HAMPTON INN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, New York

This hotel sits directly next to Penn Station, making it one of the most transport-connected properties in Midtown Manhattan. The walk to the station entrance takes about 3 minutes, providing direct Amtrak, LIRR, and NJ Transit access plus multiple subway lines (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3 at 34th Street-Penn Station). Madison Square Garden is essentially across the street, and Times Square is a 10-15 minute walk north. The neighbourhood around 31st Street is very central for tourism, with Macy's at Herald Square and the Empire State Building both within a 5-minute walk. The immediate block has a mix of fast-food chains, delis, and street life; the area directly in front of the hotel can feel rough, especially late at night, with a homeless presence. Walking toward 6th or 7th Avenue opens up a wide range of restaurants and shops. Car-free travellers find the location ideal - a 3-minute walk to Penn Station allows direct train service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in about 30 minutes, and JFK is reachable via subway with one transfer.

All rooms at the Hampton Inn Madison Square Garden have private bathrooms, signature Cloud Nine beds, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, hairdryer, and iron/ironing board. Room types include doubles (two double beds or one king bed) and quadruple rooms (two double beds). The rooms are notably compact - storage is limited to a small wardrobe, so most guests live out of a suitcase. Corridors are also narrow, and the room size is better suited to two people than four. Some rooms have dated furniture, worn carpets, and older HVAC units that can be noisy when running; higher-floor rooms facing away from the street tend to be quieter. Windows in rooms on lower floors or facing a brick wall let in minimal natural light. Rooms are cleaned daily, though some guests reported housekeeping on alternate days. Electrical outlets and USB ports may be unreliable in some rooms.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and served in a dedicated area on site. The menu rotates daily and always includes an egg product (e.g., scrambled eggs, omelettes), a meat option (bacon, sausage), and potatoes. There is also a waffle machine, toast, cereal, pastries, fruit, and coffee/tea. The breakfast area can become very crowded, especially between 07:30 and 09:00, and seating is limited - some guests take food back to their rooms. The hotel also has a 24/7 beverage station in the breakfast area with hot tea and coffee, and a vending machine for snacks and drinks. There is no on-site restaurant, room service, or bar. The surrounding area offers dozens of dining options within a 3-minute walk, including Keens Steakhouse (0.5 km), Ichiran (0.5 km), and many casual delis and cafes on 7th Avenue.

The hotel provides a modern fitness centre with cardiovascular and weight-training equipment. Access is free for all guests. There is no swimming pool, spa, sauna, or other leisure facilities. For entertainment, Madison Square Garden is directly adjacent, hosting concerts, sports, and events year-round. The shared lounge/TV area offers a space to relax, and the hotel also has a terrace with outdoor furniture.

Wi-Fi is free and available in all areas. The 24-hour front desk can assist with check-in after midnight (let the team know if arriving after midnight) and express check-out. Luggage storage is free before check-in and after check-out - bags are held in the lobby. The business centre (free) offers fax/photocopying. Dry cleaning and ironing services are available for an additional charge. A safety deposit box is free at reception. The hotel has a lift (elevator) that serves all floors, though wait times can be long during peak hours. Wheelchair-accessible features include auditory guidance, raised toilet, toilet with grab rails, braille and tactile signs, and a wheelchair-accessible entrance - but the hotel does not provide a wheelchair. Pets are allowed: $50 per pet for stays of 1-4 nights, $75 for 5+ nights, maximum 2 pets per room. The entire property is non-smoking. Accepted payment methods: American Express, Visa, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, Carte Blanche, MasterCard.