INK 48 HOTEL

Loved it.

Let me preface my review by saying that my wife and I have traveled worldwide and typically stay in 3 to 5 star properties wherever we travel to. Additionally we are both originally from New York. This is an awesome property for many reasons - however, the first is the level of service that the staff exemplifies (front desk, bell service, parking etc). In a city where being rude is the norm we were actually made to feel as if we were visiting our hometown as opposed to a fun Anniversary weekend. This was a last minute booking via online and email and yet the hotel not only provided us with a corner room on an upper floor (1408 I believe) but also had a bottle of bubbly on ice and a hand written note (nice touch). Very impressed with the smoothness and relatively care free check in BUT what was most surprising was the explanation of the parking situation which is no in and out upon validation at a rate of $65 daily (common in NY) but also a quick oratory of other parking garages in the area and approx. pricing and lay of the land in terms of street parking (NY street parking can be difficult just interpreting the signage). They actually went above and beyond which allowed us to make a decision as opposed to parking and finding out later. They probed just enough to explain area dining options (which are plentiful btw - after all, this is NY). The hotel is very chic from the decor of the lobby to the elevators and hallways and of course the rooms which are quite spacious (this is rare in NY where space is at a premium). The beds, lighting and bath are exquisite, not worldwide glamor but elegant chic while the bath products are top notch. They provide you with a complimentary list of items for your needs and sure enough I was in need as I forgot and requested shaving cream (they not only brought the cream but also 2 razors all within 4 minutes - again, rare for a big hotel in NY). This hotel has a great roof bar (we didn't get to enjoy as a guest booked out the roof for a private party (that must have cost a pretty penny) but it's widely recognized). Now the best reason to stay in a hotel on 11th Avenue in Hells Kitchen has to be the access to NYC nightlife and you basically have everything at your disposal including sports bars, clubs, adult clubs, lounges, piano & beyond. In a city that does not sleep this hotel sits in the heart. This is a better location than ANY cheesy Times Square hotel AND you're closer to the West Side Highway (in case you want to zip to the park or TriBeCa or Wall St etc.). See how long it takes for a cab to get from Times Square to 11th Avenue during rush hour (more than 40 minutes and we're talking a mere 4 to 5 blocks). The views from the property are killer especially since it has widely unobstructed views (again rare for a NY high rise building of any kind). There is also the CHANCE of parking around here unlike Midtown or Wall so that's a plus. The restaurant here is ok but to be honest you're in NY so why would you eat in your hotel unless it's 4 or 5 star dining right? Beds in the room are super comfortable and CLEAN! I can think of a few more reasons why I would book here again but I will leave it to you to share your own experience.

Liked: Viability to nightlife, rooftop bar, excellent views,
Disliked: Should link up with food vendor to offer 24hr in room.

Liked: Great rooms; friendly, helpful staff. Would stay at Ink48 again.

Pleasant

Liked: It’s close to the important places. The cleaning service is exceptional. The beds are very, very comfortable.The staff was friendly and smiley
Disliked: During our 4-day stay, we repeatedly asked for shampoo and conditioner, as the bottles in the room were empty. However, despite frequently insisting, we only received a single small bottle for three people with long hair. The air conditioner leaks a lot of water even when turned off, so the carpet in the room is completely soaked, making squelching noises when we walk and constantly getting our feet wet. The room also had a very strong musty smell. Despite being a relatively expensive hotel, they don’t have umbrellas available for guests to borrow, which is something commonly offered in hotels.

Exceptional

Good

Liked: The view from our Hudson suite floor 12. But we had to ask to change rooms because the 1st one had no view at all and it was on the 8th floor.
Disliked: The bathroom shower needs help. There were moldy spots all over the ceiling and tile and the shower heads didn't work.

Overpriced and underwhelming especially if...

Liked: There was easy access to the property since we were arriving by car.
Disliked: The current hotel barely resembles the original, vibrant hotel. The vents in the room were dirty, the safe didn’t work, the built in usb plugs didn’t work, no shower gel, sink wouldn’t release the water unless you pulled the stopper out of the drain, and one of the elevators made such a terrible noise I refused to use it. The phone flashed messages that were old messages, but I couldn’t delete them. The mini bar had no alcoholic beverage choices. The only food/drinks on the property were served at the Hudson Vu in the 16th floor. This establishment opened at 4 pm, you needed a reservation, and they would charge you 50$ per person for no show/cancellation. We tried it one night, and we waited 40 minutes to place our order after being seated. After twice hunting down someone, we were finally able to order. Food came before drinks but without plates/table ware. I resorted to helping myself to plates and flatware. The resort fee of 45$ per day that included lackluster access to the gym, unlimited phone calls, WiFi, and a 10% discount at three restaurant/cafes felt shoddy. Ink 48 used to have coffee/tea/water all day, a free wine happy hour in the lobby, multiple newspapers, luggage carts, access to the gym, WiFi, phone calls, and concierge services. Lastly, I asked for a folio of charges at check out. I was told I would receive it through my email. I didn’t receive it. I requested it again, but this time online. Still waiting.

Pretty dirty rooms, loud club...

Liked: The space was nice in the lobby. The room was also really large, which was nice.
Disliked: The room itself was SO dirty! The floor and chair had stains all over them. The area was also pretty seedy, lots of homeless right around the block so didn’t feel too comfortable walking. The club across the street was also SO loud until the early morning, it kept us up all night.

I loved the views of...

Liked: The suite was spacious with a great view; the new rooftop bar was amazing
Disliked: The restaurant was closed for renovations; the shower fixtures were rusting; stains on the sofa

Beautiful hotel with the most...

Pre Cruise great Hotel!!!

Liked: Great location for a night before a cruise

Exceptional

Liked: Literally the biggest hotel room I’ve stayed at in NYC.