BEST WESTERN PREMIER EMPIRE STATE HOTEL, New York

The hotel sits on East 30th Street, a relatively quiet block for midtown Manhattan, with Penn Station 10-11 minutes walk away and Grand Central Terminal 1 km distant. Times Square is a 12-minute walk or one minute by subway. The surrounding area has numerous restaurants, including Korean options near Herald Square, plus a Dunkin' and 7-Eleven within a short walk. Subway stations at 28th and 34th Streets (about 7 minutes on foot) provide easy access across the city. Helicopter noise typical of the area can be expected, but the immediate street is low-traffic at night.

Standard rooms are described as compact but typical for NYC, while some rooms with two double beds or suites offer more space and a kitchenette with fridge and microwave. Only Executive rooms have an in-room mini fridge. Upper-floor rooms provide city views, including the Empire State Building. Soundproofing is limited, especially on lower floors and near the linen storage room, where noise from neighboring rooms, hallways, and street traffic can be audible. Some rooms may experience cigarette odor from vents. Flooring is not carpeted, which aids cleanliness. Beds are generally comfortable, though some double beds are firmer. Daily housekeeping is provided, but bathroom cleaning can be inconsistent.

Breakfast is not included in the room rate and can be added at the hotel at any time. It offers an American-style buffet with hot items, pastries, and drinks. The on-site coffee shop provides good coffee and snacks. For other meals, nearby restaurants within a 5-10 minute walk include Her Name is Han, Ravagh Persian Grill, Bella Napoli, Scarpetta, and a Dunkin'. Public microwaves in the basement allow reheating leftovers. The hotel does not have a restaurant or bar for lunch or dinner.

The hotel does not have fitness, pool, or spa facilities, so guests seeking these will need to use external options or focus on the central location for walking-oriented sightseeing.

WiFi is free in all areas. The 24-hour front desk staff are consistently described as friendly and helpful, and luggage storage is available before check-in and after checkout at no charge. A coin-operated luggage storage of $1 per bag has also been mentioned. The hotel has a lift, key-card elevator security, CCTV, and smoke alarms. No parking is on site; an independent public garage is right next door. The hotel does not charge a resort fee, only a $100 security deposit. There is no gym on the property. A ground-floor coffee shop serves hot drinks and snacks. Limited daily housekeeping is provided.