Ace Hotel New York

Ace Hotel New York, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, offers a unique and vibrant experience in the heart of Manhattan's NoMad neighborhood. It is recognized for its distinctive style and serves as a cultural hub for both locals and travelers.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Ace Hotel New York is largely positive, with guests often praising its "hip" and "unique" atmosphere. While many find the hotel to be a "hipster's paradise" and appreciate its design and attention to detail, some recent reviews are mixed, particularly concerning the upkeep of rooms and overall value for money.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the hotel's distinctive design and its bustling lobby, which acts as a vibrant social and co-working hub throughout the day and transitions into a lively nightlife spot with DJs or live music in the evenings. Unique in-room amenities such as record players, acoustic guitars, and well-stocked minibars with craft beers are frequently highlighted as a part of the "Ace experience." The presence of Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the lobby is also a significant draw, noted for its excellent coffee.

Room Quality

The rooms at Ace Hotel New York are described as comfortable, unique, and stylish. Many rooms feature distinctive touches like murals and custom-designed elements. Guests have noted comfortable beds with soft comforters and pillows. Rooms vary in size, from "Small" (140 sq ft) to "Loft Suite" (711 sq ft), and can include features like mini Smeg fridges, turntables, and flat-screen TVs. However, some guests have observed that the furniture can show signs of wear and tear, and some rooms have been described as dim with inadequate lighting. There have also been criticisms regarding outdated bathrooms and inconvenient shower designs that could lead to flooding.

Dining Experience

The hotel offers several popular food and beverage options. Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the lobby is highly regarded for its excellent coffee and is a popular spot in the mornings. The Lobby Bar provides a good selection of cocktails and craft beers, and the atmosphere is often cited as a reason to visit, even for non-guests. While the main restaurant, The Breslin (a British-style gastropub by acclaimed chefs), was a highlight in the past, and Bistro 29, a modern French restaurant, is currently available for breakfast and dinner, some reports indicate that certain in-house restaurants or eateries may have been closed or had limited service at various times. Room service food has been described as delicious.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at Ace Hotel New York generally receive positive feedback. Guests frequently mention friendly, helpful, and attentive staff, from the front-desk agents to the waitstaff in the bar. Employees are often described as genuinely happy and eager to ensure guests have a positive experience.

Location & Accessibility

Ace Hotel New York boasts a prime location in Manhattan's NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) neighborhood, situated in a historic, turn-of-the-century building. It's considered convenient for accessing major subway lines, Penn Station, and a variety of attractions. Within a 10-minute walk, guests can reach 5th Avenue, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and Macy's. The area itself is noted as a vibrant cultural hub, offering a quieter alternative to more crowded tourist areas while still being close to many shops, restaurants, theaters, and parks.

Value & Pricing

Rooms at Ace Hotel New York average over $500 per night, reflecting its trendy design, prime location, and boutique experience in Manhattan. However, guests should be aware of a substantial destination fee added to the nightly rate, which covers amenities such as 24-hour fitness center access, high-speed internet, and discounts at on-site venues like The Lobby Bar and Rudy's Barbershop. While many appreciate the distinctive experience, some reviews suggest that the overall cost, especially with added fees, might not always align with the perceived value, particularly if the room furniture shows wear.

Common Complaints

Recurring issues or criticisms include furniture in the rooms showing signs of wear, a substantial destination fee that increases the advertised price, and occasional closures or limited services for some of the main restaurants or amenities. Other complaints have mentioned dim lighting in rooms, slow elevators, and sometimes issues with air conditioning or street noise, though street noise is acknowledged as a common aspect of New York City hotels.

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