80 Riverside Dr, New York City, New York, United States | (888) 962-8097
Budget accommodations on the Upper West Side
An attractive and somewhat peaceful NYC residential neighborhood
Across the street from Riverside Park; walking distance to Central Park
Basic rooms include microwaves and mini-fridges
Private bathrooms (though small), and air-conditioning units
Updates such as new tiling and flat-screen televisions
Higher floors may have views of the Hudson River
Three blocks from the subway (the 1 train)
Suites have two separate bedrooms for privacy
Those arriving by car can usually find street parking (if patient)
Free Wi-Fi
Rooms have spartan furnishings, and dated comforters are an eyesore
Though clean on the surface, the hotel shows its age
Not all rooms have been renovated with new tiling and televisions
Bathrooms are tight on space, especially the walk-in showers
Not all rooms have work desks
The older compact elevator may disturb claustrophobic guests
This budget hotel provides some of the best prices in town, and the two-bedroom suites are a particular value with prices typically under $200. Built in 1913, this tower offers 120 rooms rising 17 floors in the attractive Upper West Side. It's a breeze to get to for drivers traveling from the West Side Highway, and patient parkers are often rewarded with free spots along the side streets. Rooms and two-bedroom suites have basic decor, mini-fridges, and microwaves. The outdated lobby is next to a cute cafe operated by sisters. The quiet location across from Riverside Park is a draw -- though guests may hear noise from neighboring rooms. All rooms are getting flat-screen TVs and new shower tiling, though the ugly comforters seem to be here to stay.
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Scene
Bland decor, but budget prices and a cute cafe
This narrow hotel with an early 20th century brick facade is the tallest tower on the block, making it easy to spot upon arrival. It's on a tree-lined street is especially pretty during summer months, when flower boxes line the exterior along 80 Riverside Cafe, attached to the lobby. A cheerful blue awning signifies the hotel entrance on 80th Street, but on the inside, guests will find an outdated front desk area for check-in. There is a lack of seating here, but staff can assist with parking directions and local suggestions. The elevator and hallways, like the lobby, are a little dark and dingy, but kept clean by the long-time staff members -- many have worked here for years, a testament to their loyalty.The aforementioned cafe next to the lobby is truly the only common space, and cheerful black and white tiling, bistro tables, and natural light make it a pleasant place for espresso, pastries, and lunch items. This residential neighborhood isn't very touristy, so the cafe attracts plenty of locals as well as guests. Guests will get real feel of how Upper West Siders live, and can observe them walking their dogs, jogging towards Riverside Park across the street, or shopping at Zabar's. This area of NYC is especially safe, and is home to famous residents such as Alec Baldwin and Barbara Streisand.
Location
A pretty residential neighborhood across the street from Riverside Park
Recognizable by the distinctive tower that sits on the corner of 80th Street and Riverside Drive, this hotel has a great location in the Upper West Side -- a residential area with tree-lined streets, great restaurants, shops, and parks. Across the street is Riverside Park (known for its sunset views), which connects to a waterfront bike and jogging path that runs for miles in either direction. Central Park can be accessed in under 15 minutes by foot. There are plenty of specialty stores, such as the famous Zabar’s gourmet store, within walking distance, and guests can catch the 1 Train three blocks away for quick trip downtown. Cabs are easy to get from 79th Street, or the front desk staff can make a call.Parking is possible here, more so than other hotels, due to its park-side, residential neighborhood. There are streets that do not require permits. Just beware of street cleaning days (look for signage) and ask the front desk staff if there is any doubt -- they know the streets well.
Rooms
Rooms are clean, but expect spartan furnishings, small showers, and general wear and tear.
There are 120 rooms and suites with private bathrooms that take up 15 floors of this 17-story tower. Rooms can accommodate single travelers, couples, and groups of three or four. Like the hotel, rooms show age and wear, but are kept clean and have some of the lowest prices in this part of town.All units come with mini-fridges, microwaves, and air-conditioning units. Bathrooms are pretty tight on space with tiny walk-in showers. Some have decent views, especially from the higher floors facing west towards the Hudson River.Only some rooms have a desk and chair for using the free Wi-Fi. Rooms are furnished with a twin bed or double bed, depending on the category. Some two-bedroom suites (separated by the bathroom for more privacy) have one of each bed.Some rooms have been upgraded with flat-screen TVs and new tiling in the walk-in showers. Un-renovated rooms have older bathrooms and tube televisions.
Features
This place is mostly a place to sleep and shower.
Self-proclaimed budget hotels are not typically flush with property features, and this one is no different. Until the cafe opened up next door (it's attached to the lobby), there were no food or beverage options on-site. The space (once just a seating area for the hotel) is now 80 Riverside Cafe, and is open every day except Mondays and serves coffee, tea, pastries, and some lunch fare. Guests (and locals) can relax at one of the bistro tables or take their items across the street to Riverside Park. There are plenty of food stores and restaurants along Broadway, and gourmet grocery Zabar’s is just up the street.Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout. Not all rooms have work desks, but guests can pull out the laptop in the cafe.The front desk will store luggage for free, and also help arrange taxi cabs and activities.
