The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York

The hotel is highly regarded for its spacious suites, a signature feature that provides ample room, a rarity in New York City, making it particularly suitable for families and those seeking extended stays. Its prime Midtown location is consistently praised, offering convenient access to major attractions and transit. Guests frequently highlight the attentive staff and the overall comfort of the accommodations, especially the comfortable beds. While the hotel is undergoing significant renovations, which some guests note can lead to noise or limited on-site facilities, the general sentiment is that it offers a good base for sightseers and business travelers alike. To ensure a more peaceful stay, some guests recommend requesting a room on a higher floor to mitigate street noise.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests appreciate the convenience of the in-room kitchenette, which typically includes a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and basic utensils, proving highly useful for preparing simple meals or storing snacks. The unique pillow menu is a standout feature, allowing guests to customize their sleep experience, and the fitness center is generally well-regarded as modern and adequately equipped. However, the elevators are a frequent point of concern, often described as old, slow, or experiencing outages, leading to frustrating wait times. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests express dissatisfaction with it being an additional charge or part of a mandatory facility fee. The complimentary minibar credit is a mixed bag, with some finding it confusing to use or limited in selection, leading to a perception of poor value.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the spacious rooms and suites to be a significant advantage, offering more living area than typical city accommodations, often featuring separate sleeping and living spaces. The comfortable beds and quality linens consistently receive high praise, contributing to a restful experience. However, feedback on cleanliness is mixed; while many commend the diligent housekeeping staff, some reviews mention isolated issues such as stained carpets, worn furniture, or minor oversights in tidiness. A recurring concern is noise, particularly street noise from emergency vehicles and traffic, and the loud operation of the air conditioning units or HVAC systems, which can disrupt sleep. The bathroom size also draws varied comments, with some finding them spacious while others describe them as very small or cramped, sometimes noting issues with fixtures or ventilation.

Dining & Food Quality
A significant point of feedback is the current lack of on-site dining options. Due to ongoing renovations, the hotel's restaurant, bar, and room service are unavailable, which many guests were not aware of prior to their stay. This means guests must seek out meals and beverages from nearby establishments. While this is common in the city, the absence of these facilities within the hotel is a notable inconvenience for some, especially those expecting a full-service experience. The limited and often confusing nature of the minibar credit also means that on-site food and drink choices are minimal and not always perceived as good value.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Midtown Manhattan is overwhelmingly praised as one of its strongest assets. Guests find it exceptionally convenient for exploring the city, being within easy walking distance to iconic landmarks such as Rockefeller Center, Grand Central, Times Square, and 5th Avenue. Direct subway access is a major highlight, with stations located just steps away, providing seamless transportation throughout New York. While the surrounding area is generally described as vibrant and safe, with numerous dining and shopping options, some guests note the presence of roadwork or construction nearby, which can contribute to noise. Parking is available through valet service, though it is often cited as expensive, and some guests have experienced delays in car retrieval.

Staff & Service
The hotel's friendly staff consistently receives high praise, with many guests highlighting their exceptional helpfulness and attentive service. From the welcoming doormen and bellhops who assist with luggage and provide local insights, to the responsive housekeeping team and the highly commended concierge service, guests often feel well-cared for. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. However, some guests have reported mixed experiences with certain front desk interactions, citing occasional instances of unhelpful or dismissive attitudes, or issues related to loyalty program benefits. While the valet service is appreciated for its convenience, some reviews mention long wait times for car retrieval or unexpected charges.

Additional Information
Guests frequently mention the mandatory facility fees or resort charge, which often range from $42 to $50 per night. Many express frustration over the lack of transparency regarding these fees and feel they do not receive commensurate value, especially given the ongoing renovations that have led to the closure of several amenities like the restaurant and bar. Some guests who are part of loyalty programs have reported not receiving expected benefits, such as room upgrades or complimentary services. There have also been isolated reports of issues with the water supply, including instances of discolored water or temporary service interruptions. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by guests traveling with animals, though a fee applies.