NYC's Hidden Gem: West 35th Street Hilton Garden Inn!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup! We're diving headfirst into the concrete jungle and uncovering a little secret gem: the Hilton Garden Inn on West 35th Street! It's not the flashiest place in NYC, but hear me out… this isn't Times Square, and that's a good thing. This is a place that offers something more than just glitz and glamour.
First Impressions: The "Meh" that Surprised Me
Okay, let's be real. When I first saw the outside, I thought, "Okay, standard hotel. Nothing to write home about." But then I walked in… and things started to shift. It wasn’t a wow moment, but it was… clean. And after traipsing through the city streets, that initial feeling of "meh" quickly turned into "ahhh, a sanctuary."
Let's Talk Accessibility (Because It Actually Matters)
I'm a big stickler for mentioning accessibility because it's so often an afterthought. Honestly, this Hilton Garden Inn got it! They have facilities for disabled guests – like, properly equipped rooms. Plus, they have an elevator, which is a lifesaver, especially if you're hauling luggage like I do. The front desk is 24-hour, so questions or requirements are addressed straight away. If you have any mobility issues, I'd recommend checking it.
Room Sweet Room (And the Free Wi-Fi that Saved My Sanity)
The rooms… well, they’re your classic, comfortable hotel room. Nothing mind-blowing, but everything works. The beds are comfy, the air conditioning actually works, and there are blackout curtains (a GODSEND in this city, trust me!). And the free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Major win. I'm a blogger, I need to connect, and that's an understatement! Seriously, I can’t tell you how many hotels I’ve stayed at that have the worst Wi-Fi, and I was bracing myself for the worst. But it was fast and stable! Plus, there's internet access – LAN just in case you need a wired connection.
The in-room amenities are solid: coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, in-room safe, and a desk/laptop workspace. They even have complimentary tea and free bottled water, because honestly, that’s a small detail that matters. I can't live without coffee and a hot drink.
(Rambling Aside: The Great Blackout Curtain Revelation)
Okay, so I’m a total light sleeper. Streetlights, flashing signs, you name it, it wakes me up. These blackout curtains were life-changing! I actually slept through the night! I'm pretty sure I saw a little bit of the sun peeking through in the morning -- which means the curtains are not perfect, but still functional for the most part.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (and the Quest for a Decent Coffee)
The hotel has a restaurant (and a coffee shop, thank god). Now, I’m not going to lie, the food's not Michelin-star material, but it's decent and, more importantly, convenient. Breakfast [buffet] is available – a standard spread but a great way to get fuelled up for a day of sightseeing. They also offer breakfast takeaway service, which is handy when you're in a rush. There’s a bar too, and the poolside bar is pretty chill for a sunset drink.
What was missing? I'm obsessed with a good cup of coffee. Yes, there's coffee/tea in the restaurant, but it didn't quite hit the spot for me. They had something to improve here.
Cleanliness and Safety: My Inner Germaphobe Approves
This is where the Hilton Garden Inn really surprised me. They were on it with the cleanliness. The daily disinfection in common areas was obvious, and they had a ton of hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. I saw the staff actively disinfecting tables and chairs. The fact that they used anti-viral cleaning products was reassuring. I mean, who knows what's lurking around in the city. They also have rooms sanitized between stays.
The "Things to Do" and "Ways to Relax" (Or, Pretending to Be a Spa Person)
Okay, I'm not really a spa person. But they do have a fitness center, which I did not try. They also had the whole spa thing, like a massage, a sauna, and a steamroom. Though I'm more of a "Netflix and a face mask" kind of gal, it's nice to have the option.
Getting Around: The NYC Hustle
Airport transfer is available (ask for it), and there's a taxi service for when you're in a hurry. Plus, there’s a car park [on-site] (though, let's be real, you probably won't need a car in NYC).
The "For the Kids" Stuff (Because You Might Need It)
They have babysitting service, which is good if you're traveling with little ones and need some alone time. it's also located near the middle of the city, so you can use it as your base.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, the Little Things
- The elevator is a little slow. Okay, it's a common complaint, but it's true. If you're in a rush, take the stairs (if you can!).
- The gym could be better. It's functional, not fancy.
- It's not the trendiest hotel. Don't expect Instagrammable aesthetics, you're here for comfort and convenience.
- I was looking for the pool with view. It was out of order at the time of my visit. Just a heads-up.
The Verdict: Why This Hotel Might Just Be Your NYC Secret Weapon
Look, this isn't a luxury hotel. But it's a reliable, clean, and centrally located option that checks all the important boxes. It's a great choice if you're prioritizing accessibility, cleanliness, and convenient access to all the sights and sounds of NYC without breaking the bank.
Ready to experience NYC without the stress?
Here's the deal:
NYC's "Hidden Gem" Getaway Offer!
- Book now and get a FREE breakfast voucher! (Hey, free food is always a win!)
- Early check-in/ late checkout! (So you can make the most of your time in the city)
- Priority access to our accessible rooms!
- 10% off your next stay when you book direct!
- Access to all the amenities.
Book your stay in NYC at the Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street
Hualien Hostel Heaven: Your Travel Charger Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're diving headfirst into a New York adventure, Hilton Garden Inn style. And trust me, it's gonna be less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "guy who spilled coffee on their pants, right before the important meeting." Here's my attempt at a truly human itinerary:
Hilton Garden Inn NYC West 35th Street: My Home Base (For Now)
Day 1: Arrival and the Awkward Embrace of City Life (and Jet Lag)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at JFK. The usual airport chaos. Luggage carousel is a cruel mistress, testing your patience before the fun even starts. Found my bag, miraculously. Thank you, tiny travel gods!
- 2:30 PM: AirTrain, subway, the whole shebang to get to the hotel. (And by the way, pro-tip: learn the subway map before you go. I stared at it blankly for a good five minutes, looking like a lost tourist. Eventually, I figured it out. Okay, maybe I asked for help from a very patient New Yorker.)
- 3:30 PM: Check-in at the Hilton Garden Inn. Ugh, the lobby is… fine. Beige. Functional. But I'm too jet-lagged to care. Just need a bed, stat. The front desk guy had a nice smile, though. I'll give him that.
- 4:00 PM: Room. FINALLY. Okay, not bad. Little cramped, but hey, it's NYC. And the view… looks out onto a brick wall. Charmingly "New York," I guess?
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Collapse on the bed. Attempt (and fail) to fight off jet lag. Seriously, how can your body clock be this confused? I think I blinked and accidentally napped for 20 minutes.
- 6:00 PM: Forced out of the hotel. Gotta eat. Wander aimlessly down 35th looking for food, and end up at a… okay, I won't lie, a pretty awful diner. Greasy spoon perfection, they call it. I call it "questionable life choices." Ate a burger. Regretted it. But… I felt something. That counts, right?
- 7:30 PM: The absolute agony of Time Square. I'd like to say I had a moment of awe. I did not. It's all garish billboards and pushy street vendors trying to force me to ride a rickshaw. I was mildly terrified. Stood for half an hour trying to find a place to grab a quick bite. (That was probably 40 minutes wasted and hunger became the enemy!)
- 8:00 PM: Found a small pizza joint across the street from the hotel. (God bless New York Pizza.) The pizza was great. Ate a full pie.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Seriously, I'm out. Bed. Good night, New York. Don't let the bed bugs bite… or something.
Day 2: Art, Errands, and a Crumbling Sense of Direction
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Jet lag is playing games. Drag myself to "breakfast" at the hotel - bland buffet. Sigh. Fuel for the day, I guess. (Important note: The coffee was truly awful. Needed at least 4 cups to kick start. I'm still not sure it worked)
- 10:00 AM: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Okay, here we GO. So much art. Lost my way a bunch of times. Got completely overwhelmed by the Egyptian exhibits. Wandered around aimlessly. Managed to find the Impressionists. Finally. (Monet. Yes.) It's hard to be impressed with everything. I'm more of a "pick and choose what I find interesting" kind of guy. Totally saw a woman break down in tears in front of a painting. Made me feel… something. Deep, I guess. Or tired. Probably tired.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Grabbed a (delicious!) hotdog from a street vendor!
- 2:00 PM: Errands. Went to a store to buy a new charger for my phone (my charger died the first day). Ran into a street performer playing the saxophone. Was surprisingly good. Threw a dollar in his case.
- 3:00 PM: Walked into a side street thinking would be good. Got a little lost. Asked a helpful, kind lady for directions. She was a bit confused, but at least she tried. Ended up ten blocks away from where I thought I was going. (Note: I’m starting to think I have a terrible sense of direction)
- 3:30 PM: Ended up wandering into a trendy coffee shop. Ordered a latte. Took one sip. Spit it out. (I have a latte problem.)
- 4:00 PM: Decided to double down on my experience. Went to a Broadway show. (Booked in advance, obviously). The show was amazing. I'm not a "musical person," but I was blown away. (Okay, I cried a little)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The restaurant was loud, crowded, and had terrible service. The food was pretty good. (A pasta dish, I can't remember what it was called.)
- 8:30 PM: Walked back to the hotel. Felt a bit like a zombie. Long day. And my feet hurt.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. I can't go any further.
Day 3: Exploring, Reflections, and the Relentless Urge to Nap
- 9:00 AM: More mediocre hotel breakfast, more terrible coffee. Is it possible to OD on blandness?
- 10:00 AM: Decided to go up the Empire State Building because I was feeling brave. The view was magnificent. (And a little terrifying, tbh). So many people, so few personal spaces.
- 12:00 PM: A little shopping. Bought a souvenir (a t-shirt). That felt important.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a food court. (Food courts can be a wonderful thing or a terrible thing, depending on the day.) The food was fine. (I started to think my taste buds were numb).
- 2:00 PM: Chatted with a local. She told some interesting stories about the city.
- 3:00 PM: Went to a small museum. (Somehow got an empty space). It was quiet and peaceful. (And a little boring.)
- 4:00 PM: Attempted to find a park (the big one). Got distracted by a street vendor. The vendor sold these weird pretzels with chocolate. I bought one. (I swear, the chocolate saved me).
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. The bed is calling my name.
- 6:00 PM: Walked around. Found a small, family-run restaurant. I ordered a random dish. It was the best food I'd had all trip. It was a genuine experience. (Worth the extra money).
- 8:00 PM: Packed my bags.
- 9:00 PM: Called it a night, before an early flight.
Day 4: Departure
- 7:00 AM: Checkout. (The guy at the front desk, the one with the nice smile, was working. He remembered me! (Or he was masking his true feelings.)
- 7:30 AM: Taxi to airport.
- 8:00 AM: Wait. (Again.)
- 9:00 AM: Take off.
- 12:00 PM: Land.
Final Thoughts
New York: Messy, loud, overwhelming, and somehow, still worth it. Would I go back? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing a better coffee maker, a stronger sense of direction, and a whole lot more patience. And maybe a bigger suitcase for all the souvenirs.
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West 35th Street Hilton Garden Inn: The Unofficial & Unvarnished FAQ
Is this place *really* a hidden gem? Come on, seriously?
Okay, "hidden gem" might be a *tad* generous. Let's be honest, it's not some secret speakeasy you stumble upon. It's a solid, dependable, perfectly *okay* hotel in a crazy convenient location. But, and this is a big but, it *does* have its perks that make it… well, more appealing than some of the towering, soul-sucking behemoths nearby. It's got that 'surprisingly alright' vibe, which in NYC, is practically a victory. I mean, I've stayed in places where the air conditioning sounded like a dying T-Rex. This? The AC actually works, and that's a win in July.
The location… is it truly as good as everyone says?
Oh. My. God. The location. It's the *reason* you book this hotel, folks. Literally steps from Penn Station. Like, you walk out of the train, drag your luggage, and boom, you're practically there. *Amazing*. I once had a six-hour layover at Newark, and I actually considered booking a room just to de-stress before my connecting flight. That's how powerful the proximity is. And Times Square? Walkable, if you're into that sort of… sensory overload. (I'm a curmudgeon, I avoid it, but it's *there* if you want it.) You are in THE MIDDLE of everything. It's a blessing and a curse, depending on your mood. But mostly a blessing, particularly if your mood is "I need to shop for some shoes immediately!"
What's the breakfast situation like? It's all about the breakfast, right?
Alright, look, the breakfast buffet… it's… fine. Perfectly acceptable. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, but you will find the standard Hilton Garden Inn fare. Eggs (sometimes overcooked, but what do you expect?), sausage, cereal, fruit. The all-important coffee is, thankfully, plentiful. I once saw a guy load three bagels onto his plate, and I thought, "You, sir, are living the dream." Honestly, after a long day of walking around and pretending to be cultured, a plate of perfectly *adequate* scrambled eggs is exactly what you need. Besides, the breakfast area is generally bright and clean, so that helps. And, if you're lucky you might find the breakfast attendant who makes the best scrambled eggs. Ever. It's a lottery, folks.
The rooms… Are they tiny? And is the WiFi a nightmare?
Yes, the rooms are… compact. Welcome to New York City! They're not palatial suites, but let's be realistic: you're not in your room *that* much, are you? Think of it as a strategically designed sleeping box. They're clean, the beds are comfortable (a *huge* win), and the showers actually have decent water pressure. The WiFi… it's usually okay. I've had a few frustrating moments where it’s been slow enough to make me want to throw my laptop out the window, but generally, it works. Pack a book; you’ll need it if there's an issue though.
What about the front desk staff? Are they… you know… New Yorkers?
That's the million-dollar question! And the answer is: it varies. Sometimes you get the wonderfully efficient, no-nonsense New Yorker who checks you in in two seconds flat. Other times, you get… someone who might be new to the city, or even the country, which isn't a bad thing, but the pace could be… slower. I’ve had both experiences. One time, I arrived *exhausted* at 11 pm, and the guy at the desk was just *lovely*. He upgraded my room, gave me a bottle of water, and even offered me a cookie. I swear, I almost hugged him. Another time...? Let's just say I learned what "patience is a virtue" really meant. The takeaway? Be polite, be patient, and maybe bring your own snacks. You never know.
Is it noisy? I can't sleep through noise.
Okay, important question. Yes, it can be noisy. You're in *midtown* Manhattan. There's going to be sirens, traffic, and the general buzz of the city. That said, the hotel seems to have pretty good soundproofing, but it is not perfect. I'd recommend requesting a room on a higher floor, and maybe packing earplugs just in case. Honestly, if you're a light sleeper, and noise is a deal-breaker, maybe look into hotels away from the busiest streets. But again, location. It is really the *best* location if you want to experience NYC.
What about the gym? Is it a sad, depressing dungeon?
The gym… it's small. And it's not exactly the most inspiring space. But it has the essentials: treadmills, ellipticals, weights. It's enough to get a quick workout in if you absolutely *must*. And it's a step up from some of the tiny closet-sized gyms I've encountered in other NYC hotels. I generally skip the gym, honestly. I prefer walking the city anyway. But hey, if you need to burn off those breakfast bagels and the five slices of New York pizza you had… there's a gym. And really, there's always the stairs. (They are, after all, in a hotel where the elevator may or may not be on duty.)
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *worst* thing about this hotel? Give it to me straight!
Okay, here's the truth. The elevator. Ugh. The elevator situation is a *rollercoaster*. Sometimes it's fine. Sometimes it's slow as molasses. Sometimes it's out of order. I swear, I’ve spent more time waiting for that elevator than I have picking out outfits for my daughter's graduation. One time, I was stuck in it for a good 10 minutes with a very grumpy businessman and a giggling toddler. It was… an experience. Another time, I took the stairs all the way up to the 18th floor, only to realize I left my phone in my room. (And yes, I took the stairs back down.) So, yeah, the elevator is a potential headache. Be prepared to wait, or embrace the exercise. And maybe pack a book, or some patience.
Would you recommend this hotel? Honestly?
Yeah. I would. Look, it's not perfect. It's got its quirks,Book Hotels Now
