The Fifty Sonesta New York

This hotel offers a memorable stay in New York City, distinguished by its surprisingly spacious rooms, a rare find in the bustling urban landscape, and the consistently exceptional service provided by its doormen. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's good value and prime location, which places them within easy reach of major attractions. The accommodations are generally noted for their cleanliness and comfortable beds. This makes the hotel an excellent fit for families seeking ample space and convenient amenities like kitchenettes, as well as sightseers eager to explore the city on foot. Business travelers also find it suitable due to its central accessibility. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to mitigate street noise, and be sure to clarify any additional fees or deposit policies upon check-in.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of convenient facilities & amenities that enhance the guest experience. Many rooms feature full kitchen facilities, including mini-fridges, which are particularly appreciated by families and those planning longer stays. Guests have access to a gym facility for their fitness needs, and a business center is available for work-related tasks. While there is no on-site swimming pool, a spa facility is offered at a sister hotel nearby. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi in rooms, though some guests have noted inconsistencies with this service. Additional conveniences include readily available ice machines and vending machines, as well as laundry on site, which is a significant benefit for extended visits. Some rooms also boast balconies, offering unique city views.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and commend the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, which contribute to a restful sleep. The spacious nature of the rooms, especially for New York City standards, is a consistent positive. However, feedback on room comfort is mixed. Some guests have reported a persistent musty smell or mildew, particularly on lower floors or near air conditioning units. Noise is a significant concern, with many reviews mentioning considerable disturbance from street noise, neighboring rooms, and even the hotel's own AC units, indicating poor soundproofing. Issues with the AC system itself, such as units being loud, not cooling effectively, or the heating system being off during cold weather, are also noted. Bathrooms are frequently described as small, and some guests have encountered issues like mold, peeling paint, dusty shower heads, and leaky fixtures, suggesting a need for updates.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding the hotel's dining options is largely negative. Many guests express disappointment with the breakfast, describing it as very limited in variety and often lacking in taste, with items like cold eggs and hard bagels or croissants. The breakfast is also considered quite pricey for the quality offered. There is no dedicated restaurant for room service, which some guests find inconvenient. While the hotel offers a daily credit for snacks and drinks from a small pantry, this is often seen as a minimal compensation for the lack of substantial dining options. Guests frequently recommend exploring nearby external establishments, such as local bagel shops or diners, for better and more satisfying breakfast choices.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, making it highly desirable for exploring New York City. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of numerous iconic landmarks and attractions, including Central Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Avenue. Its proximity to Grand Central and various subway stations ensures easy access to transit for reaching destinations further afield. The surrounding neighborhood is generally described as safe and convenient, with an abundance of restaurants, shops, and essential services nearby. While parking is available, guests should be aware that it can be quite expensive, with both valet and self-parking options. Overall, the hotel's strategic position significantly enhances the guest experience by providing unparalleled convenience for navigating the city.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. The doormen, in particular, are consistently singled out for their welcoming demeanor, attentiveness, and willingness to provide directions and local recommendations, making guests feel like family. Housekeeping is also frequently commended for providing efficient and attentive service, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained with fresh towels daily. However, feedback regarding the front desk staff is mixed; some guests have reported encountering unfriendly, unprofessional, or unwelcoming attitudes, occasional impatience, and a perceived lack of empathy or clear communication, especially concerning check-in processes or addressing issues. Despite these isolated concerns, the overall impression of service, particularly from the doormen and housekeeping, remains a strong positive.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a recurring facility fee, also referred to as a destination fee or resort fee, which is often perceived as a surprise additional charge upon arrival. This fee, typically covering amenities like gym access and Wi-Fi, can be substantial and is not always clearly explained during the booking process, leading to frustration. A common issue associated with this fee is the handling of deposits, with numerous guests reporting delays or difficulties in receiving their refunds post-checkout, sometimes even experiencing double charges. The hotel also has policies regarding early check-in fees and a standard late check-out time of 12 PM. As part of the facility fee, a daily credit is provided for a snack pantry located near the front desk, allowing guests to select drinks and snacks.