The Lucerne Hotel

The hotel offers a charming and comfortable stay, distinguished by its prime location in the Upper West Side, providing a serene yet accessible base for exploring New York City. Its signature feature is the seamless integration with the highly-regarded Nice Matin restaurant, offering convenient and delicious dining options. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional staff, spotless cleanliness, and comfortable accommodations. This establishment is an ideal fit for families seeking spacious rooms and proximity to attractions like Central Park and museums, as well as sightseers and couples desiring a quiet, authentic New York neighborhood experience. Business travelers also find it suitable due to its tranquil atmosphere and accessibility. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for better views, and be prepared that mini-fridges are not standard in all rooms, so plan accordingly if you need to store cold items.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities designed for guest convenience and comfort. The lobby is frequently praised for its beautiful and elegant ambiance, offering a welcoming first impression. While the elevators are noted by some as being small or occasionally slow, they generally operate efficiently. Guests appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi, though a few have reported issues with VPN connections or TV connectivity. Many rooms are equipped with a coffee maker, which is a welcome touch, though some guests experienced functionality issues or found the provided pods to be of lower quality. A fitness center is available, described as decent with treadmills and weights, but some reviews suggest it could benefit from an update or more diverse equipment. Thoughtful additions like umbrellas in rooms and ample hangers in closets contribute to a pleasant stay. However, a common point of feedback is the absence of a mini-fridge or microwave in all rooms, with these only being available in suites or upon request.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its impeccable cleanliness, with rooms described as spotless and well-maintained by attentive housekeeping staff. The beds receive high praise for their exceptional comfort and quality mattresses, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Room sizes are generally considered spacious for New York City standards, particularly the suites and corner rooms, offering ample space to relax. While bathrooms are noted as clean and functional with good water pressure and hot water, some guests find them to be on the smaller or more dated side, occasionally lacking features like shelves or hand towel rails. Noise levels present mixed feedback; many guests report quiet rooms, but others mention thin walls allowing sound from neighbors or hallways, and some note street noise or the loud operation of heating and air conditioning units, which can be difficult to regulate.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience is significantly enhanced by the highly acclaimed Nice Matin restaurant, seamlessly connected to the lobby. This French bistro consistently receives glowing reviews for its excellent food quality, serving delicious options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Guests particularly appreciate the convenience of having such a reputable establishment on-site, often taking advantage of the 15% discount offered for breakfast. While breakfast is not included in the room rate, the quality and variety of the offerings at Nice Matin are frequently highlighted as a worthwhile experience. Room service is also available from the restaurant, though some guests note a significant upcharge for this convenience. Beyond the hotel, the surrounding neighborhood boasts a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and markets, providing abundant choices for every palate.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's prime location in the Upper West Side is a major highlight for guests, offering a desirable blend of tranquility and accessibility. This safe and residential neighborhood is praised for its authentic New York feel, providing a welcome escape from the more bustling tourist areas. Its proximity to Central Park (just a few blocks away) and major museums like the American Museum of Natural History and The Met makes it ideal for sightseers. Public transportation is exceptionally convenient, with a subway station (the 1 train) located just one block away, offering easy access to Times Square, Penn Station, and other key areas of the city. The area is highly walkable, featuring numerous restaurants, cafes, shops, and essential services like a Duane Reade or CVS directly across the street. While parking is available in nearby garages, guests should be aware that it can be expensive.

Staff & Service
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its exceptional staff and the attentive service they provide. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and welcoming demeanor of team members, from the doormen who are lauded for their helpfulness in hailing cabs and assisting with luggage, to the front desk personnel who are described as professional, efficient, and accommodating with requests like early check-ins or room upgrades. Housekeeping is also commended for its thoroughness and discretion, ensuring rooms are spotless and well-maintained. Many guests, including frequent returnees, appreciate feeling recognized and valued by the staff, contributing to a personalized experience. While most interactions are overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated comments mention an occasional less-than-friendly front desk individual or minor inconsistencies in service, but these are exceptions to the generally high standard of customer care.

Additional Information
The hotel, while an older building, is consistently described as well-maintained and possessing an old-world charm and elegance. Guests should note that mini-fridges are not standard in all rooms, though they may be available upon request or in suites. There is also no complimentary drinking water provided in rooms or the lobby, and the ice machine is located only on the second floor. Some guests have reported that the Wi-Fi may not support VPN connections, which could impact remote work. The hotel operates a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with animals. While the elevators are functional, some guests find them to be slow or small. A few guests have mentioned a facility charge or destination fee, which covers certain amenities but is sometimes perceived as lacking transparency. The hotel provides full-size toiletries in bathrooms, which is a convenient and appreciated detail.