Five Towns Inn - JFK Airport

After a disappointing stay at a nearby Marriott property where the service was poor, I arrived at Five Towns Inn tired and stressed. The staff quickly changed the tone of my day. They were kind, professional, and welcoming, and made me feel valued. They let me check in before the scheduled time, which mattered a lot after what I'd just dealt with. They also helped arrange my ride to the airport, so that part went smoothly and without stress. I appreciated the flexibility and care. This was a breath of fresh air, and I highly recommend Five Towns Inn for a comfortable stay with attentive staff.

My flight was delayed, so I stayed here and asked the front desk receptionist for the complimentary airport shuttle. He first said the shuttle had already left, then said another would arrive in 30 minutes. After I waited, he suggested I pay the driver to take me right away. I was prepared to pay, but asked for a receipt. He then said they only took cash. I had no cash and could only use a credit card, and by then it felt like he was repeatedly pushing me to pay in cash. I also told Swiss Airlines, since they booked the hotel for me. International guests may not know every local detail, but that doesn't make us fools. Hospitality calls for professionalism and empathy, not arrogance.

The shuttle service was so unreliable that we had to book an Uber for our flight. The woman at the desk was nice, but said the morning shuttles, which run hourly on the hour, were fully booked. Airport pickups also only happen on the hour, even if you call ahead to say you're waiting, and they still take 35 or 40 minutes to show up. It was midnight in March and 25 degrees outside. Another guest called after arriving, and was told they'd have to wait another 25 minutes, while the driver sat on a lobby couch watching Days of Our Lives reruns. We were put here at midnight by mark at American Airlines, using a flight credit, and the stay was extremely poor. The photos do NOT match the hotel. The rooms were like a turnpike motel with an hourly-rates sign outside. Our room was filthy, with a huge brown stain on one bed. At 1am, cleaning carts and vacuums were left abandoned all down the hall, with no housekeeping in sight. Noise was another problem: sirens all night, walls shaking whenever someone went in or out of a room, and hallway conversations sounding like they were inside our room. We’re two young women traveling alone in an unfamiliar place, and the deadbolt didn't work properly, which felt like a serious security issue. Even if you’re offered a free room here, save your time and money. Don’t pay a dollar to stay. I’d rather sleep in my car or on the floor at jfk airport.

The place was spotless and comfortable, and it felt well maintained for a quick night before or after a flight. Everyone I met was helpful and friendly. The shuttle driver was welcoming and professional, and the receptionist was warm and efficient. Five Towns Inn near JFK Airport made for a genuinely pleasant, convenient stay, and I’d highly recommend it.