Ink 48 Hotel

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its spacious rooms that are notably larger than typical New York City accommodations, making it a good fit for families and groups seeking comfort. Its prime location near the cruise terminal and Javits Center also makes it ideal for cruise passengers and business travelers. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and the generally friendly staff. However, many reviews point to significant issues with the hotel's facilities, particularly the closure of the rooftop bar and restaurant, which often comes as an unexpected disappointment. To ensure a smoother experience, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of all amenities directly with the hotel before arrival and be aware of potential additional fees.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a fitness center for guests, though some note it can be small or lack proper maintenance. While the hotel previously boasted a popular rooftop bar and restaurant, numerous guests express significant disappointment as these facilities are frequently closed or under renovation, often without prior notification. This closure also means the absence of room service. The elevators are a recurring point of frustration, with many reports of them being slow, unreliable, or malfunctioning, leading to long waits or guests having to use stairs. Wi-Fi is generally available, but often comes with an unexpected amenity fee. Some rooms include a mini-fridge, though its functionality is inconsistent, and there is a notable absence of coffee makers or kettles in rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. Many guests find the rooms to be clean and comfortable, praising the spaciousness and comfortable beds with high-quality linens that ensure a restful sleep. The bathrooms are often described as large, with good water pressure and sometimes featuring separate tubs and showers. However, a significant number of reviews report issues such as stained carpets, dirty walls, mold in bathrooms, and general wear and tear. Noise levels are a major concern, with many guests experiencing considerable disturbance from street noise, nearby clubs, or loud HVAC units, particularly in lower-floor rooms. Some rooms also lack basic amenities like complimentary water or smart TVs, and there are reports of non-functional AC/heating units.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding dining options is largely negative due to the consistent closure of on-site facilities. The hotel's restaurant and bar are frequently reported as being closed for renovation or due to changes in ownership, leading to a lack of room service and in-house dining. While a breakfast option is available, it is often described as limited, expensive, or provided by a subcontractor, rather than a full-service restaurant. Guests also note the absence of coffee makers in rooms, requiring them to purchase coffee from a makeshift setup in the lobby, which can be costly and inconvenient, especially for early risers. This lack of dining amenities is a significant point of dissatisfaction for many visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a major advantage for specific types of travelers. It is exceptionally convenient for cruise passengers, being just a short walk from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Its proximity to the Javits Center also makes it ideal for business travelers attending events. While Times Square and other midtown attractions are within walking distance (approximately 15-20 minutes), the hotel is situated slightly further from major subway stations, requiring a longer walk (around 15-20 minutes) for public transport access. The area around the hotel, Hell's Kitchen, offers a variety of food options and a more local vibe, but many guests report significant street noise from traffic and nearby establishments, particularly at night, which can impact sleep quality.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many guests highlight specific individuals at the front desk and doormen for their attentive service, willingness to provide recommendations, and efforts to resolve issues. The check-in process is often described as smooth, with some guests even receiving complimentary room upgrades. However, there are instances of rude staff or a perceived lack of empathy, particularly when guests encounter problems. Responsiveness to in-room issues like maintenance or housekeeping requests can be inconsistent, with some problems being addressed quickly while others are ignored. Housekeeping service, while generally good, sometimes falls short on providing adequate towels or maintaining consistent daily service.

Additional Information
A significant point of contention for many guests is the unexpected amenity fee or resort fee, which is often not clearly disclosed at the time of booking and can add a substantial amount to the daily cost. This fee typically covers services like Wi-Fi and gym access, which some guests feel should be standard inclusions. There are widespread complaints about deposit refunds not being processed promptly or at all, leading to frustration and a perception of dishonest billing practices. The hotel has undergone ownership changes, which guests believe has led to a decline in services and the closure of previously available amenities like the rooftop bar and restaurant, often without adequate communication. Guests also report issues with communication from the hotel, including unanswered calls and emails regarding billing discrepancies or facility closures.