There's the usual chain cluster in the immediate vicinity of the airport, most with shuttles. One other option is the newer cluster that's popped up around the Jamaica Station end of the AirTrain, in an area with lots of shopping and ethnic food possibilities. The hotels include Quality Inn Jamaica AirTrain, a Clarion and Super8 JFK Airport.
The airport hotels are just that. Typically by the side of a major highway - with no access to the local neighborhood, shops or restaurants. OK if you just need a place to sleep for 6 or 7 hors. If you have nay substantial time - and time to sightsee or get a decent meal yo umay prefer to stay in Manhattan.
Actually, that was the point of the Jamaica hotels, mentioned in the Times a week or so ago: they are in a community, not a highway--the rail staion is their focus--and are popular with people coming from elsewhere to shop economically in NY and fly home.
Yes, I have visited that area within the last year (at the request of my mom who wanted to see the area she shopped in during the 1950s. And it is not a place I would send most tourists - esp those not from a large urban area with significant city smarts and experience of non-tourist neighborhoods,
We onced stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton; that was in Jamaica. It was OK. Of course we were only there overnight ( airport to hotel and back to airport ) and didn't go out the door. Can't say anything about Jamaica area.
In Rockville Centre, about 15 minutes from the airport, thee is both a Best Western and a Hampton Inn. I would check to see if they run a shuttle to the airport, or find out what a cab would cost. Rockville Centre is a lovely community with many resturants, a six screen theater, and lots of shops. Just a few blocks fro the hotel is the Long Island Railroad Station.It's about 40 minutes to the city.
If you're going to spend the $10 roundtrip on Air Train to get to Jamaica Station, you might as well invest another $5 (RT) subway, or about $8 RT Long Island Railroad to go into Mahnatten and stay there. That way you will get to see the city. Lots of shops, restaurants, etc., all around 34th street. If you just need a place to sleep, airport hotels are fine. I always used to stay at the Quality Inn across the street from Jamaica Station, then it closed for about 3 years, and I believe it's open again, but haven't stayed since opening, so I can't give an opinion. I've stayed at the other two Jamaica hotels and was not happy with them. I personally don't care for that area of Jamaica. It is ethnic, that's true, but it's also very dirty and not much in the way of nice restaurants.
Sorry - there is no way Rockville Center is 15 minutes from the airport - unless at 3 in the morning. In any sort of normal traffic it will take much longer than that. And those hotels do NOT have airport shuttles.
Last year we stayed at a Marriott Courtyard in Jamaica. They had very good shuttle service to JFK as well as to the train station if you want to go into the City for a while. There is really nothing in the neighborhood, but for overnight it was fine. They also provided a list of nearby restaurants that will deliver if you want to eat in your room.
I stayed at the Sheraton in Jamaica twice coming and going to Iceland. Very nice with restaurant and shuttle to and from the airport. Walked around the area with no problem either during the day.
Sorry - there is no way Rockville Center is 15 minutes from the airport - unless at 3 in the morning. In any sort of normal traffic it will take much longer than that. And those hotels do NOT have airport shuttles. Posted by ny traveler
I live 5 minutes from JFK (closer to Brooklyn) and it absolutely takes me only 15 minutes to get to Rockville Center in normal traffic.
The Hotels at JFK are not good. You would be better off to stay near Laguardia Airport. The JFK Hotels are second or third rate at best. You will not be happy!!
I have lived in Rockaway which is about 20 minutes from JFK for my entire life. I have worked and gone to school in Jamaica. It is NOT a desirable area ! I agree that Rockville Center is a GREAT alternative to Manhattan ...and Yes, it is only about 15 - 20 mins to JFK, maybe a little longer during AM rush hours. Wish I had thought of that before. Rockville Center is a great little town with good restaurants and shopping !
