Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel

Nothing particularly stands out at this chain hotel, making it a familiar and affordable pick for budget-savvy travelers. The somewhat run-down neighborhood can feel a bit sketchy, particularly at night, but a nearby subway provides easy access to Manhattan. The hotel is clean and contemporary, featuring a sun-lit lobby stocked with comfy couches and some stylish light and wall fixtures. Hallways and rooms don't feel quite as fresh, due to striped bedskirts and shiny brown curtains. Since most guests here are just using it as a place to sleep and commute from, there aren't a lot of people hanging in the public areas, though you might find some congestion around check-in, check-out, and especially during the free breakfast. 

Part of this hotel's lifeblood is its location in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens. It's close enough to reach Manhattan or Brooklyn in a few stops, but just out of the way enough to be an affordable option. There's not much to do in the immediate area, though there are some eateries and delis. While there are a handful of similar hotels nearby, the Best Western Plaza Hotel is only two blocks from the subway and also has nice top-floor views of Manhattan. Travelers can ride the F train one stop to Roosevelt Island or two into Manhattan, or walk five more blocks to catch the N train to Times Square or toward Brooklyn. It's 15 minutes by car to LaGuardia Airport, or 40 minutes by public transit. JFK International Airport can be reached in 40 minutes by car, or an hour and 15 minutes via public transit. 

All 121 rooms here come outfitted in generically contemporary decor in neutral tones with green accents. Expect big beds, stock artwork on the walls, dark furniture, and striped carpets, plus green bed runners. A good range of amenities include desks, free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, plus coffeemakers and electronic safes. Standard rooms are spacious compared to Manhattan properties, and suites with sitting areas add even more so. Clean, straightforward bathrooms have shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and free basic toiletries. Some rooms have views of Manhattan. Note that past guests have complained of noisy from outside and adjacent rooms, and it's worth requesting a room on a higher floor.

There's not much beyond the expected and familiar features of a typical Best Western hotel. The standout here is the free (but busy) breakfast buffet that includes items like eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, coffee, and juices. The lobby is stocked with tourist pamphlets, an ATM machine, and a two-computer business center. There's also a small gym with cardio and all-in-one machines, plus towels. Free parking is available out back in a shared lot and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.