Days Inn Jamaica / Jfk Airport

Housed in a basic four-floor building, this hotel -- like so many in New York City -- makes the most of its limited space. The lobby consists of a functional front desk surrounded by generically modern decor, including a set of clocks showing the time in areas throughout the world. There is a small elevator and staircase across from the entrance, and the breakfast room is in a tight space above the lobby, comprising just a few tightly packed chairs and tables. The hotel is busy, but since most guests are overnight air travelers, everyone is coming and going at different times. 

This hotel is situated next to a school bus yard off of the busy Belt Parkway, within a five-minute drive or shuttle ride of John F. Kennedy International Airport. There is nothing of much interest within walking distance of the hotel, although there are a few other hotels in the area, including a Comfort Inn, a Best Western, and a Holiday Inn Express. There is a small Chinese restaurant about a five-minute walk away, but the area is quite gritty and not the nicest to walk. Times Square is about a 45-minute drive away in light traffic, or more than an hour away by bus and subway.

Although the hotel doesn’t look like much from the outside, rooms are surprisingly clean and modern, albeit rather small. Beds are plush and comfortable, with an assortment of pillows and sleek wooden headboards. Color schemes are neutral and dark, with browns and purples offsetting the white walls that are hung with deep-hued floral artwork. Furniture has a modern dark wood veneer finish and clean lines. Amenities include modern flat-screen TVs, desks with office chairs, air-conditioning, safes, ironing facilities, and coffeemakers. Bathrooms are straightforward and simple. A few rooms offer shower/tub combos plus whirlpool tubs that sit between the bed and the rest of the bathroom, limiting privacy, while all other rooms offer a smaller shower/tub combos in private bathrooms. Noise from the airport can be heard on occasion, as can noise from neighboring rooms and hallways in some rooms.

This Days Inn offers a free 24-hour shuttle to and from the airport as well as free parking for guests, free Wi-Fi, and a free continental breakfast of fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, and waffles. There's also a semi-private business corner available for guests and vending and ice machines in the hallways. There's also a tablet in the lobby where guests can check the status of flights. Other than service animals, no pets are allowed at this hotel.