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posted May 23, 2012
Firstly, I would like to emphasize the fact that the hotel is located close to EVERYTHING!!! The subway is a 5 minutes walk, the park is just around the corner and Sturbucks is downstairs! You would expect noise, but in my case, it was very quiet...if you can overcome the very annoying humming of the aircondition. Everybody in the staff was really helpful and kind, so no problem there! The room in particular was practical and spacious considering what I have heard about all rooms in NYC. The most important thing was that the cleaning lady showed up every day, which made me really happy. Be sure, however, to put the "do not disturb" sign on the door if you don't want to be woken up every day at 8 sharp! The mini bar was a big temptation, but all the price tags managed to keep us away!And when I say price tags, I mean PRICE TAGS on pretty much anything you touched!At one point, I was afraid to use the shower gel in case they charged it by drop! All in all, if you are there for a few days, it's a pleasant stay and I would recommend it.I would, however, book it through Hotwire or sth like that, 'cause it's pretty expensive considering the lack of wireless internet and breakfast--shame on you!! :)
posted May 23, 2012
For years the Empire Hotel, across the street from Lincoln Center, was a seedy, rundown venue. In those days, it deserved the comment I once heard from American composer Morton Gould: "I don't mind the cockroaches, I just wish they wouldn't charge you double occupancy for them." But the hotel closed for a few years, was rumored to be converted to condominiums when the real estate bust hit, and it was eventually taken over by the World Hotels chain and completely renovated. It is now clean, elegantly appointed, and continues to benefit from being across the street from Lincoln Center. Unfortunately, the renovation did not include re-building the rooms. They are tiny, as are the bathrooms - where there is barely enough room to change your mind. The poorly designed shower makes it impossible to test the water temperature before being subjected to it -- unless you are a contortionist. You must stand under it to turn it on. The shower also has only a half-door, so you must get the bathroom floor wet. But, on the positive side, for its small size the bathroom has very good shelf space for your toiletries and medicines. There is no easy-chair in the room (no space for it) - a bed, desk and desk chair, and a few feet of floor space to navigate your way around. This would be acceptable, perhaps, if the price weren't so high - I paid $399 for a room there recently. If you're willing to pay the price, and need to be close to Lincoln Center, then it is acceptable. The service is very good, the folks are nice and efficient, and, as I said, it is clean and elegant.
posted May 22, 2012
I booked on hotwire for an average of 160 a night. They booked us in a small room next to an elevator. Worst sleep ever had in a hotel. Extremely noisy. A four star hotel simply should not be assigning these rooms. While the location is excellent and the checkin areas is trendy and upscale, service is substandard, single rooms are very small and this hotel will squeeze out every penny where hey can. Not recommended.
posted May 22, 2012
I've always found the reviews on tripadvisor very helpful, whether they are good or bad especially the tips other travellers provide, hopefully this one will assist. I booked 2 junior suites at the Empire for my 40th birthday, these were booked in 2011 for an April 2012 trip. On arrival, I was told I'd been downgraded to a smaller room but was receiving a discount for the 'inconvenience'. The room was very small but I was so tired after a long trip, I advised the desk I would sort the room out the following morning. When I entered the room, I could hear music but didn't think much more of it, until my head hit the pillow. There was lound music with a heavy base played until 4am in the morning, at 3am I couldn't stand this any longer and called the reception to be told the last visitors had been allowed in and it would stop at 4am however, they would ask for the music to be turned down. At the time I was at a loss to where this was coming from, the following day I was moved to my originally booked room and discovered that the music was coming from the hotel's own lounge bar on the rooftop (I was on the 10th floor and directly below the music). I explained to the reception it had been like torture and as this morning was my birthday and a special trip, the morning was ruined. If anyone else arrives or plans to arrive on a Firday or Saturday, check if there is a function or event taking place and aks where you've been placed. My fellow travellers were on the 10th floor as well, but place round the side of the building and didn't hear the music. I am returning to New York again later in the year but will not be using the Empire again or suggesting it to others. My rating has been based on poor customer relations. I also had to request towels, as these were not replacd after the room was cleaned.
posted May 21, 2012
The location near Lincoln Center is fantastic, the staff was friendly and helpful. Good restaurants, Starbucks, and Duane Reade are right on your doorstep. The room we had was, typically for NYC, tiny. Not that we needed much room, since we spent most of our time out of the room, but it was still annoying constantly banging my elbows while trying to do stuff in the bathroom. We had to call about the towels both days we were there. First there were no washcloths, then the bathmat was missing. But they responded promptly and were very nice about fixing a clogged toilet for us as well. I did hate paying for the wifi. $12.95/day is NOT right. It should be free. AND we could only use our access code on one device at a time. Shameful.
