Hotel Beacon

Our stay at Hotel Beacon in New York City's Upper West Side was comfortable and conveniently located on the 11th floor. While the suite had carpeted floors, they were everyday well-maintained. The bathroom, though showing signs of aging, was notably clean and stocked with a variety of toiletries. The suite itself was well-equipped with ample storage space, a dining table for four, and a practical kitchen with four gas burners, a large saucepan, a stainless steel frying pan, and tableware for four. Additional amenities included a microwave a toaster and a coffee machine, although we preferred our own instant pure arabica coffee. The spacious safe in the room was a noteworthy convenience, large enough to hold several notebooks. The view from the 11th floor was pleasing, featuring the iconic wooden water towers that are a characteristic part of New York City's landscape. The hotel's proximity to subway Line 1, just a 2-minute walk away, made transportation exceedingly convenient, and Central Park was easily accessible on foot within minutes. When it came to dining, the on-site FairWay supermarket proved handy for basic necessities with a first floor containing only organic produce. We found some excellent Italian olive oil, dried fruits, bread for our morning toast and very good quality organic eggs. However, for more extensive grocery shopping, we opted for a visit to the Whole Foods Market in Columbus Circle, accessible within a 10-minute subway ride. There, we discovered a wide selection of high-quality items, including delicious rotisserie organic chicken for $14. This option allowed us to fully enjoy the convenience and versatility of the suite's kitchen facilities. The hotel staff were consistently friendly and accommodating. Overall, Hotel Beacon provided a satisfying stay. The well-equipped kitchen and access to quality groceries enhanced our comfort in this secure and appealing neighborhood, making a return visit very likely.

minor inconveniences like carpeted floors which are not uncommon in the United States and an aging bathroom. WiFi is not secured by a password with WPA2 or WPA3 but you can connect to LinkNYC Free Wi-Fi more secured, the city access points are down the street and accessible if you are in the room near the window.

The location of the hotel is ideal—it is in a pleasant neighborhood that is not frenetic; there is great grocery and prepared-food shopping directly across the street; the subway station is only 1-1/2 short blocks away and it is clean and safe, there is a bus line right on Broadway and other bus lines within one and two blocks. The "deluxe, king, studio" room was very pleasant and nicely appointed—high ceilings, nice draperies, great lighting, nice subtle art-deco touches. The room was a very nice size for two people, very comfortable bed, very comfortable chairs for after a long day of touring around. The windows were large for a great view and fresh air and when they were closed it was almost silent! The heatinfg and air-conditioning worked well and was not very noisy. The staff was always professional, very pleasant and welcoming, attentive, and unfailingly helpful. The kitchen space was tiny but adequate for our simple needs, and the refrigerator even had a small freezer section. The view was beautiful from our upper-floor level!

We occasionally heard noise from adjoining rooms—tv on one side and some conversation from the other but it didn't happen very often.

Great location, just a few steps from express subway 2|3 and walking distance to Central park. There are a few good pubs/bars around, Trader Joe's and a grocery market nearby. There's a small fitness room with a few treadmills and a weight lifting machine in the basement. The advertised business center is basically a table with two computers and a printer in the lobby; still a convenient place if you need to make a conference call or print something. The room has a small emergency kitchenette and the shower has plenty of hot water. There's a decent amount of space in the room.

The room is really dark, it has no ceiling lights, only lamps that you have to turn on/off individually. The lobby where the "business center" is is freezing cold, the A/C is running on full power so if you want to sit there, better bring a sweater. The hotel suffers from the usual problem with the cleaning staff ignoring the do-not-disturb sign - they bang the door, if they can't get a hold of you they ring the phone etc. Carpet, why do hotels have carpet? The whole room seemed very dated. The pillows are for people used to sleep sitting up. After one night I rather slept with no pillow. Despite all that, and the price, the positives outweighed the negatives and it was an overall pleasant stay.

This is my favorite place to stay in New York. The room I had this time was huge - a one bedroom apartment on the corner. Views were incredible. The simple but comfortable furniture meant that we had lots of space and a good night's sleep. Consistent helpful staff all around!

Hotel is very comfortable and well equipped. The decor is slightly dated but pleasant. Room size was very good with great views. All staff were very friendly and helpful. The hotel is located in a residential area with grocery shops, restaurants, bars and cafes all within walking distance. Subway and bus stops within a few minutes walk. Central Park is a short walk away. Would happily stay here again.

Nothing negative

Everything about this hotel was spot on 🥰 The staff were amazing and so accommodating, and nothing was ever an issue. The rooms were large and very comfortable. The kitchenette is such a fantastic bonus to cook meals or make breakfast. This was my third trip to NYC, and my wife's first, but for both of us, our first time staying at Hotel Beacon. Neither of us could believe how big the room was. It was like a studio apartment. For future visits, we won't stay anywhere else. The subway station is a 2 minute walk. It was perfect. I know some reviews say it's old and a bit run down...DO NOT believe a word of it. It has beautiful character, and I wouldn't call it run down at all...it's a classic! Thank you, Hotel Beacon. We can't wait to stay with you again. Michelle & Tracey Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺

So we stayed at this hotel when we went to NYC for the first time in 2012. We really liked it so we decided to book again. It hasn't changed much in 11 years. It's still a great place to stay. The area is lovely, nice and quiet and near to Central Park and the Museum of Natural History. Also lots of restaurants nearby, pharmacy's, supermarkets, Starbucks and two metro stations. Beds are great and the rooms are big. All staff members were very friendly. From reception staff to the cleaners. I had an order from Canada ship to the hotel. It arrived two weeks before I got there and they kept it for me. I really love this hotel and would stay here again.

* It's expensive. But everything in NYC is. * I feel like the hotel could use a little upgrade. For example the drawer of one of our cabinets wouldn't close. And in the hallway the ceiling was lying loose. Small things like that. It's the details that matter.

The staff were attentive, generous and helpful. The check-in and check-out process was smooth. The lobby was well staffed and we always felt safe and taken care off. Housekeeping was excellent ( daily service). The bed was very comfortable and all the amenities in the room worked well (fridge, stove, microwave). Laundry room on the fifth floor was clean and easy to use. It was very well air conditioned and the view from our window was lovely. It was also very quiet so it was easy to sleep. The location of this hotel is perfect, very close to the subway, central park, markets, great restaurants (all within walking distance.

It was like a quiet chilled (in both senses!) sanctuary. It was particularly hot and humid when we stayed (September 2nd to September 7th- around 35o (95F!) and from the lovely air conditioned lobby to our room it was peaceful and we were able to relax, and be very comfortable. The beds were so supportive (I have a very bad back) and wonderful. Everything was spotlessly clean and housekeeping kept it that way! We had a little kitchenette area (so helpful to have a proper sized fridge!) The bath and shower were good too. We had a good view out with the skyline beyond. I felt safe and happy to explore the immediate area around the hotel. There are shops a few moments walk to buy basic groceries, the subway (72nd) is very close. We found it easy to eat in the local area. Or you can easily order food and have it delivered.

The air conditioning is perhaps an older type and it is a little noisy though mostly we were too tired to notice! The finish on the toilet was just starting to lift and it was a little tired looking (like me!) but these are very minor flaws! It was still a very lovely room.

The location is the Upper West Side of Manhattan, actually in the same building as the Beacon Theater. Walk to Zabar's, Natural History Museum, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art (across the park), Lincoln Center, etc. The 72nd St. subway station is a quick walk. A hotel employee will assist you to grab a cab if you need one. There is a tiny, tiny full kitchen in the room, with a Keurig that is freshly stocked with dark roast coffee daily. There is a very New Yorkish grocery store across the street that is open till midnight and is stocked with lots of prepared salads and other meals.

The only thing that could possibly have improved this perfect vacation would have been to have our daily allotment of little half & half containers increased from one per person to two. But I didn't even ask for extra half & half...the lovely people who replenished the rooms every day would probably have gladly provided it.