Comfort Inn Midtown West

This bland brick building is not much to write home about from the outside, though the familiar Comfort Inn signage makes it easy to spot if walking from the train or driving from the West Side Highway. Inside, there is a bright lobby area and several dining tables with flower vases for eating breakfast. A front desk area sits next to a 24-hour coffee and tea station, and guests are free to use the desktop computer located here, or use free Wi-Fi on personal devices. This room has interesting back splashes and lighting installations, and exudes a bit of modern flair -- modern for Comfort Inn, anyway. A row of red velvet benches sits by the window, and is flanked on either end by wall-mounted flat-screen TVs. The busiest time here is during peak breakfast hours, when it may be hard to find a table; guests may be forced to take their meals up to their rooms, which do not have dining tables.

Business travelers or couples stay here come for the convenience, low prices, and overall comfortable vibe, as do cruise ship tourists either getting on or off the boat from Pier 88. The approachable staff and General Manager are friendly and assist with breakfast clean-up and tourist questions.

The hotel is on 48th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues in Midtown West, close to the Hudson River. Just a block and a half away is the West Side Highway, for those arriving by vehicle. Pedestrians can walk over to the Hudson River Greenway, for the Intrepid Museum or to use the bike and jogging path in either direction (CitiBike stations are available here). Many guests at the hotel are interested in the close proximity to Pier 88 for the cruise ship terminal.

Sights in the other direction, however, require a bit farther of a walk, so it's best to wear comfortable shoes. Central Midtown sites like Times Square and the Theater District, as well as countless restaurants and bars in Restaurant Row and Hell's Kitchen, are within 15 to 20 minutes on foot. It’s not the most central location for catching the subway, but the 50th street C, E station is the closest, and runs along the west side. Guests can catch a taxi on 10th Avenue, or have the front desk call.

It’s not as touristy and less noisy than central Midtown, but there is a new building being constructed across the street, so rooms on the north side may experience noise early in the morning.

This hotel has 88 rooms with either two double beds, two queen beds, one queen bed, or one king bed. Decor consists of neutral paint, wallpapers, and carpeting; metallic silver headboards; and deep red bedding accents. The corner rooms have more space. Windows are not floor-to-ceiling but those facing south have the best views. Closets are not really closets, but rather a narrow space to hang a few clothing items next to the flat-screen TVs. Business travelers will likely appreciate the modern work desks, ergonomic chairs, and bedside lamps with outlets. Rooms also come with coffeemakers that have Maxwell House and Celestial teas.

All bathrooms have some counter space (some more than others) with basic toiletries and small hairdryers. Some rooms have tub/shower combos, and some have walk-in showers.

Because of west side location, guests should not have a problem with overnight noise, but there will be temporary construction noise across the street that starts early in the morning.

This mid-range chain with only 88 rooms doesn't offer much in the way of property features. Most people who stay here are on a quick business trip or catching a cruise, so the free Wi-Fi and breakfast are the biggest draws. The lobby has several tables and chairs for working and/or eating breakfast. There are hot and cold items including pastries, bagels, toast, eggs, one type of breakfast meat, a DIY waffle station with two flavors that change daily, cereals, oatmeal, yogurt, bananas and apples. During peak hours, guests may be forced to take their meal back to the rooms due to lack of table space, so guests may want to arrive early. Once breakfast time is over and the area is cleaned up, there is plenty of space in the lobby for getting work done or planning an excursion. A single desktop computer and printer is available, as well. Guests can keep their caffeine fix in tact with a round-the-clock coffee/tea station next to the elevator. Luggage storage is possible, and friendly staff members are available to provide local travel advice.