Is Best Western Premier Worth It? Guest Reviews for the Empire State Hotel
When planning a stay in New York City, finding the right hotel balance between comfort, location, and value can feel overwhelming. The Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel sits in a prime Manhattan location, and travelers frequently ask whether it justifies its price point. This guide examines real guest experiences, amenities, and value propositions to help you decide if this property meets your needs.
The Empire State Hotel has built a reputation as a mid-range option in a city dominated by luxury properties and budget chains. Understanding what current and past guests actually experienced—beyond marketing claims—provides crucial insight into whether your money will be well spent here.
Location and Accessibility: Prime Manhattan Real Estate
The Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel occupies a coveted spot near Herald Square and the Empire State Building, placing guests within walking distance of iconic Manhattan attractions. This location advantage cannot be overstated for visitors prioritizing sightseeing efficiency and public transportation access.
The hotel sits directly on the A, C, and E subway lines, offering rapid connections to downtown Manhattan, the Upper West Side, and airport terminals. Guests consistently praise the subway proximity in reviews, noting that reaching virtually any Manhattan destination takes 15-30 minutes via public transit. This accessibility factor significantly enhances the value proposition, especially for travelers without rental cars.
Walking tours of Midtown Manhattan become feasible from this location. Macy’s Herald Square, Madison Square Park, and the Flatiron District all fall within reasonable walking distance. The nearby Koreatown and Chelsea Market areas provide dining and shopping options beyond typical hotel restaurant pricing.
However, the location’s popularity creates constant street noise. Guest reviews frequently mention traffic sounds, sirens, and foot traffic noise penetrating rooms, particularly those facing 33rd Street. Light sleepers and those seeking tranquility should request higher floors or interior-facing rooms when booking.
Room Quality and Amenities: What You’re Actually Getting
Best Western Premier properties maintain consistent standards across their chain, and the Empire State location generally meets these expectations. Standard rooms measure approximately 300 square feet—modest by American standards but reasonable for Manhattan’s space constraints.
Typical room features include:
- Flat-screen television with cable and streaming service access
- Work desk with ergonomic seating suitable for business travelers
- Bathroom with shower/tub combination and premium toiletries
- Climate control and blackout curtains
- Free high-speed WiFi throughout the property
- In-room safe for valuables
- USB charging ports on bedside tables
Guest reviews highlight the modern bedding and comfortable mattresses, with many travelers noting improved sleep quality compared to budget alternatives. The rooms underwent renovations in recent years, and updated décor creates a contemporary feel without appearing dated or worn.
The property offers family rooms with connecting options, which travelers with children appreciate. These accommodations provide flexibility for groups while maintaining reasonable pricing compared to booking multiple standard rooms.
Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights, though reviewers note the limited space and occasional crowding during peak morning hours. The business center serves corporate travelers, offering printing, copying, and conference facilities. A small lobby lounge provides complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day—a nice touch that reduces incidental expenses.
What Guests Actually Say: Real Experiences Matter
Analyzing hundreds of guest reviews reveals consistent patterns about the Empire State Hotel experience. Overall satisfaction ratings hover around 4.0-4.2 out of 5 stars across major booking platforms, indicating generally positive but not exceptional experiences.
Positive Review Themes:
Travelers consistently praise the location, with many commenting that they saved significant time and transportation costs due to the convenient subway access. Business travelers appreciate the work-friendly rooms and reliable WiFi connectivity. Families highlight the reasonable rates compared to nearby luxury properties and the proximity to major attractions like the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden.
Guest reviews frequently mention friendly front desk staff who go beyond standard service to provide local recommendations and assist with restaurant reservations. The complimentary breakfast buffet receives praise for variety and quality—a significant value-add in a city where breakfast easily costs $15-25 per person at nearby establishments.
Negative Review Themes:
The primary complaint across reviews centers on noise levels, particularly from street traffic and nearby construction. Guests note that earplugs, provided upon request, become necessary for quality sleep. Some travelers report that rooms facing 33rd Street create almost unbearable noise environments on certain nights.
Several reviews mention limited desk space and tight bathroom layouts, which creates challenges for extended stays or business travelers with multiple devices. Housekeeping consistency receives mixed feedback, with some guests reporting spotless rooms while others note overlooked areas during turnover.
WiFi connectivity, while generally reliable, occasionally experiences slowdowns during peak usage periods. Guests conducting video conferences sometimes request room changes to access stronger signals.
Value Proposition Analysis: Does the Price Match the Product?
Nightly rates for the Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel typically range from $150-350, depending on season, day of week, and advance booking. This pricing positions the property as mid-range in Manhattan’s hotel market.
To evaluate true value, compare total cost of ownership including taxes, resort fees, parking, and incidentals. The hotel charges approximately $30-45 daily resort fees (common in NYC properties) and offers self-parking at nearby facilities for $35-50 nightly. These hidden costs should factor into your budget calculations.
For business travelers, the value becomes clearer when using hotel comparison sites to identify promotional rates. Corporate discounts, loyalty program benefits, and package deals can reduce effective nightly rates by 20-35%, significantly improving value.
Leisure travelers benefit from the included breakfast buffet, which eliminates daily meal expenses and allows earlier departure without rushing to find breakfast. The location’s public transportation access eliminates taxi or rideshare costs for most destinations, saving $10-20 daily compared to properties requiring transportation to subway access.
Compared to budget chains offering rooms for $80-120 nightly, the Premier property justifies its premium through modern amenities, better maintenance standards, and superior location. Compared to luxury properties charging $400+ nightly, it offers significant savings while maintaining acceptable comfort levels.
The sweet spot for value exists when booking 3-7 nights in advance during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October), when rates drop 20-30% from peak pricing.
How It Compares to Alternatives: Context Matters
Understanding the competitive landscape helps determine if this property deserves your booking. The area contains several comparable alternatives, each with distinct trade-offs.
Budget Alternatives: Pod Hotels and HI NYC Hostels offer $60-100 nightly rates but sacrifice private rooms and amenities. These work for solo budget travelers but disappoint families and business professionals.
Luxury Alternatives: Luxury hotels in New York City like the Peninsula or St. Regis offer superior service, upscale dining, and premium locations but charge $500-1000+ nightly. The experience improvement rarely justifies the 3-4x cost premium for most travelers.
Similar Mid-Range Options: The Pod Hotel Times Square and Kimpton Hotel serve similar markets with comparable pricing. The Best Western Premier generally receives slightly higher ratings for cleanliness and location, though some prefer Kimpton’s boutique atmosphere and pet-friendly policies.
For family-friendly accommodations, the Empire State Hotel’s connecting room options and proximity to attractions create advantages over properties requiring subway transfers to reach major sights.
Smart Booking Tips: Maximize Your Value
Timing Strategy: Book 4-8 weeks in advance for optimal rates. Last-minute bookings rarely yield discounts at this property due to consistent demand. Weekday stays (Monday-Thursday) typically cost 15-25% less than weekends.
Loyalty Benefits: Best Western Rewards members receive complimentary upgrades, late checkout options, and bonus points. Joining the free program before booking can add $20-40 in value per stay.
Package Deals: Look for bundles combining room rates with Broadway tickets, attraction passes, or dining credits. These packages often provide better overall value than booking components separately.
Room Selection: Request high-floor rooms (8th floor and above) to minimize street noise. Interior-facing rooms offer quieter environments than street-side options. Specify preferences during booking and confirm with front desk upon arrival.
Pet Considerations: Understanding hotel pet policies matters if traveling with animals. Best Western Premier charges pet fees ($25-50 per night) and requires advance notification. Plan accordingly if bringing companions.
Direct Booking: Sometimes calling the hotel directly yields better rates than online booking platforms, particularly for longer stays. Front desk staff can offer packages or discounts not advertised online.
FAQ
Is the Best Western Premier Empire State Hotel worth the price compared to budget hotels?
Yes, if you prioritize modern amenities, cleanliness, and location. The $50-100 daily premium over budget chains translates to notably better rooms, complimentary breakfast, and superior service. For stays exceeding 3 nights, this value differential justifies the investment.
How is the noise level in rooms?
Street-facing rooms experience moderate to heavy traffic noise, particularly during daytime hours. Higher floors (8+) and interior-facing rooms significantly reduce noise. Request these options when booking and bring earplugs as backup.
What should I expect from the breakfast buffet?
The complimentary breakfast includes cereals, pastries, fruit, yogurt, juice, coffee, and tea. Hot items like eggs and bacon occasionally appear but aren’t guaranteed daily. The buffet easily replaces a $12-15 external breakfast, adding substantial value.
Is parking available, and how much does it cost?
The hotel partners with nearby parking facilities charging $35-50 nightly. Most guests utilize public transportation instead, which costs $2.90 per trip. Parking rarely makes financial sense unless you plan extensive driving.
Does the hotel accommodate hotels with indoor pools or fitness facilities?
The property features a 24-hour fitness center with basic equipment but no swimming pool. Nearby YMCAs and fitness clubs offer day passes if swimming matters for your stay.
What are the cancellation policies?
Standard cancellation allows free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival. Non-refundable rates typically offer 10-15% savings but forfeit cancellation flexibility. Read specific booking terms carefully before committing.
How do I get to the airport from this hotel?
The A/C subway lines connect directly to JFK Airport terminals in approximately 60 minutes for $2.90. For LaGuardia, take the A train to Jamaica Station and transfer to the AirTrain. Newark requires A train to Jamaica and NJ Transit connections. Rideshare typically costs $40-80 depending on traffic.
