Even though I am local, ocassionally I do book a hotel within the city. This review is about the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers located at 811 7th Avenue 53rd Street.
Positives:
- Subway located right next to the hotel on 7th and 53th offering access to the B, D and E trains
- Good mid-town West location without being in Times Square
- Luggage storage for just $3 per bag (if you need your bags held because you’re early or not ready to leave yet but still need to check out of the room)
- Comfortable bed
Toleratables:
- Standard room and bathrooms are both on the small side
Negatives:
- Housekeeping came in without knocking
- A “banging” on the pipes or something in the room made it hard to sleep, however, I cannot say if it was limited to this one room or if it something that occurs in every room within the hotel
- Noisy guests
Overall Rating: 6.5
rating scale 1 = poor, avoid at all costs 10=excellent, one of the best
REVIEW:
The Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers was booked as the result of a winning bid on Priceline.com Overall, the hotel served it’s purpose for the one night that I needed it, however, I cannot rave this was a excellent hotel. I can tell you the location is great, giving easy access to the B, D and E trains which can connect you with other subway lines via the 42nd street station. It served the purpose of me being on the West side for the evening to see an 8pm performance of Exit the King (a limited run show on Broadway.)
The line for check in was long and for some reason, every single person ahead of me had an issue. I might add this is an extremely touristy hotel, and, I strongly discourage anyone coming in for business and needs to stay on the West side from selecting this hotel. The person at the front desk who checked me in was efficient and courteous.
After the 20 minute wait to check-in I proceeded to my room. The room was a good size by NYC standards and was clean. I was very surprised when someone from housekeeping walked into my room without so much as knocking. Not long afterwards, I noticed a banging noise every few moments. It sounded like it was in the pipes. I don’t know if this a problem throughout the hotel or just the particular room I was assigned.
Since I am not the complaining type and it was for only one night, I didn’t ask to have my room changed. However, if you are met with this same fate in this hotel and are staying for more than one night, then I highly recommend asking the front desk to change your room.
Upon returning from dinner and show, I entered my room to find the bed had not be turned down. This isn’t a major issue but, given the fact Priceline.com rates this as a four-star hotel, I was expect it. Again, I’m not sure if was just my room or if it is hotel policy not offer turndown service unless requested. To top it off, between the rude clients who allowed there doors to slam and were very loud and the banging on the pipe, it made for a difficult night’s sleep.
In the morning, I did not find a receipt – something promised for a speedy check out. I called the front desk who apologized for the oversight. Since I had to stay a bit longer on the West side, and, certainly didn’t want to be dragging a suitcase around with me, I found out that the hotel offers luggage storage for $3 per bag. I gladly took advantage of it.
OVERALL:
This wasn’t the best hotel and it wasn’t the worst hotel. The main disappointment lies with Priceline.com touting the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers as a four-star establishment. It is not – at best it is a three star hotel. Had I known this prior to my arrival, my mind-set would have been different and, I wouldn’t have been so let down by this hotel. It served it’s purpose for one evening, but, I am extremely doubtful I’d ever book it again.
Final rating: 6.5 out of a scale of 1 to 10. 1=poor and 10=excellent
The New York Traveler 