Garner Hotel NORTH BERGEN - NYC GATEWAY by IHG

The two lifts were out of order for our entire 5-night stay, which slowed things down a lot. There was also some outside noise since the hotel is close to the I25, but we got used to it quickly. After full days sightseeing in NY, we were tired enough that we barely noticed. I arrived nervous after reading reviews, but was pleasantly surprised. The outside is a construction site, though it wasn’t dangerous or hazardous, just unpleasant to look at. Check-in was among the fastest I’ve experienced, even with the hotel busy, and our rooms were spotless and had everything we needed. Free hot drinks were available at reception 24/7. I’d stay here again.

Breakfast was provided each morning, and the Wi-Fi was free. The rooms are spotless and up to date, even though the hotel is undergoing work and doesn’t look its best right now. The bus stop is less than a ten-minute walk away, and buses run every 5-10 minutes to central New York. We caught one back around 12:30 AM, so service runs fairly late. I don’t understand why the overall rating is so low.

The room was just fair. The beds were firm, and the sheets were decent. Breakfast was included, but the selection was only bread, croissants, eggs, cereal, and yogurt. The eggs were cold and needed microwaving. I was disappointed, since other complimentary breakfasts often include meat, bagels, oatmeal, or grits packets. I wasn’t pleased with the hotel’s appearance, and I couldn’t tell whether work was going on. The place didn’t seem very clean, and the gym closed fairly early. The TV kept losing service during the night, so I eventually turned it off. The lift felt like a padded room. I wouldn’t stay again, but I appreciate the time.

I stayed between the 28th of October and the 4th of November 2025. The hotel seems to be getting some general maintenance, but it never felt like a building site and didn’t bother me. The beds were really nice, I slept well every night, and the showers were great. There’s a basic free breakfast from 06:30-09:30, good enough for a quick start before heading out. Free coffee, tea, and water are available 24-7 in the little room just right of reception. Wi-Fi is free, and room service was brilliant. There’s apparently a shuttle to Times Square, though I heard it costs $18 per person. I found a cheaper bus option. From the hotel entrance, turn right across the parking lot, go right out of the lot and follow the path to the crossing. Cross the road, head up the back of the motel on the left, then follow the road uphill and around to the right. You’ll see an Aldi, with a bus stop just beyond it. It costs $3 per person and goes straight to the Port Authority bus and subway terminal on 42nd, close to Times Square. Would I recommend it? Yes, 100%, if you’re out all day and just need a place to sleep and rest. I didn’t fly to America to stare at four hotel walls. I came to see NewYork 🤗