The Benjamin Royal Sonesta New York

We would easily make this our choice for future stays in NYC. It is within walking distance of the East River, MoMA, and many more cultural/historical sights. Plus, there is a great little restaurant two doors down that is PERFECT for breakfast.

I stayed at this hotel from June 21st-22nd thinking I was going to have a pleasant experience but I was proven wrong right away. I am a Sonesta employee myself and had come in from Chicago on a very early flight around 10am. I work at the front desk at my property, so I am aware of how to go about providing quality service to my guests. This, was not professional at all. Upon arriving, I did not expect to be treated with any special adjustments, but just wanted to store my luggage while I waited for a room to be available. The guest service agent who was assisting me, I believe her name was Bella, informed me that she would put me in a queue and would call me when my room was available. I was appreciative of the help and had went out to do some exploring in the city. Hours go by, I had not received a call, so I called the hotel around 2pm just to follow up on the room. They informed me it was still not available due to them being sold out the night prior. That is understandable, therefore, I went back to the hotel due to being tired, so I could just wait in the lobby until my room was available. I was sitting in that lobby until 4pm, the front desk saw me sitting there, and so did the bell boy, but nobody let me know if my room was available at all. After hours, I then went up to the front desk myself to check in. I can understand the room being unavailable, but there is not a single possibility that 1 room in the entire 25 floor hotel, became available at exactly at 4pm. I am a platinum member, and one of the benefits is a possible early check-in, but regardless of my status I can see that there was no consideration or acknowledgement. For being one of the highest tier Sonesta hotels, this is an unfortunate representation of the brand. The room was nice, but solely due to the customer service I do not recommend staying here, and will not visit again in the future. Please reference my title, if you would like a fantastic stay in the city, I recommend the Shelburne Sonesta, they will provide exceptional service and room.

Stayed here last week for 7 nights in a balcony suite, 2 friends, so we could make use of the sleeper-sofa and effectively have a bedroom each. The suite was spacious and very clean. The balcony was very small with only one chair so we didn't really use it. With air bnbs no longer allowed in New York, this is a good alternative in order to have a bit more space, especially having a small kitchenette, however there is no hob, just a microwave, coffee maker and fridge freezer. A toaster at least would be a great addition. There is only one mirror in the suite (apart from the bathroom) and doesn't have electric sockets next to it, fortunately I always take an extension lead... As other reviews have mentioned, the AC (particularly in living area) is very noisy and intermittently turned off during the night in the bedroom. Overall, this is an excellent hotel for a week's stay. The staff are amazing - couldn't be more helpful or polite and I would 100pc recommend this hotel for a midtown stay and wouldn't hesitate in rebooking for next trip to NY.

Wonderful hotel with helpful staff Subway right at your footsteps Lots of breakfast lunch and dinner spots around the corner Great location Would definitely recommend this hotel to others

Great stay