Holiday Inn Express Long Island City E - New York By Ihg

The hotel offers a memorable stay, primarily distinguished by its breathtaking skyline views of Manhattan and Long Island City, particularly from its higher floors. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's remarkable cleanliness and the generally friendly and helpful staff. The complimentary breakfast is also a frequently praised feature, offering a good start to the day. While the hotel provides excellent value, especially for sightseers and business travelers seeking a more affordable alternative to Manhattan, its location requires careful consideration. It is well-suited for value-conscious travelers and families due to its spacious rooms and amenities. To maximize the experience, guests are advised to request a room on a higher floor to fully appreciate the stunning vistas and to plan their transportation in advance, as the immediate surroundings are not highly walkable.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be modern and well-maintained, reflecting its new construction. Many appreciate the presence of a convenience store in the lobby, offering quick access to snacks and drinks. A gym is available for guest use, though some have noted issues with the water dispenser being empty or out of order. However, a significant point of concern for many guests is the functionality of the elevators, which are frequently described as slow, congested, and sometimes with multiple units out of service, leading to considerable wait times. Additionally, some guests have reported issues with ice machines being out of order on various floors. The lack of complimentary water bottles in rooms and the limited stocking of in-room fridges for purchase are also mentioned as minor inconveniences.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness and room comfort receive mixed but detailed feedback from guests. Most guests praise the overall cleanliness of the rooms, describing them as spotless, modern, and well-maintained, with comfortable beds ensuring a restful sleep. The spacious rooms are appreciated, often featuring modern decor, a coffee maker, microwave, and fridge for convenience. However, a notable number of guests have reported significant issues, including dirty sheets with visible stains, stained towels, sticky floors, and a persistent musty smell upon entry. Concerns about the bathtub and shower issues, such as rust stains, leaks, or fluctuating water temperatures, are also present. While some rooms offer quiet stays, others experience considerable noise levels from loud housekeeping, slamming doors, or street and subway sounds. Additionally, some guests found curtains did not fully close, allowing light into the room.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast is a significant feature, with most guests finding it to be a good start to their day. Many praise the breakfast variety, which often includes hot food options like eggs, bacon, and unique items such as cinnamon buns and biscuits and gravy. The staff managing the breakfast area are frequently commended for their attentiveness and efforts to keep items refreshed. However, some guests have noted that the selection can be limited, and there are recurring issues with food running out or being slow to be refilled, especially during peak times. The quality of certain items, like the coffee and eggs, has been described as inconsistent or basic by some. Initially, there were complaints about a lack of gluten-free options, though the hotel made efforts to address this for some guests during their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a highly debated aspect of the guest experience. While it offers convenient access to highways and tunnels connecting to Manhattan, making it suitable for those with a vehicle, its immediate surroundings are a significant drawback for many. The hotel is situated in an industrial area, which guests describe as a sketchy neighborhood with limited amenities, shops, or restaurants within easy reach. The distance to the nearest subway station is a considerable walk, often 15 to 30 minutes, making public transportation less convenient, especially with luggage or at night. Many guests feel the area lacks walkability and can feel unsafe after dark. Parking is available, including covered garages, but it comes with a high daily fee and spots can be limited, leading to challenges in finding a space, particularly for late arrivals.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel generally receive positive remarks, with most guests commending the friendly staff for their helpful and professional demeanor. Many appreciate the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to be accommodating with requests such as early check-ins, late check-outs, or room changes. The attentive service from housekeeping is also frequently highlighted, ensuring rooms are well-maintained. However, there are notable instances of negative feedback, where some guests encountered dismissive, rude, or unprofessional conduct from certain front desk personnel. Issues with communication regarding billing discrepancies, compensation promises, or obtaining receipts have also been reported, leading to frustration. Despite these isolated incidents, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive experience with the hotel's service team.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects and billing practices that have been highlighted in reviews. Several guests reported significant billing discrepancies, including being charged more than the quoted price or for nights not stayed, leading to frustration and the need to dispute charges. While the hotel is relatively new and still undergoing some development, which contributes to its fresh appearance, this can sometimes manifest in minor unfinished elements or ongoing work. A recurring concern among some guests is the perceived lack of security, with reports of random individuals entering and exiting the premises, and a general feeling that security measures could be enhanced. Additionally, the hotel's elevator system has been a point of frequent complaint, with long wait times and multiple units often out of service, impacting guest convenience.