The New Yorker Hotel: Reviews, History & Room 3327

The New Yorker Hotel, a 42‑story Art Deco tower at 481 Eighth Avenue, is best known as the final residence of inventor Nikola Tesla and as a budget‑friendly gateway to Midtown Manhattan. Operated by LOTTE Hotels, this 1930 landmark sits directly across from Penn Station and offers guest‑review scores in the high‑7 to low‑8 range, according to major booking platforms. This article synthesizes verified facts, guest feedback, and historical context so you can decide whether it fits your travel plans.

Last checked: 2026-07-13

Hotel Name: New Yorker by Lotte Hotels · Address: 481 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY · Architectural Style: Art Deco · Famous Resident: Nikola Tesla (Room 3327)

Why is the New Yorker Hotel famous?

The New Yorker Hotel earned its place in history through a combination of architectural significance, famous residents, and cultural events. Let’s examine the three main reasons it remains a landmark.

Nikola Tesla’s final residence

Inventor Nikola Tesla moved into Room 3327 in the 1930s and lived there until his death in 1943. The hotel’s official website notes that “from providing a home to Nikola Tesla … the New Yorker has always stood at the center of history” (New Yorker Hotel). A plaque now marks the room. This connection draws history enthusiasts and science buffs from around the world.

Art Deco architecture

The building was designed by Sugarman & Berger and opened in 1930 as a 42‑story Art Deco skyscraper. Its lobby retains original grandeur with terrazzo floors, geometric patterns, and brass details. Guest reviewers on Yelp describe the “Art Deco grandeur” of the public spaces as a highlight (Yelp).

Celebrity guests

Over the decades the hotel has hosted a variety of notable figures, from political candidates to entertainers. The official site mentions “bearing witness to modern presidential races” (New Yorker Hotel). While the full guest list is not published, the hotel’s history as a mid‑century social hub is well documented.

Can you stay in room 3327 at the New Yorker Hotel?

Yes, Room 3327 – the Nikola Tesla Room – is available to book. The room features a commemorative plaque and retains the original layout Tesla would have used. Guests have reported that it is a standard guest room, not a museum, so you can stay there just like any other room. Availability can be checked through the hotel’s official website or major booking platforms.

Is The New Yorker a good hotel to stay in?

Guest feedback paints a mixed but predominantly positive picture. The hotel’s 15,246 verified reviews on Booking.com and similar platforms place it in the “very good” range. To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of what guests consistently note.

Guest reviews overview

Reviewers on multiple sites praise the central location and staff friendliness. One travel blogger wrote: “The location of the hotel was excellent! It was so convenient that I could simply walk to the station instead of taking the subway or Uber” (Cheesim). Cleanliness is also repeatedly highlighted, with Booking.com reviewers describing the hotel as “very clean with helpful, pleasant front desk staff” (Booking.com).

Amenities

On‑site dining at the Tick Tock Diner is frequently called out for convenience and quality. Hotels.com guests appreciate that breakfast ordered à la carte is good value (Hotels.com). The hotel also boasts a large, well‑equipped gym – described by some as a highlight of their stay. However, multiple reviews note that standard rooms lack a refrigerator or coffee maker, which can surprise guests accustomed to full in‑room amenities.

Location benefits

Being 531 ft from Penn Station and within walking distance of Times Square is the property’s strongest asset. Budget and mid‑range travelers choose it specifically for that proximity. “I stayed there because it was only about two blocks from the station and walkable,” one reviewer noted.

“Step into an authentic Manhattan institution, where New York’s unmistakable character, Art Deco styling, vibrant rooms, and spirited dining capture the rhythms of city life.”

— The New Yorker Hotel (official marketing copy)

Is it better to stay near Central Park or Times Square?

This is the central trade‑off when choosing a Midtown hotel. Staying near Times Square puts you in the heart of the theater district, with immediate access to Broadway shows, restaurants, and the bright lights. Staying near Central Park offers a quieter, greener, and more upscale experience.

The New Yorker Hotel is solidly in the Times Square/Penn Station camp. Its location is ideal if you:

• Arrive or depart via Amtrak, NJ Transit, or LIRR at Penn Station.
• Plan to spend most of your time in Midtown West or the Theater District.
• Want to walk to Madison Square Garden or the Moynihan Train Hall.

Hotels near Central Park (e.g., on Central Park South or in the Upper West Side) offer a different character: more residential, quieter streets, and direct proximity to the park itself. However, they tend to be farther from Penn Station and often come with higher price tags. The New Yorker’s lower rates and transit convenience make it a practical alternative for budget‑conscious travelers who still want to be central.