Hotel and the City

38 W 31st St Reception-1, New York, NY 10001, New York, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 3.6 / 5

Hotel and the City is a 4-star hotel in Midtown Manhattan at 38 W 31st St (NY 10001), placing guests in a landmark-dense part of New York. Its location is a major draw, with the Empire State Building about 226 m away and Bryant Park roughly 814 m away. Times Square (about 1.2 km), Grand Central Terminal (about 1.15 km), Rockefeller Center (about 1.5 km), and Top of The Rock (about 1.52 km) are all within a manageable walk or quick ride. Guest feedback suggests the property is basic and compact, with rooms often described as small but generally clean and functional. Service at reception/front desk is frequently noted positively, while some guests point to building-related drawbacks like hallway odors, noise, and occasional concerns about room condition. Amenities are not documented in the available property details.

Best for

This hotel suits travelers who prioritize a central Manhattan address near major attractions over extensive on-site facilities, particularly those planning to spend most of the day out sightseeing. It can work well for short stays where a clean, practical room and quick access to places like the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, and Times Square matter most.

Travel tips

Because the hotel sits close to many headline sights—Empire State Building (~226 m), Bryant Park (~814 m), Times Square (~1.2 km), and Grand Central Terminal (~1.15 km)—many itineraries can be done largely on foot with fewer transfers. If you’re sensitive to smells or noise, note that some guests mention hallway odors and noisy air-conditioning, so bringing earplugs can be useful. The address is on the edge of Little Korea, which can be convenient for nearby dining options in that area.

What guests say

Reviews most consistently highlight the hotel’s strong Midtown location, with guests valuing how close it is to major sights like the Empire State Building and other central Manhattan destinations. Staff at reception/front desk are often described positively. Room size is a recurring theme: several guests call rooms small or cramped, though some still find them adequate for a short stay. Cleanliness and condition feedback is mixed—some report clean, well-maintained rooms, while others raise concerns such as dirty sheets. A few comments mention comfort drawbacks tied to the building itself, including hallway odors and noisy air-conditioning.

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