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 ...

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 ...

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.

I went to a company Christmas party here in December 2007 and my mink coat was stolen from the coat check. The hotel staff was barely cooperative. They told me to go home and they would look into it. They didnt even want to send me home in a cab (it was around 20 degrees that night, I had to cause a scene in the main lobby for them to go into ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...