Reviews of the New Yorker by Lotte Hotels (formerly a Wyndham property) tell two stories: guests rave about the central location near Penn Station and the historic Art Deco lobby, but point to dated rooms and a mandatory daily facility fee. We sifted through ratings from Hotels.com, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, plus a professional evaluation from Oyster, to separate fact from opinion for your stay.
Last checked: 2026-07-26
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Hotel Name: New Yorker by Lotte Hotels (formerly Wyndham) · Address: 481 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001 · Phone: 212-971-0101 · Guest Rating: 8.2/10 (Hotels.com, 7,066 reviews)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-26.
Sources reviewed: Official hotel website, Hotels.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Yelp business page, professional review site Oyster, and independent travel blog.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify individual guest claims. Ratings and rankings reflect publicly available data as of the dates listed.
The New Yorker at a glance
- Historic Art Deco hotel with 912 rooms – Oyster (source)
- 481 Eighth Avenue at 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 – Oyster (source)
- Check-in 4:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM – Hotels.com (source)
- 8.2/10 (Very Good) based on 7,066 reviews – Hotels.com (source)
| Hotel Name | New Yorker by Lotte Hotels (formerly Wyndham) |
| Address | 481 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001 |
| Phone | 212-971-0101 |
| Guest Rating | 8.2/10 (Hotels.com, 7,066 reviews) |
| Check-in / Check-out | 4:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| Number of Rooms | 912 |
Is The New Yorker a good hotel to stay in?
What guests like about the New Yorker
The single most consistent praise in guest reviews is the location. The hotel sits on Eighth Avenue at 34th Street, an eight‑ to ten‑minute walk from Times Square and directly across from Penn Station. One TripAdvisor reviewer called it “definitely where you would want to stay if that’s your aim” (source). Multiple guests also mention that the rooms are kept clean and that daily housekeeping and periodic security checks made them feel safe.
Several travelers point to the hotel’s historic Art Deco lobby and its connection to Nikola Tesla as distinctive draws. On TripAdvisor, guests who booked upgraded rooms on higher floors report impressive city views and a more luxurious feel, with one reviewer writing “I would highly recommend” after such a stay.
What stands out: The location is the overwhelming reason guests choose the New Yorker. Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and multiple subway lines are steps away.
Common complaints about the New Yorker
The most frequent criticism centers on the condition and size of standard rooms. A detailed TripAdvisor review describes standard rooms as “small and lacking refrigerators” (source). The same reviewer notes that thin walls allow noise from adjacent rooms and hallways to be heard clearly.
A second recurring issue is the mandatory daily facility fee. Several guests cite a fee of around US$39 per night, which they say feels disproportionate given that basics such as in‑room fridges or coffee makers are not always included. One disgruntled reviewer described the fee as a “poor value” add‑on that materially increases the nightly cost (source). Professional coverage from Oyster also flags the daily facility fee as a factor that can undermine the hotel’s value proposition (source).
Service complaints are less common but notable. At least one negative review accuses front‑desk staff of being rude and of charging a credit card twice, with poor resolution. However, other guests report having been “looked after well by good service staff” (source). The pattern suggests that service consistency may vary by shift or by the type of request.
What this means: The New Yorker suits travelers who prioritize location and are willing to accept a standard room that may feel tight and basic. The facility fee should be factored into any price comparison.
Is The New Yorker a four star hotel?
Official star rating vs. guest perception
The hotel self‑rates as a 4‑star property on its own marketing materials and on booking platforms such as Hotels.com. Yet a significant number of guest reviews question that classification. One strongly worded TripAdvisor review states “Definitely NOT a 4 Star hotel,” pointing to worn carpeting, dated bathroom fixtures, and the small standard rooms as evidence of a lower tier (source).
The hotel’s mid‑pack ranking on TripAdvisor – #314 out of 509 hotels in New York City – aligns with the perception that it is a solid mid‑range option rather than a true luxury experience. Oyster’s professional review describes it as a “solid mid‑range option” offering good value primarily because of location, not because of four‑star service levels (source).
What makes a 4‑star hotel
Industry standards for a four‑star property typically include 24‑hour room service, concierge assistance, bell staff, well‑appointed rooms with quality furnishings, and comprehensive amenities. Guest feedback suggests the New Yorker meets some of these – it has a gym, two on‑site restaurants, and a 24‑hour front desk – but falls short on room quality and service depth. The facility fee, which covers access to the fitness centre and other basics, does not compensate for the lack of in‑room appliances that many four‑star competitors provide.
The bottom line: The New Yorker’s self‑rating of four stars is aspirational. Most guests and professional reviewers categorize it as a comfortable three‑star hotel with an excellent location.
Why is the New Yorker Hotel so famous?
Nikola Tesla’s connection
The hotel’s most renowned piece of history revolves around inventor Nikola Tesla. Tesla lived in Room 3327 during his final years and died in that room in 1943. A plaque on the door of Room 3327 commemorates his residence, and the room is sometimes requested by fans of Tesla – though it is not always available as a bookable guest room (source). The hotel occasionally offers tours or allows guests to view the door.
Celebrity guests and famous events
Over the decades, the New Yorker has hosted a long list of celebrities, including boxer Muhammad Ali, singer Frank Sinatra, and actress Marilyn Monroe. The hotel’s ballroom has been the venue for major events, including political conventions and television broadcasts. Its 1930 opening as the largest hotel in the city (at the time) also earned it a spot in New York architectural history (source).
“It is definitely where you would want to stay if that’s your aim.”
– TripAdvisor guest describing the hotel’s historic allure and location
Why this matters: The Tesla connection and celebrity history give the New Yorker a unique character that standard Midtown hotels cannot replicate – a genuine selling point for history buffs.
What is the reputation of The New Yorker?
Safety concerns
Safety is a common question among prospective guests. Multiple TripAdvisor reviews describe the hotel as “clean and safe” and note the presence of security checks and daily housekeeping. One review specifically praises the security team for patrolling the floors and keeping the environment orderly (source). The hotel’s location on a busy, well‑lit street near Penn Station also contributes to a sense of security. We found no pattern of crime or safety issues in the reviews examined.
Overall reputation among travelers
The New Yorker occupies a middle‑of‑the‑pack position on TripAdvisor (#314 of 509 New York hotels). On Hotels.com it earns 8.2/10 from over 7,000 reviews, which the platform classifies as “Very Good.” Yelp reviews similarly split between praise for location and staff and complaints about fees and room condition (source). The consensus is that it is a decent, reliable hotel for the price – provided you know what you are paying for.
Professional reviews from Oyster underline the value‑for‑location trade‑off: “The 912 bright rooms, convenient location near Penn Station and its rich history make the New Yorker a reasonable choice for the price.” The catch, as Oyster and multiple guests note, is the daily facility fee and the varying quality of standard rooms.
The trade‑off: The New Yorker’s reputation is that of a functional, historic hotel in an unbeatable location, but one that falls short of four‑star expectations. It works best for travelers who prioritize position over polish.
Pros and cons at a glance
Pros
- Excellent location near Penn Station, Times Square, and MSG
- Historic Art Deco architecture and Tesla connection
- Clean rooms with daily housekeeping
- Free Wi‑Fi and on‑site gym
- Multiple on‑site dining options
Cons
- Mandatory daily facility fee (reported ~US$39)
- Standard rooms small and lack refrigerators
- Thin walls – noise can be an issue
- Inconsistent front‑desk service according to some reviews
- Does not match typical 4‑star standards
Alternatives in Midtown Manhattan
If the New Yorker’s mixed reviews give you pause, consider these three nearby hotels that cater to similar budgets and locations.
| Hotel Name | Guest Rating (Hotels.com) | Key Feature | Location Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Row NYC Hotel | 8.0/10 | Rooftop bar, family‑friendly | 8th Ave near 44th St |
| The Manhattan Club | 7.8/10 | Suite‑style rooms, kitchenettes | 7th Ave near 56th St |
| New York Marriott Marquis | 8.5/10 | Iconic Times Square location, rooftop lounge | Broadway & 46th St |
Ratings are approximate and subject to change; check current offers at best hotel reservation sites.
Our pick: Who should book the New Yorker?
After weighing the evidence, the New Yorker is best suited for three types of travelers:
- Travelers seeking a historic hotel – the Art Deco lobby and Tesla legacy provide a unique sense of place.
- Travelers on a budget – base rates can dip below US$200 on off‑peak dates, though the facility fee must be added.
- Travelers attending events at Madison Square Garden – the hotel is a literal stone’s throw from the arena entrance.
If you fall into one of these groups and accept the compromises on room size and star rating, the New Yorker offers reliable value. For travelers who want a modern four‑star experience or who dislike surprise fees, one of the alternatives above may be a better fit.
Location and getting there
The New Yorker sits at 481 Eighth Avenue, corner of 34th Street, in Midtown West. Penn Station (with Amtrak, LIRR, and NJ Transit) is directly opposite. Times Square is a 10‑minute walk north, and the A/C/E subway lines at 34th Street‑Penn Station provide easy access to most of Manhattan.
By air, LaGuardia Airport is about 8 miles away; Kennedy Airport is 14 miles. Taxis and ride‑shares are readily available, or you can take the AirTrain from JFK to Penn Station.
For more on the hotel’s history and Room 3327, see our dedicated guide: The New Yorker Hotel: Reviews, History & Room 3327.
tripadvisor.ca, tripadvisor.ca, tripadvisor.co.uk, tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, oyster.com, tripadvisor.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
What is the phone number of the New Yorker Hotel?
The hotel’s direct line is 212-971-0101. This number connects to the front desk and reservations.
What is the address of the New Yorker Hotel?
481 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10001, at the corner of 34th Street.
How many rooms does the New Yorker Hotel have?
The property contains 912 guest rooms across 43 floors.
What is the check-in time at the New Yorker Hotel?
Standard check-in is at 4:00 PM; check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early or late departures may incur additional charges.
What is the official website of the New Yorker Hotel?
The hotel operates under the Lotte Hotels & Resorts brand. Visit the official site at lottehotel.com/new-yorker for direct bookings and offers.