Empire State Views: Your Dream Hampton Inn Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the Hampton Inn experience that is Empire State Views! Get ready for a review that's less "stuffy travel blog" and more "your slightly chaotic best friend spilling the tea after a wild weekend." This is gonna be FUN.
The Buzzword Bingo Board is Set: Empire State Views – Seriously, Where Does the "View" Actually Start?
First things first: the name. "Empire State Views." Okay, so you're kinda expecting an Empire State Building eyeful, right? I'm gonna be honest, my room technically had a view. Of something. Buildings. Lots of buildings. Let's just say, it wasn't quite the postcard moment I envisioned. But hey, maybe I should've sprung for the “Premium” room option. Word to the wise: pay the extra, folks. Pay the extra. Because if you’re like me, and just want some kind of epic view, it’s worth it.
Accessibility: Not Just a Buzzword, Actually Thoughtful
Okay, now for the good stuff. And there is good stuff! Let's be real, accessibility is HUGE for so many people. And Empire State Views actually gets it. I'm talking:
- Wheelchair accessible everything. Seriously. From the lobby to the rooms, they've clearly put some thought in. You didn’t have to be a contortionist to get around.
- Elevators galore! You won't be lugging suitcases up endless flights of stairs. (Unless you're really into that, in which case… go for it.)
- Facilities for disabled guests. They're listed, and I'm betting they actually work, which is a HUGE win.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi. Bless the Internet Gods!
Wi-Fi. Don't want to go off on a tangent, but can we all just agree that hotels charging for Wi-Fi in 2024 is a crime against humanity? Empire State Views gets it. They have free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! And it actually works. I'm talking streaming Netflix without buffering, video calls that didn't drop every five seconds, and the ability to actually do things online. Victory.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, Nowadays…
Okay, let's touch on the elephant in the room (or, you know, the lingering cloud of pandemic paranoia): cleanliness. And I'm happy to say, Empire State Views seems to give a damn. They claim to use:
- Anti-viral cleaning products. Which is reassuring, because, well, you know.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere you look.
Plus, the staff seemed to be super aware of the safety protocols. I mean, I wouldn't go licking the doorknobs (just a personal preference, really), but I felt pretty darn safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag, Honestly…
Okay, time for the REAL talk. The food situation at Empire State Views? It's… a process. Let's break it down:
- Breakfast (Buffet): This is the cornerstone of any Hampton Inn, right? The buffet was… typical. Standard. Safe. Think: scrambled eggs, some sad-looking potatoes, and a waffle maker that, frankly, I found myself utterly obsessed with. It was enough to get you going, but don't expect Michelin star-level cuisine.
- Coffee Shop: They had one. And the coffee was, well, coffee.
- Room Service (24-hour): This is GOLD. Especially after a long day of pounding the pavement.
- Snack bar: Nothing too mind-blowing, but definitely the place to grab water, a soda, or a late-night snack.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
Empire State Views is great about the little things.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always perfectly made up, and it’s a simple pleasure.
- Concierge: These guys were absolute lifesavers in helping to find some decent food options. Also, they are just super helpful!
- Laundry service: Useful if you have a disaster with your clothes.
- Cash withdrawal: Handy for emergencies.
- Business facilities: I saw the business center with a xerox/fax in business center, but I don't tend to spend much time there.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Fitness Center Feels Kinda…Meh.
Alright, relaxation. The spa? Nonexistent. The sauna, steam room? No dice. The pool? Nope. Fitness center? I went. It was… serviceable. The treadmills worked. There was a few weights. Don't expect anything fancy, okay?
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibe, But…
- Family-friendly.
- Babysitting service, Kids meal: I heard the family vibe was pretty good, and they had services for kids
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Nice if you need it.
- Car park [on-site], so if you're driving, you're all set.
Rooms: Comfy, Functional, but…
Listen, the rooms are comfortable. The beds were nice, and I slept soundly. They pack a lot in a small space, given how they are in a major city.
- Air conditioning
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coffee/tea maker
- Blackout curtains
- Desk
- Smoke detector
- Mini bar
- In-room safe box
Now for the Honest Truth – Anecdote Time!
Here's my moment of truth: I was there for a conference, so I was at the hotel for a few days. One morning, I ordered room service (because, again, 24-hour room service is LIFE). I was starving. I didn’t see the breakfast takeaway service mentioned but that could’ve helped here. It took, like, an hour to arrive. An HOUR. I almost ate my own arm! When it did finally show up, the coffee was cold. But hey, the waffles were still warm, and that waffle maker experience, that I will always remember!
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
There were little things that were great. The staff was super friendly, and if the staff is friendly, it makes a world of difference. They were always smiling and willing to help out. That always wins me over.
Final Verdict: Should You Stay Here?
Okay, here's the bottom line: Empire State Views isn't the flashiest hotel in town. But it's solid. It's reliable. It's clean. The free Wi-Fi is a godsend. You can't beat the convenience. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and surprisingly affordable place to drop your bags while exploring NYC, it's a solid choice. Just manage your expectations about the "view". Think of it as "Empire State Adjacent"
The Sales Pitch: Your Book-Now-Or-Regret-It Offer
Tired of Generic Hotel Stays? Craving a NYC Adventure?
Empire State Views: Your NYC Basecamp Awaits!
Imagine:
- Waking up to that free Wi-Fi streaming your fave show after a great night’s sleep!
- Exploring the city with the accessibility and convenience of a thoughtfully designed hotel.
- Enjoying the best hotel staff ever!
Here's What You Get (And Why You Need to Book Now!):
- Free Wi-Fi! Seriously, unlimited streaming freedom!
- Delicious buffet breakfast! The waffle maker alone is worth the price of admission.
- A Clean and Safe Environment
But Here's the Kicker:
Book your stay at Empire State Views now and we'll throw in a $20 dining credit for our on-site snack bar to get those late-night cravings!
Click here to book your NYC adventure before this offer disappears! Don't miss out on getting a perfect, worry-free stay in NYC!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is the raw, unadulterated, probably-slightly-hungover chronicle of my New York City adventure, starting from… checks notes… the Hampton Inn Manhattan-35th St/Empire State Bldg. (Which, by the way, is a mouthful, but hey, location, location, location, right?).
Day 1: Arrival and the City That Never Sleeps (Mostly Because of Me)
- Morning (ish): Okay, so the flight was… well, let's just say it involved a toddler, a screaming baby, and a questionable amount of coffee. I arrived cranky, which is probably the best way to experience New York, right? The check-in at the Hampton Inn was surprisingly smooth. The lobby smelled faintly of bleach and hope. My room? Standard hotel room, but with a killer view of… another building. Progress! (I did, however, spend a solid five minutes trying to figure out the light switches. Why are there so many?! I swear, it's like they're trying to build a miniature power grid.)
- Afternoon: Empire State Building, BABY! Classic tourist move, I know. But damn, the view. It actually took my breath away. And not just because I’d been power-walking up the stairs (okay, okay, I took the elevator) from all the anxiety of this first-time trip. The sheer scale of the city hit me. Felt a little overwhelmed, a little giddy, and a lot like I was going to fall over the edge. I probably got the best photo of the Chrysler building I could, too. But on the way back out of the building, I got completely lost in the gift shop! It's easy to spend a fortune on snow globes of the Empire State Building, apparently. My wallet shuddered.
- Evening: Dinner. I'd made a reservation at a place in Little Italy. It turned out to be the size of a shoebox and I was instantly convinced I would be scammed in some way. I am a cheap date, and I don't trust those places. The food was…okay? I was too rattled to enjoy it, and mostly just kept looking around at all the other tourists who, like me, were probably wondering if they were about to be mugged. Then, after that, I saw a Broadway show! Phantom of the Opera! It's an utterly cliché choice, I realize, but I've heard it's great, and I wanted to do one of the classic New York things. It was wonderful! (I cried, obviously. Don't judge me.)
- Late Night: Wandering around Times Square. It’s…an experience. Bright, loud, overwhelming. I felt like a tiny cog in a giant, flashing, advertising machine. Almost immediately started imagining my own billboard in the middle of all of it, advertising… what? My overwhelming fear of being in Times Square? Anyway, I stumbled back to my hotel, exhausted but wired, and promptly stayed up until 3 AM watching a terrible movie on TV.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Coffee Crisis
- Morning: Ah, the glorious hotel breakfast. It’s a love-hate relationship, right? Free is always a bonus. I loaded up on questionable scrambled eggs and weak coffee. This is the moment. I just know, the worst part of this trip came at this point. When I reached for the orange juice, I spilled the entire cup on myself. I felt my face flush with anger, what a rough start.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: My original plan was to go to the MET. I'm ashamed to admit I got sidetracked by a street vendor selling… well, everything. I ended up buying a ridiculously overpriced "I Love NY" t-shirt and a knock-off designer handbag with the handle broken, and spent all my cash in a moment of reckless consumerism. Then, after the money was gone, I finally headed to the MET. The place is gargantuan. And I felt like it was too big for me. After a couple of hours in the museum, I got a bit "museumed-out" and my brain felt like it was being slowly boiled. I took a long walk around Central Park to cool down.
- Afternoon/Evening: Searching for the perfect coffee in Greenwich Village. The search was long and, I’m pretty sure, ended with me sobbing in the middle of a busy street corner. Seriously? I wanted the perfect cup. I have had so many, in so many places! I kept looking, but all the shops were either too fancy, too hipster, or offered nothing to an actual coffee lover. I finally gave up and settled for a lukewarm, overpriced latte from a nameless chain. I can’t tell you how bitterly disappointing the coffee was.
- Evening: Dinner, solo, again. Tonight, I chose to eat at a ramen bar, recommended by the hotel staff. Delicious, and I slurped up every last noodle. I watched people bustle around me, each of them on a mission, and just felt so alone! I had to shake off that feeling, I kept telling myself. I took a walk back to the hotel, feeling a bit more settled. I watched a guy juggle flaming torches on the street corner and thought about all of my mistakes so far.
Day 3: Grand Finale (and a Total Meltdown)
- Morning: Pack. Check out. Realize I'd forgotten to buy souvenirs. Panic sets in: where to go? Where to go?
- Late Morning: Last-minute dash to a souvenir shop near the Empire State. More overpriced crap. But I had to! Found a few, made a mess, bought them, and then, started my last walk from the hotel to Penn Station.
- Afternoon: Goodbye, New York. I actually loved it, despite the coffee crisis, the fear, and the emotional rollercoaster. But I was also completely exhausted and ready to go home. Next time, I’m bringing a friend. Or at least, a map. And maybe a therapist.
- Departure: The train was late. I hate delays. I was on my way home. It felt like a relief. I'd done it. What an experience.
Notes:
- I lost my metro card. Twice.
- My feet hurt. Seriously. I should have worn my sneakers the entire time.
- I saw a rat. (It was in the subway. I'm not exactly surprised.)
- I cried a lot.
- I love New York.
- I definitely need a vacation from this vacation.
So, there you have it. My messy, imperfect, deeply human New York City adventure. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I do anything differently? Probably not. Well, maybe the coffee thing. And the souvenir shopping spree. Okay, maybe a few things. But hey, that's the beauty of it, right? Every trip is a learning experience. And this one… well, it was a doozy.
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Empire State Views: Your (Potentially Slightly Flawed But Still Awesome) Dream Hampton Inn Stay – FAQs (With Random Thoughts & Totally Real-Person Opinions)
Okay, let's cut to the chase: Does this place ACTUALLY have a good view of the Empire State Building? Because I'm picturing Instagram-worthy perfection, and reality often crushes dreams.
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the "good view" situation is... nuanced. Look, I've been there (and I'm probably still recovering from the jet lag from my last trip, let's be honest). The *promise* is there. And yes, from some rooms, *yes*, you can practically high-five the Empire State. I saw it! Spectacular, breathtaking, you get the idea. But here's the *real* kicker: it's all about *the room*. Ask for a high floor, specifically with a north or east-facing view. Otherwise, you could be staring at… well, another building. Or a brick wall. My first time? Brick wall city. I nearly cried. I could practically *taste* the disappointment. So, call ahead, beg a little, and pray to the travel gods for a good room. Seriously, do it. Because, wow, when you get that view… worth every penny. (Speaking of which...)
Pricing – Is this going to break the bank? I’m on a slightly-less-than-stellar budget.
Ugh. The money question. It is New York, so, yeah... It’s not *cheap*. But, *considering* you're potentially getting a view that'll make your Instagram followers weep with envy? (And you *will* brag, don't even lie to yourself), it’s… reasonable. It's a Hampton Inn, not The Ritz. Check for deals! Book in advance! Travel off-season (good luck with that, everyone wants that view!). I found a deal once, and I swear, I almost did a cartwheel in the lobby. Almost. My back... Anyway. Look, be prepared to spend more than you would at that Hampton Inn in, say, Omaha. But less than you would at, say, a hotel made of actual solid gold. It's a trade-off. Think of the view as a free mental health boost.
The Breakfasts... Are they just the standard hotel fare? I'm talking about actual sustenance, not just a sad bagel.
Alright, breakfast... I’m a breakfast person. A *big* breakfast person. Is it gourmet? Absolutely not. Is it *good*? Generally, yes. You get your usual: waffles (which are always a win, let's be real), eggs (sometimes questionable, but edible), oatmeal, cereal, the whole shebang. The coffee? Hit or miss. Often a miss, unfortunately. But hey, there are like, gazillions of coffee shops in NYC – just saying. On my last trip, they had these weird little breakfast sandwiches that were surprisingly good. I had three. Don't judge. The best part: It's *free*. Free food in New York City is a miracle. So, fuel up for those long days exploring, because you're going to need it. Trust me.
Parking! Oh, god, the parking. Is this a nightmare? Should I just give up and walk?
Parking in New York. It's a legend. A terrifying, wallet-draining legend. Okay, honestly, the parking situation at *this particular Hampton Inn* isn't *completely* awful. There's usually a parking garage nearby, but prepare for the price tag. It’s NYC! You’re probably better off taking public transportation. Seriously. The subway system, love it or hate it (I've both loved it and hated it with a fiery passion), is the most efficient way to get around. Don't even *think* about driving around looking for street parking. I did that once. I aged a decade in an hour and a half. Trust me. Take the subway. Or, if you must drive, set aside a budget for parking that will make you weep. Then weep a little more when you realize you could've used that money for another slice of pizza.
Rooms – Size and comfort? Because I value my personal space, and I'm not a fan of tiny hotel boxes.
Okay, let's be real: you’re not getting a penthouse suite. It's a Hampton Inn, not the Taj Mahal. The rooms are… adequate. They’re clean, usually. The beds are comfortable enough (I've definitely slept worse). Space, though… that’s the trade-off. NYC real estate is at a premium, and the rooms reflect that. They are functional. Not expansive. You will probably be doing the ‘sideways shuffle’ to get around the bed. Bring earplugs. You're in a city that *never* sleeps. But, hey, you’re in New York! You're not meant to spend your entire trip cooped up in your room. Get out there and explore! As long as you can comfortably maneuver from the bed to the bathroom without tripping over your suitcase, you're golden.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or are we talking classic New York… you know… "Get out of my way, I'm walking here!" vibes?
The staff? Actually, surprisingly good. Look, everyone has bad days, and New Yorkers are, well, *New Yorkers*. But generally, the staff has been friendly and helpful in my experience. They're used to tourists (duh). They can offer directions, recommendations, and sometimes, even a little bit of good old-fashioned New York charm. I once asked the front desk guy for a recommendation for a good slice of pizza (because priorities). He gave me a *fantastic* place, it was the best pizza I had in my life. He really saved my trip! Now, will they all be overflowing with sunshine and rainbows? Maybe not. But they're usually professional, efficient, and willing to help. And honestly, that's all you *really* need. Just be polite. A little "please" and "thank you" goes a long way. And tip well, they work hard.
Let's talk about the *location*. Is it actually a good spot to explore the city?
The location is... pretty darn good, actually. Especially if, you know... you *want* to see the Empire State Building. It's smack-dab in the middle of things, making it a good base for exploring. Tons of restaurants, shops, and attractions are within walking distance or a short subway ride. Times Square? A hop, skip, and a slightly nauseating subway ride away (I have a love/hate relationship with Times Square). Central Park? A little further, but still easily accessible. You're close to a lot of the big touristy things, yeah. But also, and this is important, you're close to a lot of the *less* touristy, more *authentic* New York experiences. You can wander off the beaten path andBook Hotels Now
