Tips on Accommodations

The Big Picture

In his annual assessment of New York City tourism in January 2011, Mayor Bloomberg proudly announced that the city attracted 48.7 million tourists in 2010, a record even more impressive because of continuing tough economic conditions. And to help all those tourists have a comfortable place to stay, the city added 6,600 rooms in 2010.

For this guide, I have covered 10 new hotels, and as it goes to press, many more are scheduled to open. The average rate in 2010 was $250 per night; still probably the highest in the country. And with the added rooms, deals can be found, though a deal in New York is far from a deal anywhere else. In terms of value, you’re likely to get more luxe for your buck if you have the money to spend. Keep an eye out for specials, bargains, and packages designed to get you to NYC and to fill up the rooms at a much lower cost than last year. And, keep in mind, that even at a lot of the luxury places, New York hotel rooms give everybody a new perspective on “small.” Space is the city’s biggest asset, and getting some will cost you. If you’re on a tight budget, don’t be surprised if your room isn’t much bigger than the bed that’s in it and your bathroom has a sink so small you’ll have difficulty spitting out your toothpaste without spilling it. Even expensive rooms can be on the small side, lack closet space, or have smallish bathrooms.

Alternative Accommodations

New Law Not Having Much Effect on Short-Term Stays -- In July 2010, a law banning short-term apartment rentals in New York City went into effect, mostly due to pressure from hotel companies losing business to vacant apartments in newer luxury towers being rented out to visitors for short-term stays. But the market for short-term stays is still thriving, and the places we've listed are still in business and welcoming customers, and apartments in nearer neighborhoods of the outer boroughs are also in high demand, especially by international visitors who are staying for more than a few days.

Hotel Pet Peeves

In my research for this guide, I spend a lot of (perhaps too much) time in hotels trying to weed out the good from the bad. Many think it’s a glamorous job: staying at luxury New York hotels, indulging in room service, spa services, and lounging in plush robes while I do my “research.” Yet, it is still a job, and while I certainly enjoy the fun parts, I have compiled an extensive list of things that bug me about hotels, little irritants that make me shake my head when they occur (particularly when it’s an expensive room in New York City!). So here is my top 10 (. . . well, 11) list of hotel pet peeves, things that you should look out for next time you book a room . . . if you can.

1. Noisy hallways: Why is it that the storage rooms for housekeeping are always right next to my room? Or are they on every floor? The opening and closing of doors, chattering of housekeepers, rattling of carts—and it goes on well into the night and begins first thing in the morning.

2. Temperature control: I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not very technologically savvy, but why can’t I ever get the right temperature in any of my rooms? It’s always too hot or too cold, no matter what I do.

3. Smoking rooms: I always request a smoke-free room. Why, then, sometimes, when I check into a room, is there often that stale barroom smell, like a sense memory of the days when smoking was allowed in bars? If a two-pack-a-day smoker was staying in your suite before you, an air-purifying ionizer should be provided to you at no charge (and used to treat the room before you arrive).

4. An extra charge to use the fitness facilities: It seems that the hotels that practice this outrageous policy are the ones whose rates are equally outrageous. I can accurately call this greed.

5. Charging extra for Wi-Fi: See above. (In fact, it’s the budget hotels that are usually the best at offering free Internet service.)

6. Overstuffed minibars: You bought a beer at a local deli that you would like to drink while watching a game on the enormous HDTV in your room. You want to keep the beer cold, but, no matter how hard you try, you cannot squeeze it into that minibar . . . and if you take something out, sensors that monitor removal of items will record it and charge you, even if you didn’t drink it.

7. Complimentary bottled water, or lack thereof: Many hotels now provide a bottle or two when you check in, yet, those same culprits who charge for Wi-Fi and using the fitness facilities make you take it out of the overstuffed minibar and charge you several bucks for it. (Or they put it by the bed or in the bathroom with a note that tells you how much it costs.)

8. Lack of bathroom counter space: Many hotels now feature big glass or porcelain tub–like sinks, and they look great and are perfect for scooping big handfuls of water onto your face. But when I unpack my toiletries, I would like to keep my toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, and razor close to the sink instead of on top of the toilet tank.

9. Single-paned windows: You might get away with them at a beachside resort, but in New York City it is essential to have double- or, better yet, triple-paned windows, especially if your room happens to overlook a busy street. (WHAT? I COULDN’T HEAR YOU OVER THE GARBAGE TRUCK OUTSIDE!)

10. Showers without shower curtains or shower doors: I know, designers think a half-pane of Plexiglas is sufficient to keep water from spilling onto the bathroom floor and it looks very hip. Why, then, do I think something is missing when I take a shower? (Well, except for a puddle on the floor. That’s there.)

11. Pounding dance music in the elevators: Am I in a hotel or a nightclub? I would almost prefer catatonic Muzak to the monotonous “beat” of the bass in the comfy confines of an elevator.