The hype
Travelers love the 'free' food and drinks but are divided on whether the small rooms justify the high total price tag.
Westhouse New York
$250-500/ night
Book this if You want a 'free' open bar and breakfast included in your rate and don't mind a tourist-heavy Midtown location.
Why People Love It
- The 'Resident Fee' actually includes value: full breakfast and a nightly happy hour with wine, beer, and light bites.
- The Terrace on the 23rd floor offers stunning views of Midtown and the Hudson River (when open).
- Location is dead-center for Broadway shows, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park.
Quick Take: A solid hotel masquerading as a private club, where the mandatory fees are only worth it if you drink your weight in complimentary evening wine.
Reviewed by @rufflife5: I used 190k Hilton points to book this $1,500 stay and it was incredible. The free breakfast and dinner receptions are huge money-savers in NYC. Plus, the staff treated us like family, letting us use the terrace lounge all day after checkout. A total hidden gem near Times Square.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'luxury' label is stretched thin by worn furniture and small bathrooms in standard rooms.
- You enjoy a hotel that feeds you (breakfast & happy hour included).
- You plan to see Broadway shows and want a short walk home.
- You appreciate a 12:00 PM checkout time.
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed dusting on high shelves.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean grout and tiles, but some wear and tear visible in older bathrooms (chipped sinks).
- Maintenance: Furniture in standard rooms is showing signs of age (scuffs, worn fabric).
- Linens & towels: SFERRA linens are high quality and crisp; towels are plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of their signature amber/wood scent; hallways are generally neutral.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise (sirens, traffic) on floors 19-21
- Hallway noise due to thin doors
- Elevator mechanical noise in adjacent rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The Resident Fee is charged PER PERSON, not per room.
- Happy Hour (5pm-8pm) includes beer, wine, and 'light fare' (think cheese, charcuterie, hot apps) — enough for a light dinner.
- Valet parking is not available directly; you must self-park or use a valet drop-off service nearby.
What to pack
- Earplugs for street noise.
- Smart casual clothes for the evening happy hour (it's a 'club' vibe).
Room Genie
Best picks
- Terrace Suites (23rd floor) for private outdoor space and views.
- Luxury King rooms on high floors (20+) facing the interior courtyard for quiet.
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevators (often end in x01 or x02 depending on floorplate).
- Lower floor rooms facing 55th Street if you are noise-sensitive.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on a high floor (20+) facing the interior courtyard or away from the elevators. If available, a view of the Hudson would be wonderful.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Resident Fee really mandatory?
Yes, it is approximately $55 per person, per night, and you cannot opt out even if you don't eat/drink.
What is included in the breakfast?
A full American buffet with eggs, bacon, pastries, fruit, and barista-made coffee.
Is the alcohol free?
Yes, during the 'Hours of Indulgence' (Happy Hour) from 5pm-8pm, beer and wine are complimentary.
Can I bring a guest to the lounge?
Technically no, the perks are for 'Residents' (guests) only, though enforcement varies.
Is the hotel pet friendly?
Yes, but there is a hefty non-refundable cleaning fee of around $150.
Does the hotel have a gym?
Yes, a 24-hour fitness center is located on the 3rd floor.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'light fare' at happy hour often includes hot items like sliders or pasta — check the menu before booking a dinner reservation.
- ✨
You can request a 'hair styling tool' (straightener/curler) from the front desk if you forgot yours.
- ✨
The 23rd-floor terrace is a hidden gem for morning coffee if the weather is nice, often empty before 9am.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators can be painfully slow during the 9am breakfast rush.
💡The 'Resident Fee' pricing model penalizes couples (2x fee) compared to solo travelers.
💡Standard room bathrooms have very little counter space for toiletries.
💡The 'views' from some 'City View' rooms are just the office building across the street.
💡Housekeeping carts are sometimes left in hallways during the day, cluttering the narrow corridors.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Westhouse New York is located and what's nearby.