Windsor Hotel

The location is a big plus, right in Chinatown and beside the subway. The front desk staff were very nice, and the heater and AC both worked. I got great water pressure and really hot water in the shower. I stayed three nights, pulled the bed apart to check it when I arrived, and couldn’t find any bed bugs. I didn’t get bitten either. The bedspread and sheets weren’t dazzling white, and the bathroom wasn’t spotless, but the room kept me warm and dry. It’s basically a bed and private bathroom, and not bad for what it is. If you just need somewhere to crash before exploring NYC, I wouldn’t rule it out. Just don’t expect a Hilton on a Motel 6 budget.

The hotel is right by Grand St station and just a few minutes’ walk from Delauncey Essex, with plenty of good food nearby. For one of the city’s cheapest stays with a private bathroom, I was surprised by how comfortable the bed was, how quiet the AC was, and how good the shower temperature and pressure were. They even included a toothbrush and toothpaste along with soap and shampoo. There were a few annoyances: the bathroom fan wouldn’t switch off unless I shut the door, the towels felt scratchy, and one had a big blood-like stain that was unsettling even if it had been washed. It would’ve been nice to have cups for tap water. The easy-to-reach outlets were so worn that my charger wouldn’t stay up, and there wasn’t much storage beyond a small nightstand and a shelf over the hangers. You’re not here for luxury, but it worked.

For a cheap Manhattan stay, this place is worth considering, and the orange subway line nearby takes you to many famous sights. It’s a two-star hotel, so I didn’t expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised to find travel-size toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner in the bathroom. Cleaning is only provided if you ask. The room was cold when we arrived, and the heating control was difficult to use because its top was missing.

We had a great time and felt welcome, thanks in part to the front desk staff, who were really nice and accommodating. The hotel is older and the rooms are just okay, but everything worked, the sheets were clean, and the beds were fine. It’s in a good part of Chinatown, about five minutes from the subway. If you’re visiting the city and don’t plan to spend much time at the hotel or pay a fortune, it’s a great choice. It’s no Four Seasons, of course.