kathryn

We are considering the Hotel Beacon for a stay this May. It seems the reviews are good....any thoughts? We have a family of 5 so one of the suites has 2 double beds and a queen sofa couch so that seems like a nice sized room, Any input would be great....we would be fine staying on the Upper East Side...I might actually prefer that over Times Square area. We usually stay in mid-town but now with 5 it's not so easy.

Christina

I haven't stayed in it but have been by it and FYI it isn't on the upper East Side, it's on the West Side near the Natural History museum. Just in case that matters to you, it's a fine area.

BonnieN

I stay at the Beacon regularly. It is great and suite is wonderful for a family. There is a diner next door and fabulous grocery store across the street since you would have a wonderful full kitchen in the suite. Subway is convenient or you can walk. Staff is terrific. Go for it !!

nytraveler

The Beacon is in a mid/upscale neighborhood on the upper WEST side - and is very convenient to the subway, a ton of restaurants of every possible ethnicity and is only blocks from several museums and Central Park. It is a pleasant moderate hotel with large rooms, I believe that suite has a fairly large kitchen and its a good deal for the price.

Everyone on this forum who has reported on staying there has liked the location/room/price value.

Just don;t expect a luxury hotel - which would cost at least double and probably more.

k_marie

Do not delay making your inquiries. Columbia commencement is scheduled for May 20; ceremonies for colleges and graduate and professional schools will likely keep the area hotels fully booked.

kathryn

Thanks so much for the feedback. I am thrilled it's on the Upper West Side. We always spend time there (wishing we actually lived there). Thanks for the info about Columbia too. I will book this week.

kathryn

One more question for those of you that have stayed here...it's showing that we cannot have 5 in a room. Do you think it would be a problem sneaking in a 3 year old? I know the room is plenty big. I just don't know how busy the lobby is here.

clarkgriswold

Book it asap, you can always cancel. Sometimes they offer an AAA discount if you phone them. They always sell out well in advance so book it while you can.

nytraveler

You CANNOT sneak anyone into the hotel. It's against city fire laws, and you will be found out. They do have suites that hold 5 people. Call them and ask - those suites may not be on the website - or may already be booked.

Inakauaidavidababy

Either rent the two bedroom or continue your search. "Sneaking" an extra person against the rules - is that a life lesson you want to teach your children when you're caught? There is a good reason for strict city fire laws. Do the right thing. Good luck with your search for affordable lodging for your family.

kathryn

I will call about the two bedroom...thanks for the help.

Christina

I thought the youngest child was 5, not 3. That's what the other post said (5, 8 and 10).

mclaurie

I think 5 should be fine in a 1 bedroom with 2 double beds and sofabed but ask the jotel!. There are other suite hotels with 2 queen beds and sofabed like all teh Affinias, the San Carlos, Best Weatern Hospitality, Residence Inn Midtown East.

clarkgriswold

Kathryn some of the 1-bedroom suites at the Beacon have 2 double beds in the bedroom and a queen sofabed in the living room area. 2 tvs, 1 bathroom, kitchenette. I spoke with "Dawn" at the hotel who said "sure" when asked if a 3 year old would be allowed into the suite as a 5th occupant. She stated that you might want to add a rollaway to the configuration, the cost is $20 per night additional.

jayne1973

I have stayed there and loved it. There's a nice grocery store right across the street. Our room had a fridge and microwave, making it perfect for breakfast items, snacks, even restaurant leftovers. It's near the Museum of Natural History and Central Park, too-- nice for a family.