voco The Franklin New York by IHG

Staying on the Upper East Side was much nicer than Midtown, and the 6 Train is just steps away for an easy trip there. The staff were welcoming and helpful. Our small room was immaculate, comfortable, and practical, while the rooms, halls, and elevator have a great pre-war feel. Excellent value for the UES.

The location mattered a lot to me, and this property worked well for what I needed. Starbucks is a two-minute walk, Whole Foods is five minutes away, and Lenox Hill Hospital is a 15-minute walk. As an IHG member, this was my first stay here, and I got the clean, comfortable, cozy experience I was after. Amber at the front desk helped with check-in and paid more attention to my needs than I expected.

For a solo traveler, I found the room just right, though couples may think it’s small. It’s one of the cheaper hotels on the Upper East Side. The rooms are close together, so you can hear when neighbors open or close their doors. Still, things were good overall, and the receptionist was friendly. They’ll happily make you a coffee if you ask.

The older male staff member at the front desk made me uncomfortable. He was very nosy about personal matters that weren’t his business and felt intrusive instead of professional and focused on helping guests. It really hurt the experience.