Empire Hotel

When I arrived, my reservation had been cancelled - the clerk at the front desk was polite, courteous and found me a room without complaint. He was accommodating throughout my trip. I ran the NYC marathon and the hotel is located close to the finish line. Needless to say many participants stayed there and the hotel was innudated with friends and family of runners after the race. Though the bar was short staffed, the one bartender was able to serve us all graciously. It was clear the regular stream of patrons warranted more staff for the event. Management should plan ahead for next year. Being a designer myself, I enjoyed the results of their recent renovations. The bed and linens were heavenly and the Frette bathrobe was a nice touch

I like the convenience, efficient and helpful staff, cleanliness, proximity to events attended and restaurants of high quality.

location, comfort, staff

noise from outside, hard to find stairecase

The hotel staff was very mean and unrespectful, I really felt like I was bothering them by staying at the hotel. The services also are not flexible. For instance, I wanted to order diner at the room service 5minutes past opening hours and they answered me in the worst manner ever. The staff has no sens of customer satisfaction. By the end, all I wanted was to leave that hotel as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, I extended my stay for a few more nights in the city, but I checked into another hotel where the service was better. I would never come back to this hotel nor suggest it to any of my friends.

The bed was quite comfortable and the TV choices and Flat Screen TV gave a modern feel to the room. I also immensely enjoyed the Ipod compatible radio. There was also a complimentay umbrella that came in most handy!

It was not the best hotel I've stayed at in New York City. It's supposed to have a 4 star rating and for the life of me I just could not understand why. The room was very small (even though you get used to this easily) even for just one person. The bathroom while modern looking was not the most functional. So small was it that I could not fit any of my 'toiletries' in the small shelving unit provided above and to the right of the sink. I also think the shower needs some re-thinking. There needs to be an additional sliding door. Water gets all over the floor. The room was dusty when I first arrived and there was an odour which I still can't put my finger on. It was either stale cigarette smoke (in a no-smoking room I might add) or damp.

the desinge and the Location

Costomer service

The location cannot be beat and the staff was very helpful. Big room with nice decor as well.

The room smelled moldy and when we called the front desk to ask for a candle or something to mask the smell, they said that they would send up an air freshner, but one never came...even after 4 days.

Very funky lobby with bar and chilled house music playing. Beautiful King Size room with very comfortable King Size bed modern trendy decor and nice (if maybe slightly small) bathroom. Brilliant location on Broadway, upper westide - about 5 minute walk from Time Warner Centre roundabout (59th Street - red and blue subways)

Wifi wasn't reliable in room. Windows need to be double glazed - noise from traffic was terrible sometimes, combined with noise from construction site across the road.

Excellent location within walking distance to Central Park, shopping, theater, dining, etc. Stylish lobby and bar.

The worst bathroom I have ever experienced, even for Manhattan. The shower was terrible, it got the entire bathroom soaking wet. No fan causes the bathroom to have mold and smell. The staff was efficient but unfriendly. Wouldn't stay again. Rooftop lounge has nice views, but is primarily a night club, and is in serious need of repair and refurbishment.

I don't think there was much to like

The bad smell in the corridors

Complementary Wi-fi. Nice lobby and bar.

I know that long distance call rates are unreasonably high at hotels generally but 10 minutes cost us ~100 usd! Noisy air conditioning that we could not turn off.

The location is everything!

I did not like the lavatory sink or the shower.