A friendly beacon in Manhattan’s heart
The Big Apple is full of expensive accommodation options, but Siobhan Downes finds a delightful apartment-style base on the Upper West Side.
Finding accommodation in New York can be an overwhelming task. Especially as it is likely to take the biggest bite out of your budget.
But what if we told you there was one hotel that ticked all the boxes for Kiwi travellers – great value in a brilliant location, with spacious rooms and everything you could need for a short or long stay? Welcome to Hotel Beacon.
The place
Hotel Beacon is on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, on the corner of Broadway and West 75th St. When it opened in 1928, the 24-storey hotel towered above all the other buildings in the neighbourhood. In fact, it got its name from the airway beacon that was installed on its roof – at the time thought to be the largest in the world.
While the beacon did successfully guide one plane through a thunderstorm, it ended up having to be switched off just a few years after it was first switched on, when it was ruled that only proper airway beacons could use white light.
The space
Hotel Beacon is the closest thing you will get to living like a local in Manhattan.
There is no room service or swanky lobby lounge at this hotel, but the payoff is that you get to stay in spacious apartmentstyle rooms that come with fully-equipped kitchenettes.
The room
I stayed in a Deluxe King Suite on the 24th floor. It was a whopping 59m2, and had a bedroom with a king-size bed, and living room with a queen-size pull-out sofa, so it could comfortably sleep up to three adults, or two adults and two children.
The kitchenette was fully equipped with a full-size fridge, oven and fourburner cooktop, microwave, toaster and coffee maker, as well as plenty of pans, pots, plates, bowls and cutlery.
There was a small round dining table in the living room, as well as a writing desk and television. There was another TV in the bedroom, and a dresser and wardrobe. The decor was a little dated, but homely, and everything was spotless.
Bedroom and living room windows offered great views over Broadway, which made you feel very much like you were in the thick of New York City, but as the Upper West Side is a quieter neighbourhood, you couldn’t hear a peep from the streets below.
The bathroom had a shower tub combo, and a big mirror with plenty of shelf space below for your toiletries.
The amenities
Everything you could possibly need has been thought of. Bath products were made by Gilchrist & Soames, and mini amenities were from New York apothecary C O Bigelow, including a shaving kit, dental kit, sewing kit, shoe shine glove and mouthwash. A hairdryer, iron and ironing board, electronic safe and umbrella, and beyond the room, a small gym and a self-service laundry room, make it ideal for longer stays.
The food
There is no official hotel restaurant, but right next door is Viand Cafe, a classic diner open from 7am to 11pm. When I stayed, the hotel had a deal where your rate included vouchers for a full American breakfast from the cafe. Apparently it is also famous for its turkey sandwiches.
There is a huge grocery store, Fairway Market, across the road, and a few blocks along Broadway is Zabar’s, where you will find all sorts of delicacies (try the black and white cookies).
The service
When checking in, I was handed a map of the area and a list of restaurant recommendations in the neighbourhood, which was a lovely personal touch.
Worth stepping out for
You are a 10-minute walk from Central Park. If you have children, it is a 10-minute walk from the American Museum of Natural History, and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.
Take a look at what is on at Beacon Theatre next door. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld has a long-running residency.
Along the road is the Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, where you can go for music, theatre, dance, film and opera.
To get to Midtown Manhattan to see big hits such as Times Square, Broadway and the Empire State Building, it is an easy subway ride. The closest subway station is two blocks from the hotel.
Worth staying in for
To make the most of that kitchenette and prepare some of the yummy treats you got from Fairway Market and Zabar’s.
The highlight
Feeling like a local. I loved returning to this neighbourhood and my ‘‘apartment’’ after a full day of sightseeing in the most touristy parts of Manhattan.
The lowlight
I arrived to check in just before 11pm, and was surprised to find nowhere was open for a late-night bite. As the receptionist explained, ‘‘New York used to be the city that never sleeps, but since the pandemic, it’s been going to bed at 9.30pm.’’
The verdict
Many Manhattan hotels are like designer stilettos – shiny and stylish, but overpriced and not actually very comfortable.
Hotel Beacon is more like a pair of slippers – nothing fancy, but warm and practical, and exactly what you want to come home to at the end of the day.
Accessibility
Accessible rooms and suites have features such as wider doors, kitchens with lower countertops and appliances, less furniture in the living room, and roll-in showers in the bathrooms.
Essentials
The average rate for a King Suite is from US$350 (NZ$595) but varies depending on the time of year.
Beacon Insiders receive the best rates and first access to promotions. For more information visit beaconhotel.com.