Madison LES Hotel
154 Madison St, New York, NY 10002, New York, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.0 / 5
Madison LES Hotel is a relaxed, 3-star property at 154 Madison St on Manhattan's Lower East Side, situated a block from Chinatown and near the East River. Its signature feature is a rooftop terrace with views of the East River and Manhattan Bridge, a notable perk for a hotel in this price bracket. Guest rooms are straightforward, equipped with complimentary WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers, geared toward travelers prioritizing location and value over spaciousness. On-site services include a free hot breakfast buffet, a casual lounge, an exercise room, and a business center. The hotel sits roughly a 13-minute walk from the Essex Street subway station and about 1.3 miles (780m) from the Brooklyn Bridge, with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and One World Trade Center also within a couple of kilometers. Farther landmarks like Washington Square Park, the Whitney Museum, and Times Square are accessible by subway. With 916 reviews averaging 4 out of 5 stars, it has established itself as a functional, budget-friendly base for exploring downtown Manhattan and Chinatown's restaurant scene.
Best for
This hotel suits budget-minded travelers and downtown explorers who value proximity to Chinatown, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Essex Street subway over room size or luxury finishes. Its rooftop terrace and free breakfast buffet make it appealing to couples or solo travelers looking for character and views without a high price tag. It is less suited to travelers seeking spacious rooms or a quiet, upscale environment.
Travel tips
Plan to walk about 13 minutes to the Essex Street subway station for access to the rest of Manhattan, and take advantage of the 780-meter stroll to the Brooklyn Bridge for sunrise or sunset views. Chinatown's restaurants are just a block away, making it easy to grab meals nearby, and the rooftop terrace is worth visiting for views of the East River and Manhattan Bridge. Because the hotel sits close to the street and elevated train lines, light sleepers may want to request a quieter room or bring earplugs.
What guests say
Recurring guest feedback highlights the hotel's convenient Lower East Side location, with easy subway access and nearby Chinatown dining frequently praised. Many guests describe the rooms as small but acceptable given the price, and several mention that the breakfast is basic, consisting mainly of bagels, bread, cereal, or yogurt rather than a full hot spread. Noise from street traffic and nearby trains is a recurring complaint, along with occasional mentions of dated bathrooms or maintenance issues in individual rooms. Staff friendliness is generally noted as a strength, though at least one guest reported an unhelpful front-desk experience, and a couple of reviews raised concerns about walking in the surrounding area after dark.
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