3003 40th Ave, Long Island City, New York, United States | (888) 635-3814
Subway to
Manhattan within a five-minute walk
Continental breakfast included with the room price
Lobby is
spacious and quiet, with some quirky touches
In-room
whirlpools in some rooms
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free daily newspapers
Within close
proximity of LaGuardia and JFK Airports
Room views
consist of driveways and construction
Spotty Wi-Fi
signal on higher floors
No bar, cafe, restaurant, laundry, or fitness center on-site
Limited business
center
Fee for parking
Overhead train
tracks can mean noise
The Quality Inn Long Island City keeps it simple. Located within
walking distance of the Queensboro Plaza subway station and bus lines, this Queens
value hotel puts Manhattan within a 20-minute reach. Basic and generic-looking,
the narrow building does show a bit of personality in the lobby, with its bold
black-and-white checkered marble floors and curving gold chandeliers. Some of
the rooms have whirlpools. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and a continental
breakfast, but there's no fitness center, on-site laundry, or free parking, and
the business center consists of one computer, printer and fax crammed into a
corner of the lobby. Be aware that noise from the nearby overhead train tracks
might disturb light sleepers. Travelers might also want to check rates at the nearby
Verve Hotel, which has a fitness facility.
Scene
Generic, with some charming touches
With its red-brick exterior and green awning bearing its name,
this six-story Quality Inn has the generic look of the low-cost chain hotel that it is. But once inside, the spacious, quiet lobby, with its black-and-white marbled checkered floors, artsy gold chandeliers, black leather couches, and ambient
blue ceiling lights creates an illusion of luxury. Even the elevator,
which looks plain Jane at first, surprises with quirky polka-dot patterned overhead
lights. But with no bar or restaurant, there isn't much activity here. Most guests arrive late and check out early before heading back to the airport.
Location
In the the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens
Located within a five-minute walk of the Queensboro Plaza subway
station, the Quality Inn Long Island City is within a 20-minute subway ride to
Times Square. It sits on a corner at the end of a
construction-filled block near an overhead subway rail on a narrow cobblestone
side street. The location is convenient for tourists wanting to be within easy reach of Manhattan at non-Manhattan prices. Nearby subway lines include the E,
M, R and 7 trains. Before dashing off to Manhattan, note that Long Island City itself has some sights that are
worth a visit, most notably the Museum of Modern Art's famed PS 1, which is
about a 10-minute subway ride away. Film aficionados might like to tour the Silvercup Studios, which is within a 10-minute walk of the Quality Inn. Vernon Boulevard, which has a number of restaurants, cafes, and a few art galleries sprinkled in, is a 20-minute ride on the No. 7 line. The Socrates Sculpture Park is a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute subway ride, which will entail some walking. LaGuardia Airport is three miles away,
while John F. Kennedy Airport is seven miles away.
Rooms
Basic but adequate -- Queen Suites have whirlpools
Rooms, which include mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi, are large, clean,
and basic, but don't expect views -- rooms
look out on driveways and construction sites. The generic
decor consists of textured cream walls and dark wooden furniture, with gold
accents in the bed skirts and eclectic-patterned curtains. Hung abstractpaintings add a sprinkle of color and personality. Wardrobe closets are large,
there are ironing boards, irons, and safes stashed inside. The bathrooms are clean, with curtained shower/tub combos, and toiletries.The Queen Deluxe rooms are the stand-outs. They are larger and have
a noticeably fresh smell. But the highlight is a six-jet whirlpool in the
corner. The single tubs are lined with gray- polished marble, have their own
overhead lighting, and a set of soap and lotion samples -- a nice touch in a
budget hotel.
Features
Wi-Fi and free breakfast
As with many hotels in the budget category, amenities are limited.
But the hotel is a solid choice for budget-conscious
travelers seeking a convenient location at non-Manhattan rates. There are no
fitness facilities or meeting rooms, but the Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast
are included in the room rate, some of the rooms have whirlpools, and newspapers and an ATM are available in the
lobby. Expect to pay extra for parking, a common theme in New York City.