WorldGallery

We are booked for Feb. at Radio City Apt. I was reading some reviews on another site and read a few reviews that mentioned the fact that the rooms can be very hot in the winter months because of the heater. I read another review that stated that even though they were able to turn down the heat in the room, heat still rush through from under the door because the halls were extremely hot. This has me very concerned. I called and they told me that we can adjust the heat in our room but I am wondering why then are there were several reviews stating that the rooms were uncomfortablely warm, even with the windows slightly open with low temps outside.
Anyone have any insights? We are so concerned that I am considering changing hotels but we are very limited with options because we have 3 daughters and need the space.

nytraveler

You may want to consider the source of the reviews. Sometimes europeans are not used to the type and level of heat that is routine in the colder parts of the the US.

Also, this is definitely an lder hotel (although a huge bargain) so I would assume that your ability to control the heat is limited. (By law indoors temps must be 68 during the day and 55 at night - and in older buildings often some parts must be hotter so all rooms are warm enough).

If individual control of heat is very important to you, you will probably be better with newly built hotels that have heating systems that are not from the 1930s.

Am not sure of any all-suite hotels that will have the type of heating controls you are looking for,

We live in a 1925 co-op - and for most of the winter have our radiators turned off and windows open - since all of our windows are south facing - and our apt is hot so the ones in the back of the building meet minimum temps. (I close the windows - mostly - when temps hit the low 30s and turn on the heat whenit hits the 20s.

Ackislander

This is a real issue in older buildings, and I agree with nyt that you should consider staying elsewhere if it is a huge problem for you.

We own a condo in a prewar (1929) building in an east coast city, and we also keep all the radiators turned off and still can have temperatures in the 70's if the temperature outside goes unseasonably high.

At least the windows are likely to open, and you can put spare towels or blankets across the bottom of the door if the apartment is otherwise desirable.

Aside from these kinds of minor problems (we can't have a garbage disposal, for example) prewar buildings are considered highly desirable for their gracious spaces, high ceilings, moldings, and -- absolutely best of all -- heavy construction that makes them extremely quiet compared to modern buildings, so you may well find this more important for a short visit than some heat issues.

doug_stallings

You'll be able to adjust your heat, but my experience in older NYC buildings is that the temps are usually too warm rather than too cold. But it's not a problem that's large enough that I'd change hotels by any means. I think you're reading too much TripAdvisor.

NewbE

While I agree that it would not be ideal to be in an overheated room, I don't see why this issue has you "very concerned". Few hotels are perfect in every way, but a minor deficiency shouldn't ruin your trip. Also consider that TA comments tend to be very nitpicky: people with nothing much to say don't post, so you're left with the hypercritical posters. If the hotel suits your budget, is well-located and the right size, keep it.

WorldGallery

Thanks for the insights. If I can turn the radiator off, then I should be fine. I am not nitpicky and can tolerate just about anything else, even a room that is not perfectly clean, a very small space, etc. but heat is the one thing I cannot tolerate. It makes me sick. I have traveled to Russia a few times in the winter and stayed in old buildings. The radiator could not be turned completely off but I had the window open most of the time, even when it was snowing outside.

mclaurie

Given heat makes you sick and Feb. is typically a great time to find bargain hotel prices, I see no reason why you shouldnt change your reservation unless you booked a non cancelable rate.There should be loads of options available.

doug_stallings

With five people, I doubt very much they an find anything better (or more convenient). They would need to price a full 2-bedroom at Eastgate Towers. I think that's the only viable option that could be cheaper and still provide room and a kitchen.