Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Fifth Avenue

Just got back from four nights and would happily stay here again. It’s close to everything Midtown has to offer, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The room was clean, with fresh towels and made beds each day. The elevators were quick, and you need a key card to use them.

The location is the main draw. If you need to be in Midtown and want a middle-of-the-road hotel, this is a good pick. Our room was nice and clean, though the bathroom clearly needs an update. Everyone we met on staff was pleasant and helpful. I also liked the water bottle filling station on the mezzanine floor.

The hotel’s big advantage is how much you can reach on foot. Bryant Park, ESB, Times Square, Grand Central, and plenty more are nearby. You’ll need to keep expectations modest for the property itself. Rooms are basic, the decor is dated, but they’re clean. Housekeeping comes every other day if you want it. A mini fridge is available on request. There’s no bottled water, spa, or room service, but there are hundreds of bakeries, cafes, and restaurants all around. The hotel has a Lavazza coffee and hot chocolate machine, but no restaurant. The narrow building has just seven rooms per floor, but only one of the elevators was working during my stay. For a 30-floor hotel, you may need to budget another 5-10 minutes to get to the lobby. Even on the top floor, I heard sirens, horns, and construction at night. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

The rooms are clean, but for what they charge I think there are better options. The bathtub looked very dated and discolored, and the door was hard to open from inside. The flooring in the middle of the room was buckling enough that my husband tripped on it. One elevator was out, so we had to wait a while or take the stairs up 22 floors. Things like that happen, but it’s a heads-up for anyone visiting soon.