The L Hotel

The hotel offers a practical and value-oriented stay, particularly appealing due to its convenient subway access and the rare benefit of free parking in the city, despite its limitations. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's general cleanliness, the comfort of its beds, and the helpfulness of its staff. The presence of in-room amenities like a fridge and microwave also adds to the convenience. This hotel is well-suited for budget-conscious travelers, cruise passengers seeking proximity to the terminal, solo travelers looking for a safe and accessible base, and families who prioritize affordability and basic comforts while exploring the city. To make the most of your stay, be aware that on-site parking is limited and often fills up, so street parking might be necessary. Additionally, while breakfast is offered, many guests suggest exploring local eateries for more substantial options.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities functional and convenient for a comfortable stay. Each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee maker, which are highly appreciated for storing snacks and preparing simple meals. While there is no closet or dresser, rooms typically provide hooks and hangers for clothes storage, though some guests found this limited. The hotel also features vending machines for additional convenience, offering various beverages and snacks. Some guests noted that the TVs could be slow or outdated, impacting their entertainment experience. The presence of an elevator is helpful for accessing different floors, though some reviews mentioned noise emanating from its operation. Overall, the amenities cater to basic needs, focusing on practicality rather than luxury, which aligns with the hotel's value proposition.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, appreciating the fresh bedding and overall tidiness. However, some reported issues such as dusty floors, hair in bathrooms, smelly blankets, or stained sheets, suggesting inconsistency in housekeeping. Rooms are generally described as small or tiny, especially for multiple occupants, though some found them adequately sized. Bed comfort also varies, with many guests praising the comfortable beds, while others found them hard or firm. A significant concern is noise levels; paper-thin walls mean guests often hear hallway chatter, elevator noise, and even conversations or activities from adjacent rooms. The bathrooms are often highlighted for their good showers with strong pressure and hot water, though some mentioned issues like angled toilets, mold, or cracked sinks.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast consistently receives feedback describing it as basic, minimal, and often disappointing. The breakfast variety is very limited, typically including waffles (made with a waffle maker), bagels, toast, muffins (often corn muffins), cold cereal, and oatmeal. Beverages offered are usually coffee (which some found weak or watered down) and juice (often from concentrate). A common complaint is the absence of protein options such as eggs or meat, and a lack of fresh fruit or yogurt. The breakfast area itself is frequently noted as small and crowded, making it difficult to find a table, especially during peak hours. Many guests opted to seek more substantial or varied breakfast options at nearby local eateries. The hotel does not offer room service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a major draw for many guests, primarily due to its exceptional proximity to the subway. It is conveniently situated just a short walk (around 5-10 minutes) from key subway stations, offering direct lines to various parts of Manhattan, including popular destinations like Times Square and Chinatown. The neighborhood itself elicits mixed opinions; some describe it as industrial, somewhat rundown, or even sketchy, while others found it to be safe, quiet, and offering a sense of local authenticity. There are various eateries and shops within walking distance. For those traveling by car, free parking is advertised and appreciated, but it is limited and often full, leading many guests to seek street parking or pay for nearby garages. The hotel is also conveniently located for those visiting Industry City or departing from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are varied. Many reviews praise the staff for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, and professional, noting their willingness to assist with requests like luggage storage or arranging airport transport. The check-in and check-out process is generally described as smooth and quick. However, some guests reported less positive interactions, finding staff to be minimal in their engagement, or at times, unhelpful, particularly regarding issues like early check-in requests or specific complaints. Housekeeping is provided only upon request, and some guests experienced inconsistencies, such as rooms not being cleaned daily or specific items like towels and toilet paper not being replenished. Responses to more serious concerns, such as noise complaints or issues with room conditions, were also inconsistent, ranging from prompt resolution to perceived delays or inadequate solutions.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a mandatory $50 deposit required at check-in, which is typically refunded upon departure, though some guests reported delays or issues with receiving their refund. Despite the hotel's non-smoking policy, several reviews mentioned a persistent smell of smoke or cannabis in hallways and even in rooms, indicating challenges with policy enforcement. As noted, room cleaning services are only performed upon request, which guests should communicate to the front desk. Furthermore, the air conditioning and heating in rooms are centrally controlled by the hotel, meaning individual room temperature adjustments may not be possible. Guests also frequently noted the absence of a traditional closet or dresser in rooms, with only hooks and hangers provided for clothing storage.