After reading a number of reviews on a New York forum, I was getting very apprehensive about staying in this hotel. A number of people stated this hotel was dirty, the staff unfriendly and their stay a nightmare with a majority saying to stay well clear.
Having just returned from my holiday there, I'd like to balance this out with my experience. Being a 2-star hotel, I wasn't expecting the earth and found myself pleasantly surprised. When you enter the hotel lobby, it shines at you with the marble floors and chandaliers; all very clean and had that bit of wow-factor. Check in was quick and the staff very friendly and chatty.
We took the lift up to the 9th floor and when we stepped out, some of the relief I had felt in the lobby disappeared. The decor in the corridors leading to all the rooms was not great - very outdated and not fresh, although clean. Then again, you don't sleep in the corridors and it wasn't something that bothered me.
On entering our room, I was pleased. Although some of the features were a bit outdated (mirror, fridge, lamps) the room was not at all grubby, was spacious and was very clean. All in all it was a comfortable room that I could feel relaxed in. I am aware that the hotel is/was renovating it's rooms and so I may have felt different had I not had a renovated room. So my main recommendation to people thinking of staying there, is to ask for a renovated room - I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
The biggest selling point for this hotel is it's excellent central location. Directly opposite MadisonSquare Garden and Penn Station, it has excellent subway links - 1 stop down from Times Square. The Empire State Building is just a couple of blocks away so is a very short walk, and some major shopping can be done just round the corner where the world-famous Macys is.
There are better hotels and the facilities were fairly basic so if you are looking for something special (e.g. honeymoon) then I would suggest you look elsewhere and spend more on a hotel that doesn't fall into the budget category. Hotel Pennsylvania suited our requirements perfectly - central location, clean and comfortable, and a place to sleep.
Overall, I would recommend this hotel to those looking for budget accommodation. Perhaps the biggest indicator of how I feel about this hotel is the fact that I would stay there again if I was to go back to New York.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Sounds basic but pretty good considering it's a two star hotel! x
MAFARRIMOND 05.12.2004 10:28
It sounds OK. The central location would be more beneficial to me for my holiday needs. Maureen
Delicate_Orchid 04.12.2004 21:37
I was considering this, as I always see good reviews on it. Basically, it seems to be that you get what you pay for here. I am glad I did not book it, though, I do want something a little more thrilling. Desiree x
Location. The Hotel Pennsylvania is located in New York, N.Y. Across the street from ... more
Madison Square Garden Across the street from Penn Station One block from Macy's department store Three blocks from the Empire State Building Hotel Fea...
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Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
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