grocery stores are within walking distance, but the hotel has no microwave in room or hotel, no ice maker, the heater did not work, only air conditioner in December, there was a fridge but didnt get as cold as the room, had a safe but was locked and I could not use, old TV and very tiny room and even smaller bathroom which the shower backed up, service is 4 star but room is not, could not even unpack for a 3 day stay because there was nowhere to put clothes, the small ottoman like dresser has 2 drawers that my wife used up with just intimates.Update as of 12-18-21, is charged $300 fee for incidentals that we didnt use, now I cant seem to reach anyone at the hotel, guess I will be calling corporate, so I am now downgrading to 1 ⭐
Rooms were decent sized. The security guard was kind enough to help us where as the receptionist was not responding/not ready to address to the questions/concerns. They imposed too many restrictions for room cleaning service. Nota great experience. Target and some food trucks are near this hotel.
The staff was very nice and helpful, however, the cleanliness was horrible. The lobby looked beautiful and promising, but when you get in the elevator there’s dirt, grass, and the carpet is stained. The hallways look like the Shining hallways as they were dirty, dark, and dimlighted. Once in the room I was already disappointed. There was a white pleather chair with several stains on it and it appeared something was spilled on It, the carpet was dirty, and the AC didn’t work. We sucked it up because I had just traveled 10 hours and didn’t want the stress of finding a new hotel. We asked for more towels and didn’t receive any. There were 4 towels for the 2 of us for 5 days which wasn’t enough. For $350 a night this isn’t it. Stay at a Hilton
They know how to right a wrong. Ive kept my original review below, but in light of how I was treated when giving honest feedback, this hotel skyrocketed in my view.First off, I was frustrated by a lack of response to guest hotel phones. I couldnt get a toothbrush, blanket, or reservation suggestion. This all being said, I checked out and gave an unmotivated piece of feedback to the front desk. By happenstance, the gentleman standing beside me was the owner, GM, or someone, because he comped me a night and a future dinner. The gentleman told me that they were suffering from a labor shortage and couldnt hire enough staff. A genuine and open answer. I say this not to incentivize malevolent actors, but to say that they genuinely wished to rectify a wrong.While this hotel has many issues to fix, I walked away knowing where Id book next time I was in NYC. Did the GM/owner have something financial to gain by comping me? Sure. This being said, that isnt while Ill be back.I truly felt that they wanted to right a wrong, and that deserves loyalty.------Do not stay here unless youre absolutely desperate, even then, keep looking elsewhere.Keep in mind, none of these issues would be relevant at $90/ night, but with the rates these people charge their service is disgusting.They have a policy not to give guests more than two bottles of water which is insane. They refuse to answer the phone if you call the front desk and are rude when you ask simple questions.Its incredibly frustrating to pay so much for a room so tiny that you have to step over the toilet into the tub to close the restroom door.
Sink was clogged with previous guest’s hair. TV did not work at all (no cable connection). Fridge was broken. Wall paper torn in several places. Heat/AC unit made clicking noises throughout the night. An elevator was broken during our stay. Only good part was all of the staff were very friendly.
Positive: Its location. Negative: The WiFi is awful! It keeps disconnecting when in use, when a device, iPhone or iPad, goes to sleep or locks. Constant need to forget connection, reconnect multiple times in order to get it to work. Also, the TV had no input. Fix your electronics!
Book in advance if you want to sit in lounge area. The drinks were good and the view was beautiful. If you have friends over who are from out of the city this can be good location that has good drinks, reasonable price, and beautiful view if central park and is not crazy crowded.
It would be nice if the tv worked in the room and if they would answer the phones when we called for information/help. Toilet looked disgusting and I was alarmed. Way overpriced for the lack of customer service that we have received here. Save your money and book somewhere else.
Excellent services especially during check in. My family and I arrive before 4pm and the front desk agent Pasquace; I hope I spelled it correctly, was able to get us checked in early so my children and spouse can be settled. We were offered bottled water for free, something I’m not use to when we stay in hotels; it’s always a charge.We will definitely come back again on our next journey to New York. What a way to experience excellent service our 1st time to NYC.
One of the worst stays. The rooms are very small for the price. They put a hold on my card that they said they wouldnt. The morning and after noon desk works are rude. Only the night crew know how to treat ppl. Its no parking you have to walk a block to find parking that is 50 a night not a day. I would never stay here again
This experience was dissaponting at best. Went with friends to rooftop happy hour on a Thursday. We had no reservation and despite the attempt to appear busy when we arrived at 6PM they were not. Yet they made it seem as if they were squeezing us in. The place was pretty empty once we got upstairs despite the antics. The music was so so, the drinks and apps were good but very overpriced. We did annoyingly ask to move our assigned table because the speaker over our heads made it impossible to have a conversation. The host gave our server hell for allowing this who then proceeded to freeze us out in hopes we would leave. Eventually once the host left he reamed serving us. Overall too pretentious and not worth the $$$. Would not go back. The roof furnishing and bathroom were also pretty dilapidated, dirty and gross.
Extremely bad service, they do not clean the rooms due covid, do not change your towels due covid, just have one staff member in the reception (40 minutes waiting for the check in). Expensive and bad, would not recommend it. Pictures of the website were taken many years ago, now looks way worse.
Never take this. This is not for a decent guest. Extremely disgusting, far too dirty to bear. I wanted to kill myself for this unbearably dirty room. Dirty garbage on the floor… never a nice neighborhood to be, just too much. This never happens in the Buddhist country and for that I really hate this extremely polarized cruel city. With this called as a hotel, this is a bad country.
Macys is an iconic megastore in New York. It is also part of New York culture. It is a great experience. If you visit look up to the magnificent building and architecture. The decorations for the different seasons. Then you can look y at the windows decorations and walk around and visit the different floors. Dont miss it. Also you can buy original designers brands. No fake ones. Live it.
New York City rooftop rooftop anyone?Located on the Southwestern edge of Central Park right Off Broadway, is this rooftop restaurant... Maybe it is more accurate to call it a rooftop bar, is is accessible, usually uncrowded and offers a differentiated view of the Manhattan skyline.. The bar has inside as well as outside outside seating and drinking locations king locations meaning it can work in a range of Weathers. This could be a good place to rendezvous ahead or after events at Lincoln Center. Not unsurprisingly the prices aint cheap, but thats life in the city t. If you havent seen it before check it out.
Great view but sub par service, forgot our order multiple times and didnt even bring the table water until we asked multiple times. Over three hours we had to ask for our food and every time we asked about it more food came out, implying to me they kept forgetting and submitting new orders as we reminded them.Mushroom Flatbread and chicken slider was good tho
Pathetic rooms in a good location. Asked the staff for an extra water bottle and they couldnt spare one extra bottle. I was told to come next day because they cannot give more than 2 bottles per day for 2 guests. Had to go outside to get more water in the middle of the night. Super disappointed
The location of the hotel is excellent, but they were cloaed during Covid, recently opened, not fully functional, no restaurant, no GYM, no drinking water in the 4oom. Very bad experience of my pre-booking room in Apri . The room provided was very small like a case, stinky and bad oddor, then i upgraded the room, and there basin was not working, telephone was dead, finally the heater was not working. The Engineer tried and failed to fix the heating syatem, i suffered the night and finally changed the hotel with cold and cough. It should be a basic bed hotel, price like USD 120-150 But they charge high. Total waist of money. Govt should investigate the prices and services. staffs are cooperative though.
I cannot give this hotel a positive rating as we cant travel here and the hotel will not refund our money. We booked the hotel before the COVID-19 pandemic for a stay in May 2020 from Australia. I have been trying to obtain a refund of the $3,000 AUD paid upfront for over 18 months and have still not received my money back. I was offered a credit at one stage to use during a period where the hotel was closed the entire time which was not helpful. I have been provided with a refund form which I have completed and sent back but the hotel now will not respond to my emails or return my money. I do not recommend this hotel as the service has been appalling. I welcome Empire Hotel to contact me to sort this mess out however I do not expect to receive this courtesy from them.
The lobby and bar are elegant. The rooms are showing their wear. Our room had a hole in the carpet, the lamp shades had cracks in them, and the grout work in the shower was substandard. The room was always warm. We ran the fan/AC the entire time we were there and it was barely enough. Service however was fantastic. I was late leaving my room one morning, they called to see if I needed any towels or such. I said I was good. When I got back to the room, the bed was made and I had fresh towels. The front desk people were helpful and friendly as well.
I wish that I could say that I was impressed. The hotel staff is not that friendly and the pool is tiny and overcrowded with children. My room was very clean, the bed was super comfy, and I heard no noises from the outside while I was in my room. Jacques and Eugene were the nicest staff members. The hostesses on the rooftop were not friendly at all! Oh, the views were quite gorgeous and the location is ideal!
I didn’t stay here but I went to the rooftop bar. It was actually pretty nice up there for the most part. Had a small out door area with a pretty decent view. The drinks were priced as you expect in the city so no shocker there. All of the bartenders were pretty nice and have no complaints there. Overall I enjoyed my time here and if I am in that specific area again I will more likely than not stop in and have a couple of drinks and maybe grab something to eat while I am there.
The location of the hotel is perfect. I’m a huge gossip girl fan so this was a bucket list item for me! The interior in the lobby and mezzanine area is beautiful.Some areas within the room were a little tired, the bathroom door had peeling paint and some of the dark wood furniture was heavily marked. The fridge in our room didn’t work but the beds were comfortable. The rooms are a fair size but there is very limited storage space for cases and clothes.The Rooftop bar is another area with great interior and views. We tried the breakfast buffet on our last day and to say I was disappointed is an understatement. The food available is mediocre for $28 per adult. Children are charged as an adult above the age of 10. $95 for a family of three for breakfast is a bit too pricey for the standard of food being offered. You can save $65 if you order hot cakes from the McDonald’s across the street and be more satisfied!
Even though the sign had some problems, this place was great. Pretty large rooftop spot, lots of room inside, and plenty of bartenders to readily get you your next beverage. Prices are actually not too bad considering where you are, but the views really put it over the top. This is a great spot for night time meetups, and when the nice weather comes, they open up more areas on the roof. Really good service though, even security when needing to step in, was super nice about getting people to just be safe.
This was such a wonderful experience! Everyday was a new adventure and such a pleasure stepping in and out of this hotel. From the moment we walked into this hotel we were greeted with the utmost perfect hospitality and it is such a rare thing to find in this world.Our room was clean and always well stocked with whatever we needed... whether it be fresh towels or the amazing aromatherapy toiletries they offered... this little city gem delivers!And we were just steps away from the park, the juliard and any other proper NY cafe you can imagine.The rooftop bar is just perfect for a late night drink and the breakfast was spectacular!We cannot say enough about The Empire Hotel!Thank you to all of the people who helped us hail a cab, show us to our room, give us extra waters, give us breakfast tickets, and were just overall accommodating during our visit! Definitely coming back!
If I could give a negative rating for customer service I would. I booked this hotel to take my mum for a 50th birthday treat. We were due to go in April but unfortunately we couldnt go due to the pandemic. I have emailed several times since then requesting a refund - the majority of emails were ignored but on the odd occasion I did get a response it was to say they were waiting for a management decision regarding this. I cant believe after 6 months the management have still not made a decision ! When we are able to travel again and can visit New York I certainly will not book this hotel.
I can’t describe my stay because I couldn’t stay and they refuse to give me my $2k back. I was planning to go to NYC ballet workshop but COVID struck. It was 3/4 months in advance when I tried to cancel but they refuse. I will never ever stay at this hotel again. And I advise anyone else to think twice. Awful place!
I arrived a little early, the front desk was very helpful while I waited for my room. I enjoyed a cocktail on the rooftop - the views are great, and I was able to walk to most places. If you’re looking for a location with a little bit more personality then I would definitely recommend The Empire Hotel.
Generally good but the rooms need some more maintenance and upkeep, the bathrooms especially. Housekeeping could do a better job of replacing used items like soaps etc. On checkout, they tried to charge me $3 for every complimentary coffee pod I’d used in the room + a few more. When I asked if it wasn’t complimentary they just removed the charge - very strange. Worth going if youre not paying full price..
I have stayed here 3 times. Beautiful hotel, great value! Breakfast buffet is expensive for what it is.. but the rooftop view is worth it. Across the street from Lincoln Center for Performing Arts and a few blocks walk to Central Park. There is a Star Bucks and a French coffee place with amazing pastries nearby. There was a pharmacy on the same block, which was awesome because it saved me a lot of time when I ran out of the essentials, like hair gel and body lotion. Great location. Opt for the King upgraded room or suite... the small difference in price is worth the massive upgrade in room size and these rooms all seem to have better views from the widows as well.
Our guests enjoyed their stays at the Empire for our wedding. The hotel was convenient, clean, and well-suited to a large group block. The team was reasonably accommodating throughout the process, although we did encounter a few challenges in communication and misbookings by the reception and events staff.Rooms are very small for the price point, but the location merits a premium.
We went for a friends bday get-together on the roof top. She reserved a nice section. But there design made it too crowded and bunches together. Plus we were having away from some of the other guests, so it felt like we had 2 separate groups. The main thing I didnt like were the prices for the drinks and food. It was outrageous. I sent 50$ on 3 food items pictured and another 15$ on non-alcoholic drinks. Four of us shared those tiny plates and I left there hungry and unsatisfied. The wings were super spicy, the truffle tots were good but Im not a fan of truffle by itself, and the pork buns were not authentic and mediocre at best. If anyone suggest a get together at this place again, I will respectfully decline.
A true classic in the heart of the upper west side. Staff was helpful and kind. Room was clean and the views of the Met Opera House were beautiful. Bathroom is small but clean and aesthetically pleasing. Older hotel but an emphasis has obviously been made to give it a modern touch. Would gladly stay there again.
The building is older. The hall near my room smelled like someone was smoking marijuana. No room service but there is a roof top bar with a great view of Lincoln Center. Drinks are good and the food is tapas style. The gym is in the sub-basement and only 1 of the elevators will take you there which is inconvenient. The hotel room is decorated nice. the bed was awfully close to the door and the use of space could have been better.
The rooms are very very small. For the price you pay per night you would think the rooms would be larger than a closet. The walls are very thin and you can hear people talking in their rooms. The rooftop bar is nice with a great view and the setting is fantastic. The location is also good, close to a lot of restaurants and stores.
This is an older hotel which I normally love. The service is not very good from the check in people and the cleaning staff. The lobby bar is nice and the decor is wonderful and they make a good martini. Great location though. If you go to the rooftop, youll love it (but it isnt that easy to get let in).
Nice hotel ideally placed for many sightseeing opportunities. Close to Central Park. Lobby and mezzanine area very modern decor but we found air conditioning too severe for our taste. Upstairs bar and restaurant was equally stylish with great views and small pool area. However our room was in poor condition in comparison. It was comfortable enough but needed attention to detail. Cannot say if this was the same for all the rooms. No hot drink making facilities. Staff very helpful with our queries.
Public area lobby very nice. Bedroom very tired, paintwork in bathroom chipped and in need of decorating. Furniture in bedroom, marked and damages, carpet looked tired and unclean. Coffee for machine in room, horrible, weak and tasteless. Rooftop pool closed, as only seasonal, no mention of this on booking details. Roof terrace very nice but very expensive drinks and very busy. Good location in the city. Not as good as I was hoping, as photos were made to enlarge the actual bedroom size, bathroom small. Really disappointed that the rooftop pool could not be used and it should state clearly that it is only seasonal opening.
Great little hotel only a block or so away from central park. The rooms are a bit smaller than they make them look online, but I guess thats the New York experience right? Rooms were clean, comfy, and room service was good. The building is definitely a bit on the old side, so the elevator had a few creaks and moans, and a few components still need updating.Wed definitely stay here again though. The location was great, and there were no real issues.
Great music and really nice staff. Stayed there for a week. Not massive amount of space for clothes but a very clean and comfortable room with a good TV and fairly adequate views. Free Fiji water at reception which is helpful for a day out in New York so overall a very good hotel.
A/c wasnt too strong my room was actually kinda warm. Bed was very comfortable, staff was also friendly. One of the smaller bathrooms in Manhattan. Great location if you dont like to much foot traffic but want to be in the mix close to restaurants and shops. Not enough wall outlets in the room. Cool restaurant bar on the rooftop. Bartenders make great drinks!!
Check in was a breeze. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Room was clean. Bathroom shows signs of age and needs some attention. I think moisture from a lack of ventilation is the problem. This is the reason for 4 instead of 5 stars. Rooms are small...but its NYC...and comfortable. SUPER location. Close to the subway station, Lincoln center, Central Park, shopping, restaurants, museums, etc...The hotel itself is a cool boutique hotel with a lobby bar, rooftop bar with great views and seating, pool area as well. This is one of my favorite places to stay in NYC!
Lobby is nice but rooms are kinda dated. The AC unit was hardly working in the room I stayed in. Location is nice and right next to the Lincoln center. Easy access to subways and stones throw away from Columbus circle and Central Park. They provide 2 FREE bottles of water!!!
Great hotel right next to central park. We stayed there for a week in New York and would definitely go back. The staff were lovely, couldnt do enough to help. It didnt fell expensive considering where you are. The bar prices were a little steep, but you are surrounded by other places to drink if that bothers you. The rooms were a good size, were clean and very comfortable. No WiFi in the rooms, but a massive lobby and bar area to catch up and make video calls with a good degree of privacy. The is 4G everywhere of course so we werent inconvenienced. Lovely hotel that we will use again - well recommended.
Stayed here for one night on Saturday, August 18, 2018. Checked-in around 5:15pm. Mackenzie at the front desk couldn’t have been nicer. Excellent customer service! The lobby is gorgeous. Had room 518 - a Junior Suite which sits at the end of a hall - that has a magnificent view of Lincoln Center and the fountain. The room is superb, nice sized, with a comfortable sitting chair, and a writing desk with chair. The bathroom has a large rain forest-style shower head which was wonderful. Briefly visited the incredible rooftop lounge area and pool around 6:30pm, and it wasn’t too crowded yet. Didn’t use the bar or room service. I brought ear plugs (use them at home as well) which helped with the minor bit of late-night street noise (occasional siren) and any hallway passerby’s. The bed was very comfortable, and with a well-functioning air conditioner which kept he room delightfully cool, slept like a baby. Highly recommend this hotel if you’re in the area or seeing a show at the Lincoln Center.
Very lovely place with cool decor and a great view of the Upper West Side. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There was a great mini bar in my room along with a stocked refrigerator full of beers, liquors and mixers. Also, my daughter and I went up to the rooftop lounge and had the breakfast buffet and let me tell you, the sausage and bacon were amazing! I would definitely stay again.
We had a great experience. They were very friendly to us and very accommodating to our corgi. Price was reasonable considering the great location and time we stayed. The room was good size for NYC, but dont expect anything too spacious. A few points to improve are the AC in rm 327 is really loud. Also not having a full shower door is super cool but not super functional. Wallpaper could use a touch up.
Excellent location right next to the Lincoln Center where I was attending a conference. Central Park, Time Square, and the LDS Temple are all within walking distance. Service was excellent and the front desk provided daily bottles of Fiji Water. The rooms were clean and well kept, but a little on the small side. It worked really well for my wife and I and I would stay here again.
Rooms are small, but updated and has a great mini fridge/snack selection. Lobby + rooftop bar is really nice. Staff are AWESOME! A huge snowstorm hit and all flights were cancelled after we had already checked out (on a Friday) the staff were so kind and booked us another room at the same price we paid the previous nights, despite the higher rate due it should have been due to it being a Friday evening.
I went to the rooftop bar for drinks. It was a bit too cold to stay outside long, but the view was very nice, especially with the neon sign. The service was great and the drinks were good. We had a decent sized group and even though I was moving around from table to table, I always got my drink promptly and without confusion.
I have not stayed there, I was only in the rooftop bar. They served fantastic food and the service was very polite. There are four different seating areas that are really comfortable and the view is amazing. You can see the entire Lincoln Center, which is beautiful. A cool place to stop by after a show or a concert. They cold use some blankets for the cold nights, that might people there a bit longer.
We transferred from another hotel and was very impressed by the excellent service by all of the team. In particular special thanks to Micheal, Jose and Maria for ensuring helping out in our time of need (5 star service!). The room was big, very clean and of a good standard. Breakfast was excellent and the views from the roof terrace were amazing. We would highly recommend this hotel for business, couples and families. We will stay here again on our next visit.
Probably the worst quality of service I ever had in a hotel ! The Empire hotel is greatly located near the Lincoln Center, but it suffers from its architecture, having most of its rooms right on Broadway or on the Lincoln Center. The building being old and probably not renovated since 40 years, the rooms are very, very, very noisy. Luckily some rooms (the interiors) will be quieter, but the guys at the front desk will assure you with such a disdain, that they are as noisy as the others. Beware, after giving me a room without working air conditioning (in August) and just under the noisy rooftop, they probably did not appreciate me complaining again about the noise of the Lincoln Center, so... they gave me a room on.. Broadway !!!! (Thank you so much Pasquale !). Oh an dont bother tipping the guys, the result is the same with a 20$ bill or with nothing.The rooms are dusty, old, barely cleaned after the cleaning service is done. The area is the only positive thing of this hotel but the other aspects are so bad, that I really forgot about the charms of the area.So lets just get out of here, forget about it and.... never come back !
The hotel looks great when you walk in and it’s a good location IF you prefer to stay upper west side. However, we ended phoning Virgin and moving hotels.The first room we were checked into was a box sized room, just enough space for a double bed. No wardrobe, tiny bathroom, which was smelly and unclean. The air conditioning was extremely loud and cold, even when adjusted. If you suffer with sinus or chest problems this is definitely not the hotel for you.We were moved to a different room, same experience and problems.Eventually the manger spoke to me and moved us to a king superior room. I had previously been advised no other rooms were available by her colleague.This room was slightly better but still not sufficient for our expectations and drilling commenced by workmen at 4am outside our hotel.Uncomfortable beds, no sleep, unclean/tiny rooms and terrible air conditioning.The manger was kind enough to let us move hotels free of charge and we moved to a much better hotel.I wouldn’t recommend the Empire Hotel.
We stayed at the Empire at the end of October - my parents in one room (King Size bed) and us in another (Queen Size bed). Our room was smaller, but overall there were no issues. The heat didnt work, which was fine as it wasnt cold enough to have it on for long. The hotel does look dated, if you want to be knit-picky the carpet is rough and worn and so is some of the furniture. All the staff at the hotel are wonderful, very welcoming and helpful. We valeted our car overnight which was very convenient.The location is great - right next to a Duane Reades, Starbucks and the 57th & Columbus subway station which can get you just about anywhere!Unfortunately, the fire alarm went off SEVERAL times throughout our stay, thankfully not in the middle of the night! It was definitely irritating as the elevators all shut down and we were unable to use the staircase. Again, things happen, wasnt a huge deal in the grand scheme of it all.Rooftop bar was nice, nothing special though - drinks and food are very expensive, and almost every table had a Reservation sign on it so we had nowhere to sit and ended up standing at the bar. Bar staff was great, very friendly and quick with drinks!Overall, our stay was good. Its a great location in a semi-historic building close to Midtown, restaurants and the subway line. Friendly staff, and in a pinch it worked well for our last minute trip to NYC!
Just completed a couple night stay at The Empire Hotel, I liked it and would stay again. It is in a great location right by Lincoln Center on Upper West Side, easy to and from Newark Airport especially. Room was comfortable, clean and good shower. Nice little bar in the lobby and Frank a terrific barman. Also the rooftop bar is worth a try too.Some good places to eat very close by as well.
The location is great even if youre not into the shows at Lincoln Center. Both Central Park and American Museum of Natural History are within walking distance, along with numerous places down Broadway. And there are good subway connections just a block away at Columbus Circle.The hotel is old and it shows in the rooms but the room was clean and apart from slightly noisy people in the neighboring room, there wasnt any excess noise. The reception looks good and the service at the desk was alright.Too bad the pool deck was closed due to weather (even though it was summertime and sunny!), so cant say anything about that.Overall satisfied, would recommend.
The Empire Hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of The Lincoln square area. It is in front of Lincoln Center even has a huge iconic sign on top of it.As many other hotels in the city it has a beautiful and sexy bar. There the bartenders are excellent, attentive and extremely professional.While many people struggle to find a drinking or eating spot around here they forget that there is this place. It has a balcony, excellent couches and very comfortable sitting at the bar. I would recommend this bar to anyone who wants to be away from the chaos and crazy crowds in the area. Do you want to drink and enjoy yourself like a rich person? Then this is the perfect place. Otherwise drink or eat next door at P. J. Clarkes.
We stayed on the first floor in a shoebox room with a view of a wall. New York living!! All of that would be fine except that the room was essentially a dark sweat box. Because it was overcast and we faced a wall we got very very little sunlight and there was only lamps in one half of the room so the other half remained dark. Very frustrating considering that was where the only other mirror was located. As far as the room temperature, it wasnt until night two that we discovered if the blinds were closed it trapped all the cold air. Once we discovered that we were able to keep it cooler but not much.The lobby, and rooftop are the only real amenities and probably the only reason people should stay at this hotel. Everything is way over priced but service was good and we saw many people dressed to nines after a show at Lincoln center.It was okay but I wouldnt stay there again.
It was ok but not what I expected. The service/staff was great! No room service, beds were very firm, pillows could have been better. Shower head was awesome! Loved valet attendants. The outlets to plug your phone charger werent very accessible. Underneath the nightstand on the wall. Bathroom layout was very weird and uncomfortable. Definitely not the best 4 star hotel I have stayed in. Location is great though. Close to Rockefeller Plaza, shows, one block from Central Park.
Roof top lounge: This hotel has a unique vibe over all, but this review is specifically for the roof top as I was visiting a friend staying here. The lounge has great views of the city, drinks not too over priced and is open air with lots of plants to give it a leafy intimate feeling. It is right outside of Lincoln Center which is easily accessible from subways was packed on a Tuesday night. I specifically loved the glow of the neon sign which felt so close you could reach out and touch it (although it is unseen on the other side of the rooftop if you don’t like that)
I was 50/50 whether I’d write a 3 or 4 star review about this hotel, as there were a couple of occasions which left me a little disappointed with the service from some of the staff. They didn’t explain that us requesting additional tea pods for the coffee machine would come at a $12 charge until we were about to check out. An incident where a cockroach decided to nestle its way into our bathroom and the maintenance staff took three phone calls before they would get rid of it. However, on the last day we came across an issue where we foolishly left something in the bedroom. The hotel staff were extremely helpful and very accommodating. They made sure they followed the incident with urgency and they quickly returned our item without any hassle.Based on that I think their staff were a bit hit and miss. That said, the hotel was lovely. It was decorated beautifully and it had mostly modern appliances like a rain water shower and a hairdryer. The TV was old and didn’t have a HDMI cable input which was a bit annoying as it’s nice to watch English TV instead of the local advert infested nonsense which I can’t get my head around. That said, we weren’t there to be plonked Infront of the TV. The view was really nice and the location was perfect. Very close to Central Park and right next to the Subway.In all, a good stay, on the whole very enjoyable and I would happily stay here again.
This is the second time Ive stayed here. The location is great. Just across the street from Lincoln center and just a few blocks from central park and Columbus circle. Nice roof top pool and bar. Only issue with them is the AC in the rooms suck. I complained about the room being hot (@2am)and they changed my room the next day. I dont think the temperature got below 75 in either room. Staff are great and friendly and the rooms are clean so I believe they still deserve a 5 star. But please fix the airco!
This hotel used to be nice. What happened? The bathrooms werent working so anytime we were in the lobby we had to use the staff bathroom behind the counter which was terrible. The nice restaurant was closed. The furniture in the lobby looked like it saw better days. The outlet in the bathroom of my room was broken so I couldnt do my hair in there, the shower was broken, the last goes on... for the price, you have to maintain the place.
Three of us shared a double room, and it was very comfortable. The rooms are on the small side, but thats to be expected with an older historic building. The decor is beautiful, and there are great amenities like a rooftop lounge. The front desk, housekeeping, and bell staff were all very friendly and accommodating. Lastly, the location is fantastic, within walking distance of Central Park, Lincoln Center, and many shops and restaurants.
Room at first seem outdated, but the updated restrooms and clean beds made up for it (bed is on the more stiff side which I like). Lobby was nice and comfortable and the staff made sure you were comfortable. Plenty of restaurants nearby and a Walgreens and Starbucks 100 feet from the hotel. It’s walking distance from the Lincoln center and next to the A-train that will take you to freedom tower. There’s also a chase and Bank of America within 200 feet to grab money if you need it. Great location, and great stay. I will be back.
I had an amazing experience at this wonderful hotel, first off its in a great location and everyone there is super friendly. when I got there the room wasnt ready yet which wasnt a problem we went up to the rooftop pool to hang out and grab a drink. The only negative thing I have to say is that I wish the rooftop pool had been warmer the water was freezing cold for August but I still had a great time! The hotel and lobby is very nice and once the room was was ready shortly after we went up to the room and really enjoyed our stay. I would love to be back one day!
Went to NY to see an ABC show taping and this was just 2 blocks from the studios. Very nice hotel and bar. Staff was super friendly and helpful. Room was good size for 2 and was clean and reasonably priced. Only concern was that there was some noticeable traffic noise at night, but Im not used to city noises, so I would probably have noticed that no matter where I had stayed in the city.
This is one of the best hotels Ive stayed at while in NYC! The rooftop alone is worth the stay and they have awesome seating as well as nice waitresses that arent too pushy but make sure you are good. The inside is luxurious and has a certain charm along with still being classy. Rooms are clean and beds are super comfy.
My boyfriend booked a room at your hotel for my birthday. He elected to stay at your hotel because your property had a pool, unlike some of your competitors with cheaper prices. He received an email prior to our stay stating the hours and information about the pool deck, so he had no reason to believe there would be any issues once we arrived. It was a surprise he planned for my birthday and it was ruined when we found out that the pool was not open like your website and the email he received stated it would be. The primary reason he book a room at your hotel (which was rather expensive) was because he was willing to pay extra to ensure we had access to a pool. Furthermore, we went to the front desk and added one of my friends to the reservation so she could access the room while we were not there. We were being proactive because we knew we not be in the room and would not have access to our phones when she was due to arrive. She was coming to drop-off wardrobe for me and ended up sitting in the lobby for an hour before she left. Lastly, the morning we were due to check out the water was not working; which is completely unacceptable. I have made several attempts to contact a manager via phone and email to get my complaints address and resolved. I had been working with Kenn Skelton. I reached out to him back in June with a follow up email and hadnt heard anything. I called your front desk, and was informed he no longer works for your hotel. In addition, twice the person at the front desk has forwarded me to voicemails of individuals who are no longer employed at the hotel. Its very unprofessional and concerning that your front desk agent is so incompetent and that I have yet to receive any follow up on a customer relations issue from June. I understand employees may change, but customer service issues should not be mishandled, as mine has been.
Be very careful with this hotel. I had booked a room with a prepayment. Recently notified by the hotel on 6/20/2020 that my reservation could no longer be honored. I requested refund, and have since had difficultly getting refund or any answer from hotel management. I have escalated my complaint to VISA and NY State Attorney General asking for refund of purchase. I would strongly advice any traveler to be very careful of reservation deposit at this hotel. I am very dissatisfied with the recent service and lack of resolution by the hotel for my cancelled reservation scheduled for August 2020.
Youd expect in such a popular NY hotel to get at least basic accommodations. My husband asked if since they would not decorate for our honey moon if he could order flowers and they would bring them up and they could not. The happy hour was removed from the lobby bar, which is disappointing. You cannot order any food items to the room. The rooms are very bland, and the beds are awfully uncomfortable. The rooftop bar drinks were very good, and the service fairly quick for NYC.
The staff is very accommodating and any issues were fixed within the hour. The private rooftop will make you never want to leave. The hotel buffet breakfast is great and very high quality. You can even leave your belongings before and after checking out for a few hours to explore hassle free!
I visited this hotel for a networking event a few months ago. The views from this establishment were very impressive. On the day I was there it was around the 6o degrees but it was cloudy and humid with a little breeze. As the night progressed, more people arrived to the event so it became very hot very fast in a outside area of about 125 people. The management closed the rooftop covers and it became extremely hot that I had to leave. There was no AC turned on throughout the night. I was disappointed in this due to the fact I was trying to network but the heat was unbearable.
I would never recommend this hotel! During a global pandemic they scammed my family out of $1,400. They canceled our reservation and refuse a refund. I have been in communication for 10 months with no response. Geraldine has been feeding me bs for 10 months now refusing to refund. The management here should be ashamed! Bail outs from government and scamming low income Americans in a pandemic! Disgusting.
I loved it. We stayed because my husband was having surgery early the next morning. Obviously a stressful thing. Luis, the best guy ever, checked us in. He kept everything fun and upbeat and as he promised, we got a great room with an unbelievable gorgeous NY view. It was a huge breath of fresh air and calm. We asked for some recommendations which he was happy to give. Our night was as nice and stress free as possible. Totally recommend. Thanks Luis!!!
My husband and I stayed here and we had an excellent time. The staff were all very friendly and professional, and the room was great. We got a double, so it wasnt a very large room, but youre in the middle of NYC - you cant really expect a huge room. We enjoyed our time here and were looking forward to our next stay!
The hotel is tastefully decorated, and on original entry seems very plush and well equipped. However, upon scratching the surface you see that this is all a veneer. The rooms are nicely decorated and comfortable, but poor insulating and glazing mean loud noises plague the rooms. We had to move rooms due to the noise from the AC generator, and was woken up by the boiler from a different room through the walls. The roof terrace with pool is a nice touch, but feels tired and old. The concierge staff were very friendly and helpful however.
The Empire Hotel the name speaks for itself, I came to this hotel last year and I enjoyed my stay here. Pardon that It took me almost a year to provide my experience and feedback. But never the less they took my reservation over the phone and booked me wright away with a JR, Suite.When I arrived there is a door man waiting to greet you and assist you in anyway possible. As I was waiting to checked in the hotel rep informed if I would like to take a seat by the mezzanine lounge and have a drink as I wait to be checked in. She was very polite and patient.First floor lounge/bar is cozy lights are easy on the eyes, music has a soft but up beat tempo. The mezzanine on the second level is also very comfortable. I also ventured up to the lounge they have on the roof, you can see all of upper eat side of Manhattan near the Met-Opera House.I really enjoyed my stay here, my room was spotless and well cleaned, the bedding and pillows just perfect. Stand up shower was just wright.Will be visiting in the near future.
The hotel itself was beautiful as was my room. Our room keys after five different keys didn’t work and it was a huge inconvenience waiting to be let in a praying a key would work when we returned. There was also no clock in our room. I initially gave them 4 stars but the staff was kind especially one lady at the front desk. I didn’t get her name but she was y’all, African American, with a blonde buzz cute and she was a delight. Can’t expect things to go right 100% of the time but it’s nice when great customer service kicks in
Excellent service by the wait staff, they were very attentive and worked as a team. We had coffee outdoors on the rooftop and found the view decent, though the height of the walls prevent you from properly enjoying the view if you are not standing. One coffee and one espresso ran us about $11, not including tip.
Love this hotel. Clean,wonderful staff,close to lots of places and things to do. Very reasonable price. Bar on the top is a good place to get a drink and a bite to eat at the end of the day. We are going back next month and going to bring the family for some holiday R&R.
The hotel was very nice. The location was perfect for traveling and finding something to eat. The room I was in was very clean and perfect size for me and my boyfriend. The service was great. The pool is small but quite relaxing on a hot day. Overall I enjoyed my stay for sure!
Never got to stay so have no comment on the hotel. However, this hotel have been evasive in offering a refund owing to the Covid outbreak. I feel really let down by their lack of response and would absolutely recommend against anyone taking a risk and booking a trip. My experience so far is that they dont care about refunding money and will do everything in their power to avoid a conversation. Incredibly poor from them
We rented a room here for two days just after we were married on July2nd. We have an apartment in the city but wanted to have a little mini get away over the 4th of July weekend.The front desk over heard us talking about our wedding and upgraded us to a suite. It was a nice touch. The rooftop pool was great and so was the food. The only negatives was they were not prepared for the crowd on the rooftop so the service was slow. We bought individual drinks $18 a piece. Then purchased a carafe $60 and it was 2 1/2 drinks. Stick with individual drinks......
It was my very first trip to NYC! I could feel the electricity in the air !My first hotel stay was here at The Empire. It is located across from Lincoln Center, and walking distance to Times Square !The hotel is older, the rooms are small, and there is no central air conditioning. However it’s got a cool vibe to it.Really enjoyed the rooftop pool and bar. I just wish the pool was bigger !They gave us a very very late check out which was appreciated. 3.5 stars.
Made reservations for 20 at Empire Hotels Rooftop Bar. Easy, fast, and responsive reservation system. I was offered several options for an open bar and food, elected to not use any of them and received no pressure to change my mind. We did end up getting bottle service that evening which was a good and affordable option.The views are, of course, amazing. The music and ambiance are such that having a conversation is comfortable and the service is fantastic. Seating for the 20-odd guests we had was a bit sparse, but comfortable. We chose to use multiple cards which meant we needed to order from the bar. This was actually not a huge issue as the bartending was fast and accurate.Ultimately, everyone was pleasantly surprised. We had been to the Empire Hotel Rooftop previously, but it was a few years ago and for a private event which had the entire space reserved. Its an easy location to get to, while being far enough away from the Midtown scene that the crowd is fun without being too wild. Well definitely be back.
Total reviews rating 4
199 Reviews for The Empire Hotel 2023:
Review №1
2022-06-04The location is a block away from central park and near subways to get you around the city. The rooms were clean and comfortable and we got a great view of the city and Lincoln Center. There were some issues with the elevators while we were there but we werent held up for too long. We were just sad that we couldnt use the fitness center due to the unusually hot weather that caused them to close it temporarily. Their rooftop is also incredible! Super friendly and efficient staff too!
Review №2
2022-04-17We loved the complimentary water bottles, we went for them at the reception. Downsides:The swimming pool is closed.Gym is closed.No restaurant for breakfast in the hotel.The rooftop closes at 11pm, except Fridays & Saturdays when it closes at 1am (staff confused the closing times, so we couldnt enjoy the rooftop).The rooms are very old, but clean. You can hear the noise from the hallway and the elevators, very thin walls in the room.The room cleaning service is nice, reception as well :).Thank you, overall, for the experience.The staff was nice, but we would never go back to this hotel - we chose it and paid this money due to the facilities and they were all closed. Big disappointment.
Review №3
2022-05-18Fantastic hotel. Very pleasant and helpful staff. Set in a great location. The room we had was very clean and maid service every day. The only downside was it could do with a little TLC. Furnishing/decor starting to look a bit tired. Would recommend this hotel. Many thanks for a fantastic stay.
Review №4
2022-06-09It is difficult to justify giving this hotel 3 stars instead of 2, however the location and free bottled water are the only reasons I have given 3 stars. The location is great for Central Park and close to subway stations.The lobby looks amazing and well looked after, the same cannot be said for the rooms. The wardrobe door was hanging off, with the two on the hinges missing. The rest of the furniture is worn and damaged and needs urgently replacing. The rooms are generally quiet however the doors slam very loudly and this can be heard all down the hallway.The staff are very friendly and helpful. The Hotel Empire sign above the hotel is only half working and the pool area is in need of some TLC. There was broken glass around the pool area, which a member of staff kicked to one side rather than picking it up.Overall, for a hotel in New York which promised to be 4 stars, the empire hotel fell far short of 4 stars. We only spent a small amount in the hotel as we were out exploring every day so the poor condition of the room was manageable. For the price we payed there are other hotels which are far better.
Review №5
2022-06-21The location and the rooftop are great. And thats about it.The room is old and dirty, the bathroom is disgusting and half broken.The pool was FREEZING and that was on a 95-degree weekend.The hallways are dark, with an old carpet and old wallpaper.The hotel needs some serious renovation. If youre looking for something clean and spacious, go somewhere else.The room is SO SMALL you can barely move. I tried to change the sheets one day because something spilled and the cleaning lady put them back!Will never go back there
Review №6
2022-05-24If youve ever been to NYC you know that youre not spending much time in your room. That being said the room was your average NYC hotel room and it always clean. My only disappointment was that the bathroom was EXTRA small and the constant smell of weed (not sure if it was in another room or from outside).The location was awesome, a cab was in reach at all times, food, coffee, pharmacy all easily accessible in the area. Central Park is also at walking distance (really close to the carousel).
Review №7
2022-06-06I really liked my experience at the rooftop last week at an event I attended. The sunset views from the rooftop are epic. Go just before sunset you will love it. The bar menu was limited. I hope they will improve that part. Good views should be complimented with good food and good drinks
Review №8
2022-06-25Nice lobby and good location is the only nice things i can say. Parking is 3 blocks away at a garage that you have to call and ask about you can get a discount with voucher from the hotel. Rooms are small way different than the pictures. Room wasnt clean dust everywhere. They have no vending machines, coffee maker and no breakfast you will have to get all of that outside the hotel. They were very cheap with their renovations paint chipped everywhere basic wallpaper in hallways and very dark so you cant see the bad condition of the hotel. Thin walls can hear people in the hallway and the entire street. Cheap curtains and uneven floors in the rooms. Very disappointed and wont be back
Review №9
2022-06-09Friendly staff. Decent rooms especially for the price. Love the rooftop bar and the pool is small but refreshing. The rooms are a little outdated but I really can’t complain for the price. A great location for tourists too with Central Park right around the corner.
Review №10
2022-06-19The location and decor cant be beat. The service is fantastic. The rooms are what youd expect in NYC (a little the smaller size) but well maintained. Only compliant is that the beds were smaller and the mattress was not comfortable. However the location more than makes up for that.