Hotel Pennsylvania - NY

[Hotel Help NYC]

Wow, some real hate for this hotel. I want to stay there but I'm scared. SOOOO many bad reviews on Trip Adviser. But some of the You Tube videos are hilarious. What's the best, closest, alternative to Hotel Penn near Penn Station?

 

[guest]

The Hotel Wolcott is a better budget option, not too far to walk on 31st street.

Avoid The Carter or Sun Bright!

If you can afford it then Affinia Manhattan is close.

Also not to far on W35th you have Hotel Metro, Comfort Inn and Hilton Garden Inn

 

[greatcats]

I have stayed at the Hilton Garden on 28th Street last year and it was fine. I stayed at the Pennsylvania, then the Statler Hilton, in 1977 It was OK then, but at the time I was appalled at the rate of $36 per night!!!! I would not stay there now, either.

 

[John Bobinyec]

The Hotel Schmennsylvania has a nice lobby. That's about it.

jb

 

[Allypet]

They built a brand new Courtyard by Marriott on 30 st right off of 7th ave, there is also a Hampton Inn on 31 st and 6th ave. Both are within walking distance of Penn Station.

 

[J-1 3235]

I have stayed at The New Yorker on 8th Avenue and 34th. It's an older property, but well appointed and clean. Occasionally they'll offer a fairly low rate (for NYC), too. Also an easy walk from Penn Station.

 

[Guest]

Anyone ever stay at the Fairfield Inn?

 

[CHamilton]

I have stayed at The New Yorker on 8th Avenue and 34th. It's an older property, but well appointed and clean. Occasionally they'll offer a fairly low rate (for NYC), too. Also an easy walk from Penn Station.

I've stayed there, and its rooms are comfortable but small. Fine for an overnight. You can get Wyndham points there now, too.

 

[caravanman]

Sorry to see the Hotel Penn is not popular, I stayed twice and enjoyed it both times. Not the best hotel, quite run down, but for me the nostalgic art deco 30's ambience was cool.

Ed.

 

[zephyr17]

The La Quinta Manhattan is just two blocks down 32nd between 5th and 6th. Reasonable (for Manhattan), nice rooms, good beds. It is an easy walk between Penn and there.

 

[KC Ghost Rider]

I passed on the historic Pennsylvania Hotel and went upscale (as far as price anyway) with the Waldorf Astoria. I figured classier bed bugs at the Waldorf, plus a few AGR points helped make my decision. :giggle:

 

[pennyk]

They built a brand new Courtyard by Marriott on 30 st right off of 7th ave, there is also a Hampton Inn on 31 st and 6th ave. Both are within walking distance of Penn Station.

I recently stayed at the Hampton Inn on 31st street. The rooms were small, but fine. There was free breakfast and wi-fi. It was easy walking distance to Penn Station. I stayed there on MLK weekend and the prices were very reasonable.... however, I have looked at their prices for a Thursday night in October and it was $350.

 

[trainman74]

I figured classier bed bugs at the Waldorf...

Now I'm picturing bedbugs wearing tiny top hats and monocles.

In case anyone hasn't read Dave Barry's column about the Hotel Pennsylvania -- which John Bobinyec alluded to earlier -- here it is.

 

[Steve4031]

Hilton fashion district is sometimes competitively priced.

 

[brentrain17]

I have stayed at the Manhattan La Quinta, about 2 blocks form Penn Station, rooms are small but clean, perfect for an overnight plus ARG points, very reasonable rates for Manhattan.

 

[SarahZ]

I figured classier bed bugs at the Waldorf...

Now I'm picturing bedbugs wearing tiny top hats and monocles.

In case anyone hasn't read Dave Barry's column about the Hotel Pennsylvania -- which John Bobinyec alluded to earlier -- here it is.

That article is hilarious.

"...we would listen to the people in the room on the other side, who apparently were in town for the International Convention of Loud Talkers With Insomnia."

 

[Ispolkom]

I've never stayed there, but it is, of course, the only New York Hotel for which I know the telephone number.

PEnnsylvania 6-5000, of course.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I also recommend the La Quinta! (And they are an AGR Partner and Run Point Promos/check the AGR Site!)

Google up Kayak.com or Bookit.com and Check out Deals, Manhatan can be Very Pricey most fo teh Year, even Roach Motels and Old Flop Houses! Good Luck!

BTW-The Penn is a Historic Old Railroad (Guess which One! ^_^ )Hotel across the street from Penn Station and it has Small, Old Fashioned ,Musty but Clean Rooms!) (but if you can get a rate around $100 a Night it is Worth it IMHOfor One Night just for the Closeness to NYP and the Ambience!

 

[Green Maned Lion]

I really do recommend the hotel Pennsylvania. It's a tad rundown, true. But it is generally clean, it's cheap, it's well located. And it has character.

 

[jphjaxfl]

I have stayed at the Hotel Pennsylvania since 1969 when it was the Statler Hilton and have always had good experiences. As GML says it has character and I like the location. Its a huge hotel. I would love to see it renovated.

 

[JackieTakestheTrain]

I stay at the Affinia Manhattan which is literally right across the street from Penn station. I think their official address is 31st and 7th street. I usually come off the train and wander through the station and cut through the area where the local train tickets are sold, and then scoot up the elevator and it puts me right out on the sidewalk and the Affinia is literally across the street. Sometimes if it isn't too busy a nice redcap will go over with me -- I give him a big tip since they are technically NOT allowed to do it. I never ask them to take me by the way -- they just volunteer.

I love this hotel a lot and have found that the staff is very friendly. It is not inexpensive to stay here, but I have had it as low as $150 with an AAA rate. What I normally do is book my stay way in advance and check periodically to see if the rate goes down. If it does -- and it usually does -- I just rebook.

Today, in fact, I saved more than $200 with some promotion that they had for buy 2 nights, get a night free. I am staying in a studio room with two doubles and a full efficiency kitchen. My husband and I are staying in NYC a few days before catching the Cardinal, and I didn't want to eat out every meal. There is a grocery service nearby and even a little corner market to grab things.

On a personal note, I stopped staying at the Penn because I frequently travel alone and did not feel safe there. Nothing ever happened to me, but over the course of the years, the place has really rundown.

The Affinia and the Penn are night and day and separate by a block!!

Other things to note about the Affinia:

It is kinda noisy depending on where you are. It is right near a fire/police station -- so alarms go off and are LOUD!

They have this awesome thing where if post on Facebook, you get a free bottle of wine to either enjoy in your room or take it with you. I always take mine "to go".

They have started a new thing with a wine and cheese reception. I haven't been there yet to see if this is cheesy (get it?) or if it is nice.

Hope this is helpful!

- Jackie

p.s. I just looked and it says they now have free wifi and parking! wow!

 

[Bob Dylan]

Nice find, sounds Great!! Free Parking, Wine and Wifi in NYC! WOW!!!

 

[Ryan]

I figured classier bed bugs at the Waldorf...

Now I'm picturing bedbugs wearing tiny top hats and monocles.

In case anyone hasn't read Dave Barry's column about the Hotel Pennsylvania -- which John Bobinyec alluded to earlier -- here it is.

Wow, that's a blast from the past. I remember getting my hands on one of his books when I was a kid. I probably didn't understand half of it (and should have understood the other half), but thought that he was hilarious.