We stayed at the Beacon last week and were very happy with our experience there. However, they're booked for the time we will be in NY next.

Would appreciate opinions on these hotels from folks who have stayed in any of them:
Lucerne, Excelsior, Olcott, Milburn.

We particularly liked having a kitchenette and are thinking of a larger room this time in case our daughter joins us - probably a king suite (bedroom with king bed, sitting room with a fold out couch).

The Milburn is a block away from the Beacon. It is a small suite hotel that constantly receives good reviews.

While I haven't stayed at the Lucerne myself, I did visit a friend there once. The location is superb, the rooms slightly larger than midtown average and nicely decorated. The hotel has a calm atmosphere, slightly upscale but not posh or stuffy. Next time family is in town, I will direct them there.

I stayed in the Lucerne about 2 yrs ago on a business trip. The room was small, but cozy and nicely decorated. Service was very good. I tried to stay there again recently but couldn't get a reservation. I would highly recommend it, but it may not fit your needs if you want something with a kitchenette.

Three of us just stayed at the Lucerne at 79th & Amsterdam (Aug. 8-14) and couldn't have been more pleased with the accommodations and service. Nice quiet location, good restaurant selection, just great all around. Very friendly and helpful staff. Very fair at $130/night. We would definitely stay again. I agree with so many others on this forum -- "New Yorkers are absolutely the greatest!" We were in NYC same time last year and couldn't wait to go again -- so we did!

The Lucerne has the best location. Tons of great restaurants on Amsterdam Ave. and you are one block away from Zabar's and 4 blocks away from Fairway. Went there on a few occassions to pick up sandwichs and pre-packed food. Buses stop on the corner an the subway is one block over on Broadway. Thumbs up!

we are staying at the olcott- heard it is very clean and reasonably priced