Hyatt Herald Square New York

This hotel offers a highly convenient urban stay, primarily distinguished by its central location and a rooftop terrace that provides stunning views of the Empire State Building. It is an excellent choice for sightseers and business travelers due to its proximity to major attractions and transit hubs. Guests frequently commend the hotel's generally clean and comfortable rooms, along with the consistently friendly and helpful staff. While the hotel is well-suited for couples seeking a romantic getaway and families exploring the city, some rooms may feel compact. For those traveling with pets, the hotel offers a welcoming policy. To enhance your experience, be prepared for potential waits for the elevators, and make sure to take advantage of the hotel's luggage storage service for early arrivals or late departures.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a notable rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking views, particularly of the Empire State Building, making it a popular spot for guests to relax, even if the bar is seasonally closed. While the hotel generally has two elevators, a significant and recurring issue reported by many guests is that often only one elevator is operational, leading to considerable wait times for guests to access their rooms. This can be particularly inconvenient during peak hours. The hotel also provides a compact yet well-equipped fitness center in the basement. Guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. In-room amenities include a mini fridge, kettle, ironing board, and hairdryer, adding to guest convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, often described as having a modern feel. The beds are consistently praised for being very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some guests found the pillows to be uncomfortably firm. Room sizes are typical for the city, often described as small or cramped by some, especially for families or those with significant luggage, as storage space can be limited. While many rooms offer decent views, some are noted for having poor or no views. Noise levels receive mixed feedback; some guests report quiet stays, while others mention issues with thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms or loud air conditioning units, and occasional street noise.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers breakfast options, which some guests found to be delicious and a good start to the day, though others noted it could be expensive or had limited variety, with some additional charges for certain items. The restaurant and bar areas are generally well-regarded, providing a pleasant atmosphere for drinks and light meals. Many guests appreciate the bar staff's attentiveness and the provision of complimentary welcome drinks or tokens. However, some reviews indicate that the rooftop bar may not always be open, requiring guests to bring drinks from the main bar. There is no dedicated room service, meaning guests need to go downstairs to order food. Complimentary coffee/tea and cookies are available in the lobby.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an outstanding central location in Midtown Manhattan, making it highly convenient for exploring the city. It is within easy walking distance of major attractions such as Times Square, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and Broadway. Guests also appreciate its proximity to Herald Square and the vibrant Koreatown, offering numerous dining and shopping options. The hotel is exceptionally well-connected to public transportation, being just a short walk from various subway lines and Penn Station, providing easy access to different parts of the city and airports. While the immediate surrounding area is generally considered safe, some guests noted it could appear a bit dingy at night. Parking is available, typically through valet service, and can be expensive.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests frequently highlight the positive interactions with front desk personnel, who are often described as welcoming and efficient, facilitating quick check-in processes and accommodating requests like early check-in and luggage storage. The housekeeping team is noted for maintaining clean rooms daily. Bar staff are also commended for their professionalism and engaging demeanor. Even when faced with challenges like elevator issues, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience and making guests feel valued.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a mandatory destination fee or resort fee, which covers certain amenities but is sometimes perceived as an unexpected additional cost not clearly explained at booking. This fee may include benefits like complimentary bottled water in rooms and welcome drinks. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is highly appreciated by guests traveling with animals. Some guests have reported issues with heating or air conditioning in rooms, particularly during extreme weather, which can impact comfort. There have also been mentions of construction noise during early morning hours and the impact of thin walls on privacy. The hotel offers treats to customers every afternoon, a thoughtful touch.