New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [268]
Excelsior.
$–$$ | Directly across the street from the American Museum of Natural History, this well-kept spot rubs shoulders with fine prewar apartment buildings (make sure to spring for a room with museum views). The rooms feature frilly, faux-Victorian decor and cushy beds. On the second floor the hotel serves a breakfast that’s good but slightly pricey for the neighborhood. The library lounge, with leather sofas, a cozy fireplace, and tables with built-in game boards, is an unexpected plus. On the minus side is a staff that seems to be too busy to focus on customer service. Pros: unique Upper West Side location near Central Park and foodie mecca Zabar’s; tranquil environment. Cons: guests report unfriendly front-desk staff; rooms could use updating; Wi-Fi is not free. TripAdvisor: “safe neighborhood,” “old world charm,” “great location.” | 45 W. 81st St., between Central Park W and Columbus Ave., Upper West Side | 10024 | 212/362–9200 or 800/368–4575 | www.excelsiorhotelny.com | 118 rooms, 80 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: gym, laundry service, Internet terminal, Wi-Fi hotspot, some pets allowed | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: B, C to 81st St.
Hotel Beacon.
$–$$ | The Upper West Side’s best buy for the price is 3 blocks from Central Park, 10 from Lincoln Center, and footsteps from the neighborhood’s gourmet grocery store gulch—Zabar’s, Fairway, and Citarella. All of the generously sized rooms and suites include marble bathrooms, kitchenettes with coffeemakers, pots and pans, stoves, and microwaves. Closets are huge, and some of the bathrooms have Hollywood dressing room–style mirrors. High floors have views of Central Park, the Hudson River, or the Midtown skyline; the staff here is especially friendly and helpful. In this safe, exciting residential neighborhood, the Hotel Beacon makes a nice choice for exploring a different corner of the city. Pros: kitchenettes in all rooms; heart of UWS location; affordable. Cons: rooms emphasize comfort over style. TripAdvisor: “no hotel restaurant,” “excellent rooms,” “small kitchenette available.” | 2130 Broadway, at W. 75th St., Upper West Side | 10023 | 212/787–1100 or 800/572–4969 | www.beaconhotel.com | 120 rooms, 110 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, kitchen, refrigerator. In-hotel: laundry facilities, parking (paid) | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 72nd St.
The Lucerne.
$ | The landmark facade of this exquisite building has more pizzazz than the predictable guest rooms, with their dark-wood reproduction furniture and chintz bedspreads. Health-conscious adults can head to the gym on the top floor, with its city views, and rooms are also stocked with Nintendo systems. Service is the hotel’s strong suit, and the popular Mediterranean restaurant Nice Matin is one of the better ones on the Upper West Side, with a mature bar scene appropriate for grown-ups. The affluent residential neighborhood is filled with an impressive array of boutiques and gourmet food shops, and the American Museum of Natural History is a short walk away. Pros: free Wi-Fi; clean; close to Central Park. Cons: inconsistent room size; some guests report uncomfortable pillows. TripAdvisor: “clean and surprisingly large rooms,” “great views of Upper West Side,” “really good location.” | 201 W. 79th St., at Amsterdam