Days Inn by Wyndham Long Island City

All guests were kicked out the hotel with one day notice because apparently the city took over the property to make it a shelter for homelessI was here for work and had to organized another hotel for an incredibly high amount of money. There was not even transport provided as a compensation. Complete nightmare. Most bizarre experience I have had.

Room was dirty and smelly. Was boxed in the corner room with no convenience and had a lot of noise from the subway that felt like my room was just on the tracks. Checking out was smooth but was confronted with a random drunk person from the streets at 11AM inside the hotel building. Not sure why hotel staff would allow any random street person to just walk in and disturb the guests waiting for their cab inside.

This hotel is dirt cheap compared to other lodging options in NYC. So what do you expect? Everything is NOT going to be perfect. As one of my fellow guests at this hotel has said "it is what it is". Here's what I love about this place: >> There is a gym. It's a tiny gym, but it's clean, there's a water cooler and you can either turn on the A/C or open the window...or both! There's a TV for your viewing pleasure. The equiptment is halfway decent. >> They serve coffee all day long. I can't stand these places that I pay $300+ a night for and they "stop serving cofffee at 10am" on a weekend. Are you kidding me? Not this place, and it's good! Plenty of creamer and sweetener options too. >> They serve a hot breakfast, fresh fruit, juice and have cereal and baked goods. It's nothing extravangant, but it's decent. >> The guests are nice. With the price of this hotel, you're bound to attract some riff-raff, but they are just people like you and me. Talk to them. Say good morning. Smile at them. They will be lovely right back to you.. >> The housekeepers really bust their butts. I kind of get the feeling they are short staffed, so they try to keep up the best that they can. If you need something, they will bend over backwards for you. Especially...wait for it...if you are NICE to them. >> There's an ATM, bathrooms on the first floor and a computer in the kitchen at your disposal. >> You can smoke in your room if you get a smoking room. For us smokers, this is imperative. I don't want to be wandering out in Queens 1am in the morning if I want a smoke. >> The 7-11 is 24 hours and is just right around the corner. No need to cross any streets. The gentleman that runs the place is very nice and this place probably has just about everything you need....from nail clippers to their own brand of zero sugar sports drinks. >> There is some police presence there. There are traffic guards around in the morning and NYPD frequents the area often. I feel safe, I really do. >> They just got a new internet provider within the last couple of weeks, so the internet has been MUCH better. Okay the bad: >> Yes, the elevator is sketchy. There is only one elevator. When it's not working, they are working to fix it. They don't want upset guests. But, it is what it is. >> The bathrooms can be a little dingy. So what? Is your bathroom perfect? What do you want for $130/night in NYC? >> The train...request a room in the back of the building near the college...it's not that bad, especially if you keep your window closed. >> Sometimes the TV doesn't work. I don't think they check the TV everytime they clean the room. Here's a tip: download stuff on your laptop or tablet and watch that. So there you have it. Look, if a burn on a carpet or ripped towerls are going to annoy you...then go somewhere else. But if you want a cheap, relatively clean place that is straight forward and you can smoke in, then this is your place. I've been frequenting this place every week for the entire summer (work). When I'm done with my special assignment and don't have to return to NYC every week, I am intending on gifting every housekeeper here with some cash, because they really are lovely and trying their best.