The Empire Hotel

Maeve Cassin

Stayed 4 nights here in November, on my 2 daughters 1st trip to New York. Great location, plenty to do and see in the area, subway station just across the road. Checkin process was very easy and quick, made easier by the very helpful and professional Audry and Keenan. Room was very spacious, well cleaned. A few small maintenance jobs in the rooms could be done to a better standard, but flaking paint in the bathroom would, in no way, affect my stay, or general impressions of this lovely hotel. I didn't, personally, come to new york to sit in my room. Once it is clean, spacious, and warm, thats enought for me.All staff are friendly, and helpful, esp the night man at reception, who was more than helpful. Great hot showers, and warm rooms. A kettle or small microwave would have been handy, but not the end of the world not having them. Empire Hotel should be very proud of the excellent service provided by their staff Will be my go-to hotel from now on when visiting new york.

Jamie Pitt

The location is fantastic, but the hotel needs updates. The lobby is beautiful, but the wallpaper is damaged in various areas, and the furniture is worn out. There is no security system for the elevators so anyone can access the dark hallways. The room itself was in a rough state. The door didn’t close automatically behind you like hotel doors usually do so it was worrisome to think that someone could come behind you and access your room if you weren’t extra careful. The heating and cooling system was struggling and all of the button controls didn’t work, wallpaper was torn and badly patched, the bathroom door was damaged, and there were multiple nails in the wall with no pictures or decorations. The bed was one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever slept on! The bathroom light in the shower didn’t work and would come on randomly and flicker like a strobe light for awhile then stop working, so the lighting in the bathroom was terrible, the sink was also strange; the faucet was so close to the bottom of the sink that you couldn’t fit both hands under the faucet to wash your hands. Staff members were very nice at checkin, but when we requested a late check out with different staff (even just a 15-30-minute extension), they refused. We had to leave our work event early to get out by noon. That is fine since checkout is noon so we worked around it. But then at 11:45, housekeeping began knocking on our door, asking us when we’d be leaving because they had to get rooms ready for the next guests. It was unnecessary to rush us. If the rule is noon and you aren’t going to be flexible, fine, but don’t expect me to accommodate you before the checkout time. This hotel has a lot going for it, including the fantastic restaurant, but I would not stay here again.

solida heng

It was disappointing to experience the receptionist’s attitude. This will be our first and last stay at this hotel. I’m relieved that my family and I, who traveled from abroad, only had to stay here for two nights. The receptionist, Kat, who checked us in last night, seemed as if she was having a bad day. We simply asked for parking recommendations, and her response—and overall attitude—was unacceptable. We travel often, and this is one of the most unpleasant experiences we’ve had. I would strongly recommend that others avoid staying here. A front desk receptionist plays an important role in creating a friendly and welcoming environment. We had more questions, but we were afraid to ask because we didn’t want to make our stay even more uncomfortable. The lobby is nice, but the rooms need renovation. Our bathroom door is coming apart, and the temperature control unit is also falling apart. The cleaner did a great job by leaving their trash bag with the dirty gloves in the room as well.. 🙄

Mike

My review applies only to the rooftop bar and the staff. The staff was incredibly friendly; we were delighted by the warm welcome from the nice young man in the elevator. We had delicious snacks and good cocktails, but the best part is and remains the magnificent panorama at sunset over the Hudson River. The iconic hotel logo is one of the top New York City Instagram motifs. This visit will remain in our memories forever. Highly recommended!

Bob Mitty

This hotel is… an experience. The room and bathroom are so tiny I felt like I’d accidentally booked an illegal efficiency. It gives retired cruise ship vibes. Carpets are ripping at the seams. Wallpaper is pealing off of the walls. Baseboards have extensive water damage. Furniture is beat up. The bathroom is so small, you can’t even sit on the toilet comfortably. And the hallways are just as beat up, dark, and dingy. It has a good location and the lobby has some charm, but the hotel is a dump otherwise. Very cringe.