The Empire Hotel

We had only one night at the Empire Hotel but we were pleased with the cleanliness and decor when we walked in after a long journey. The room was small but well equipped with everything we needed. The bed was comfortable and quiet both of which were exactly what we wanted. Too bad be had to scoot out early as the thought of using the pool was very appealing on that hot July day.

We had a fairly decent stay at the empire. We only stayed for one day but it took more than 2 hours for our room to be ready. We decided to pass the time at the pool on the roof. It's not so much a pool as it is patio with a kiddy splash area. The pool is maybe 12 feet long 5 feet wide and 6 children complete occupy the space. The view was nice but the small size of the patio and the way they have it arranged you can appreciate it. For what you pay it is not as nice as what you might fight a few blocks further away.

I have a few complaints about my one night stay in this hotel, which makes the hotel more deserving of a downgrade from 4 to 3 stars. We waited about 40 minutes to check in and the line of patrons grew even longer behind us. The staff did not seem concerned about the customers waiting, and some of the front desk staff did not offer to assist with check ins despite the fact that there were no customers requesting any other assistance. Then, after we got to the room, my husband took a shower. The stall immediately filled with water that did not drain out. It was disgusting and would have flooded the bathroom if he'd stayed in for more than 3 minutes. I had to forego taking a shower, but the staff did send an engineer up while we were out and the problem was resolved when we returned in the late evening. I love staying in hotels in general, but I felt that this was an average experience at best, and would only recommend staying here if you get a great deal.

Close to Lincoln Center and Juilliard. One bed, was too small for couple and no view. We requested upgrade, but fully booked until weekend when we were moved to larger room, which was just perfect.

We stayed at this hotel years ago, then it closed while being renovated in 2007. Now went back, mainly for its location next door to Lincoln Center. It has nice, clean rooms, although with some things that leave to be desired (sink clogged, dresser drawer opens by itself and doesn't close...). Some of the staff were quite helpful (concierge, security) while others not so (desk person, housekeeping). All in all, we'll go back because of the location and overall comfortable room, but not for any warm and fuzzy feeling.

Beautifully furnished hotel with a quasi-luxurious feel. However, the standard queen room is NOT designed for two people! My daughter & I had to dance around each other. Bathroom was extremely small & came with a pet cockroach. No dresser with drawers. No ice machine; you have to get thru room service. No free wi-fii; cost was high. Staff was very courteous.

The toilet was clogged. No light on the night table. They lost my pajamas. Very aggravating experience.

I was disappointed with what I got considering the price I paid. While not too expensive there are certain things that most places will offer for free that the Empire did not. My main issue was the wifi access. You have to pay extra to be able to access the internet which is one thing that put me off. I had stayed at another hotel just a few weeks before, about the same price offered free wifi and I had come to believe that this was the standard for most hotels. My main issue was that I had to resort to searching on my phone instead of my laptop for nearby places. Another thing that kind of surprised me was the size of the room. There was hardly any space to move around. I guess that one is on me for not knowing my dimensions, but still it was tiny. The bathroom was also very small and the shower was missing half of the sliding door. Above all things that irked me was that they threw out my unopened beers while I was out for the day. Never touch a man's beer without asking. Aside from the small space, comfort level was pretty good. If you are looking for a place to crash this might work for you, just don't try to fit more than two people without one of their suites. They have a bar lounge on the rooftop which is open only to hotel guests and is a nice way to either start or end the night.

I stayed one day, did not use the amenities really except a good (and costly) room service meal. I was in a ?superior? room (an upgrade) and I found it comfortable and quite large (by NY standards). Not blown away by the hotel but comfortable enough that I would return. Very close to major subways & amenities which is a big plus.

All is good, except beware of the fan noise on the inside rooms. Management was helpful in getting us a street side room, as the fan noise even on the 9th floor was too loud.