The hype
Travelers appreciate the massive rooms and reliable airport shuttle but universally hate the expensive parking and isolation from walkable food.
Laguardia Plaza Hotel
$150-250/ night
Book this if You have a 6am flight out of LGA or a 7pm Mets game and refuse to pay Manhattan prices.
Why People Love It
- Free 24/7 airport shuttle that actually runs frequently
- Heated indoor pool (a rarity for NYC airport hotels)
- Recently rebranded to DoubleTree, bringing fresh cookies and updated standards
Quick Take: A functional, recently renovated airport fortress that does the job perfectly if you don't expect to walk anywhere.
Reviewed by @littlewanderingwren: I've stayed here three times now for the tennis and I honestly wouldn't stay anywhere else. The suite is spacious enough to relax in after a long day at Arthur Ashe, and the shuttle service makes getting to the matches completely headache-free. It feels like my NYC home base.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will hear planes. It is directly across the Grand Central Parkway from the runway. Earplugs are not optional for light sleepers.
- You have an overnight layover at LGA
- You are seeing a concert or game at Citi Field
- You are a Hilton Honors member chasing points on a budget
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is standard, but attention to detail (dusting high shelves) can be hit or miss.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, with new grout in renovated rooms. Older rooms may show wear.
- Maintenance: Good. The recent renovation fixed most peeling paint and broken fixture issues.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, white Hilton-standard linens. Towels are plentiful but not luxury plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like DoubleTree cookies; hallways can occasionally smell of cleaning chemicals or stale air.
Sleepabilityโข
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Low-flying aircraft (LGA flight path)
- Grand Central Parkway traffic noise
- Thin connecting doors in some rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel has officially transitioned to a DoubleTree by Hilton โ expect the warm cookie at check-in.
- There is zero street parking. You are a captive audience for the $30/night garage.
- The walk to Citi Field is possible (approx. 20-25 mins) but involves crossing busy highway overpasses; a cheap Uber is safer.
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
- Swimsuit for the indoor pool
- Uber/Lyft app downloaded (essential for leaving the hotel)
Room Genie
Best picks
- High-floor rooms facing away from the highway for slightly less noise
- Renovated 'DoubleTree' branded rooms (ask specifically for these to avoid older decor)
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor rooms facing Ditmars Blvd (traffic noise)
- Connecting rooms if you aren't traveling with a group (sound bleed)
Room Request Genie โ copy & paste
โI am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on a high floor, facing away from the highway/airport if possible. Please confirm I am assigned a recently renovated room.โ
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the airport shuttle actually free?
Yes, it runs 24/7. Call the hotel upon landing to track it, as it loops between terminals.
Can I walk to the subway?
No. The nearest train (7 line) is a mile away. You need the shuttle or a car.
Is breakfast included?
No, unless you have Hilton Honors Gold/Diamond status. The buffet at Pavilion Grille costs ~$23/person.
Is the neighborhood safe?
East Elmhurst is generally safe, but the immediate area is highways and industrial lots. It's not 'dangerous,' just desolate for pedestrians.
Do they have day rates?
Yes, they often offer 'day use' rooms for long layovers. Call directly to book.
How much is the deposit?
Expect a hold of around $50-100 per night for incidentals.
Insider Tips
- โจ
The 'shuttle to the subway' drops you at Mets-Willets Point, but getting picked up there can be tricky. Get the driver's direct number.
- โจ
Skip the hotel restaurant for dinner. A $12 Uber gets you to Jackson Heights, the best ethnic food neighborhood in NYC.
- โจ
If the garage is full (rare), there is a cheaper lot at 30-56 Whitestone Expressway, but it's a trek.
5 things to know before you go
๐กThe 'gym' is surprisingly well-equipped with Peloton bikes and modern weights.
๐กThe lobby gift shop sells essentials but at a 200% markup โ bring your own toothpaste.
๐กYou can watch planes land from the pool area windows.
๐กThe elevators can be agonizingly slow during morning checkout rush.
๐กHousekeeping sometimes skips the 'do not disturb' signs if you don't bolt the door.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Laguardia Plaza Hotel is located and what's nearby.