Excelsior Hotel New York City, New York City, New York
On New York’s exclusive Upper West Side is the Excelsior Hotel, within a convenient distance from the American Museum of Natural History and Central Park, and a quick walk to Lincoln Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the others along “museum mile”. The Excelsior Hotel is located at 45 West 81st Street, and is convenient to Grand Central Station, and approximately fifteen to twenty-five miles from the three major metropolitan airports. Guests can choose from standard rooms or one and two bedroom suites, each providing views of the Park or the American Museum of Natural History which sit directly across the street. Considered a New York landmark, the Excelsior Hotel is up to date and able to meet the needs of all of its guests. While retaining its old-fashioned charm, the hotel also provides modernized business services for its professional guests and also offers a fitness room and library as well. Dining is limited to a high-quality breakfast service, with many world-famous restaurants only a short distance from the hotel.
Brenda Austin (verified owner) –
Apartment-Like Accommodations, Nice UWS Location
We stayed at the Excelsior in a small, two-room suite with our three year old daughter while vacationing in NYC. We chose it in part because of price, but also for its convenient Upper West Side location near several attractions we planned to visit. It felt like an average, simple boutique hotel. Our room had French doors dividing the bedroom and living area, which was a nice touch. It felt a bit like staying in a very small apartment. The hallways were narrow. Some of the fixtures were old-fashioned. The toilet was tiny! Even my three year old remarked that it was the smallest toilet she’d ever seen. The bathrooms could definitely use some updating. Make sure to specifically request a king vs. double beds, or you’ll automatically get assigned the doubles. We ordered in from Calle Ocho downstairs (Latin American fusion) and it was unremarkable, especially for the cost. Basically, if you’re looking for a decent small suite that’s cheap by Manhattan standards, this is not a bad place to stay. The only real con was that the air conditioning kept switching to heat by itself and the heater made the room smell dusty.
Tips for Families
Splurge on a two-room suite at minimum so that you and your child(ren) can have your own sleeping areas. It wasn’t that much more than a standard room when we booked ours. I heard from another guest that there is a nice little library on the second floor, but didn’t get a chance to check it out myself due to our packed itinerary.
Elizabeth Bram (verified owner) –
Deluxe Location, Less than Deluxe Accomodations
The upper west side location is wonderful for kids – right next to the Museum of Natural History and Central Park guarantees that year-round there is much to keep your child amused and busy. However, for the price ($400 a night in October…) the accomodations were less than stellar. While it is nice to have a little couch, extra tv in a small outer room, the comfort level of the room was lacking. Our room smelled either from smoke or some chemical used on the rugs and the bathroom was in dire need of updating. My 8yr old noted the rust in the tub and the shower head and had to be coaxed and bribed into using them. The bed was less than comfortable as well. For $400, I’m fairly certain a newer more comfortable room could be had in NYC. I look forward to the time they see fit to update and improve!
Tips for Families
Don’t have the $17 buffet – there are ample, great restaurants for families nearby. Nice Matin on Amsterdam and 79th, Good Enough to Eat on Columbus and 85th as well as Sugar and Plumm on Amsterdam btwn 88th and 89th. Another tip – don’t eat at the Museum of Natural History, instead head to Unos on 81st and Columbus or Shake Shack on 77th and Columbus.