There are a few Holiday Inn Express Hotels in the Times Sq vicinity and this one is conveniently located between Times Sq and The Empire State Building. It’s exact address is 60 West 36th St and was formerly known as Herald Sq.
After an efficient and welcoming check in, we were allocated with a room on the 17th floor, which seems to be high enough for us not to be bothered by any street noise. Not a massively appealing view looking out onto 36th St but the room was comfortable and had 2 queen sized beds in it (we booked a double room meaning a double bed but that got translated into 2 Q size). Well equipped it had a, TV, safe, hairdryer, coffee maker, iron and board, plus air conditioning. Comfortable beds and good linen made for a good nights sleep and the complimentary WiFi was of a good speed. It was a nice touch that the business centre (just a row of PCs in the foyer really) allows you to print at no extra charge.
Inclusive breakfast had a good selection of cereals, pastries, pancake maker etc. but the hot selection is a little limited. The cinnamon buns are out of this world though. The plastic cutlery and plates makes it all seem a bit cheap but I understand that helps them keep the cost down and this makes for a considerable saving for a guest, not paying for breakfast at New York prices every day.
The only issues we had during or first stay was that one day our maid still hadn’t done our room by 4pm, so we had to wait 15 mins in the foyer for her to do it and the following day it wasn’t done at all. Reception provided coffee and offered clean towels etc. when informed. On our return visit the duty manager made recompense to my satisfaction for the inconvenience.
After a few days away we returned to be allocated a room on 19th with great views of The Empire State Building. This time it was a King Sized bed only as I’d organised this with reception on the previous visit.
Accessibility is good with no steps from the street into the hotel and direct access to the lift from reception. Breakfast is also on this level and signs say help will be given with the self serve if required.
On site is a small but quite well equipped gym in the basement.
There is a really good Deli next door – Pure & Fresh – and there are tables outside the front of the hotel if you want to sit outside, albeit right on the street.
We found the staff very pleasant and helpful, so wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.