HOTEL VETIVER / MANHATTAN SKYLINE, New York

The hotel sits on Northern Boulevard in Long Island City, with the N train station less than a two-minute walk away. From Times Square you are three stops and roughly 15 minutes. The 7 train is also about a ten-minute walk, providing direct links to Grand Central and the East Side. The immediate area is a mix of redevelopment and older buildings; street parking is extremely limited and no designated parking is available. A bodega, a wine shop, and several casual restaurants including Mike's Pizza and Dutch Kills Centraal are within a short walk. For airport transfers, the E train from Queens Plaza station reaches JFK in about 40 minutes without a taxi. The neighbourhood is considered safe and quiet by local standards, and the roof of the hotel offers an extraordinary night-time view of the Manhattan skyline, even if you are not on a high floor.

Room sizes range from compact single studio rooms to larger king-bed suites, all with a private bathroom (shower-only, often with a large glass enclosure). The most requested rooms are those on floor 7 or higher, which consistently yield a direct view of the Manhattan skyline from the balcony - a feature that many rooms have, though lower-floor rooms or those facing the street may have a more obstructed view. Bed configurations vary: it is worth confirming your desired bed type directly with the hotel, as some bookings have resulted in unexpected double or twin setups. Air conditioning and heating are centrally controlled; you must call reception to adjust the temperature, as the remote is not provided in the room. The heating unit can be noisy when running. Street-facing rooms and lower floors may hear the elevated subway, traffic, and nearby construction. Storage is limited - there is no wardrobe in the basic studios, only open shelving and a safe. The room decor is described as a mix of new and dated furniture; cleanliness has varied reports, with some rooms being very clean and others less so. A coffee machine (kettle-style) is provided, but no fridge or microwave. Many rooms have a small terrace or balcony; balconies may lack furniture such as chairs or a table.

The hotel no longer provides a breakfast service. However, the lobby offers free 24-hour self-serve coffee, tea, milk, and cold drinks - a useful start before heading out. For a full breakfast, the bodega on the corner sells basic supplies and breakfast sandwiches, and Dunkin' Donuts is a two-minute walk away. Several restaurants within a 5-minute walk include Mike's Pizza, Dutch Kills Centraal, and a Mexican option (Juquila Kitchen and Bar). For a sit-down evening meal, the neighbouring area has a few good options, though the immediate block is not dense with dining. If you prefer to eat in, bring your own food as the room has no fridge or microwave; the hotel can provide pots, pans, and utensils upon request, and there is a coffee maker.

There is no fitness centre, spa, or swimming pool at this hotel. For relaxation, the property offers a shared lounge with a TV and vending machines for drinks and snacks. A terrace is available; the roof access (ask at reception) offers a spectacular night view of the Manhattan skyline - a quiet alternative to a public observatory. The immediate neighbourhood is low-key, but the Gantry State Plaza Park is a 15-minute walk and provides an open view of the skyline and river. Astoria, with its bars and restaurants, is a 10- to 20-minute walk away.

Wi-Fi is free in all areas and generally reliable. The front desk is staffed 24 hours, with ATM/cash machine on site, concierge service, and free express check-in/out. Luggage storage is free and a common positive - useful if you arrive before check-in (15:00) or after check-out (11:00). A free business centre is available with fax/photocopying. Meeting/banquet facilities are available for an additional charge. A safety deposit box is provided in the room. Daily housekeeping is included, though frequency of linen changes has been noted as inconsistent - if you want fresh towels, hang the used ones on the rack; if you prefer a full service, request it at the front desk. The lift serves all floors, but there is only one and it can be slow during peak times. The hotel is non-smoking throughout, with a designated smoking area. Laundry services are not listed as available. Accessibility: lift is present, but no specific wheelchair-accessible rooms have been confirmed beyond a general non-smoking and lift-equipped status. Payment: a $100 refundable deposit is required at check-in, by cash or card (note that card acceptance has been reported as unreliable for some non-US cards).