The Empire Hotel, New York

Dirty Rooms. We did not even stay. We checked out of this DUMP.

All I would suggest is heeding the words of your fellow travelers. As I write this, there are 10 visible reviews. The last time the Empire rated above a three was two-and-a-half years ago. From bad service and mixed-up reservations to noise and miniature bathrooms in unclean rooms, the reviews below speak the truth. Oh, and the smell... The best way to sum up this place is to take a few deep breaths in the mens locker room the next time you're near a gym.

We were told we could try to check in early, around 12 noon, and if the room wasn't ready we could use the rooftop pool. We arrive and the pool is closed that day for a private party. Can't wear you bathing suit on the streets! The said there was a complimentary breakfast the next morning, which they then added 10 dollars to our bill for! COMPLIMENTARY for ten dollars. We were dealing with idiots. Then theres the 30 dollar upgrade charge, because we changed to a different room that was supposed to go from $209 to 219, but when we checked out it was $249! No one helped. The managers are better than David Copperfield, they disappear with your money... Nice place, crumby management, you can do much better in NYC. Never again!

The Empire Hotel is at a great location at Lincoln Center and very close to Columbus Circle. The lobby is impressive and they have a very popular night spot on the roof of the hotel. On the down side, the bathrooms are cramped and the sound proofing of the rooms is poor. Street noise and local construction can be heard all throughout the night. People talking in the hallways and doors slamming at 2 or 3 am is also annoying.

Spouse and I stayed three nights, as did other friends. Great location, right by Columbus Circle so very close to Central Park and north end of the theatre district and other great locations. But front desk staff have no concept of customer management or satisfaction. Very poor at check in. Don't try for early check in - they have a million excuses that push you back to after 3:00pm. (Their best one is the room has been cleaned but has to be inspevted - this takes them about 4 hours, unless you complain loudly and don't go away). Bell hps are very good. Small but adequate rooms. Very comfortable beds/piloows. Would we stay again? - Yes, but with lower expectations.

My wife and I stayed at the Empire on 4/1/08 because we had stayed previously in 2005. They were revonating the dining room, so they served a "buffet" breakfast just off the lobby. We should have gone to the Starbucks around the corner! We had a roll, fruit and coffee and then a waiter came up to us to sign for the breakfast for $35.00 (there was no indication of the charge up front). When we checked out, we saw the same charge on our hotel bill. I called this to the attention of the clerk, who assured me there was no duplication of charges. Once home, the VISA billed showed we were charged twice. After three phone calls to their billing department with reassurances of correction, they still have not resolved this issue. Will not go back!!

We stayed for 2 nights in this hotel. The service was amature, Small and Dirty rooms. Don't waste your money on this low standard hotel.

Our stay at the Empire Hotel was disappointing. Customer satisfaction does not seem to be a priority. They didn't even have comment cards for us to offer some feedback. The staff brim with a self-confidence :-) that tends to come across as rather arrogant :-(. Positives: the room was clean and quiet. Negatives: room service started during our stay which means that the complementary continental breakfast is no longer offered. The lounge area may be great for drinks but is not well suited to eating breakfast. Fire alarm system malfunctioned during our stay. Room was uncomfortably hot and the air conditioning could not cool it (in MARCH!!!). Pool is not open yet so check their website carefully lest you disappoint your children as well. Cleaning staff forgot to replace the wine glasses in our room - a small thing but given the $60 bottles of wine in the room mini-bar it is surprising. Clothing hooks and shelves in the bathroom are so high that shorter folk may not be able to reach them.

Booked this hotel through expedia.ca specifically for heated rooftop pool and spa in celebration of 40th Birthday, (a huge splurge but I thought well worth it) only to find out that the renovations were not completed. Internet stated that these services would be completed by the fall '07 and we had booked Nov 1 - Nov 5 '07. Complained to management who apologised but refused to give any reimbursement because I had prepaid. Many guests had complained about the same thing so very disappointed with that but did notice they have now included a renovation notice online due to be completed by Jan '08.

What I like from Empire hotel was the service and attention, the beautiful lobby area and front desk, the stairways, the room and the excellent view to Lincoln Center, I can´t forget the furniture and the beautiful white and super clean nice old fashiones bathroom, this hotel was my first experiencie in New York City, that´s why I just can´t forget it.