Shefah Hotels

3307 Palisade Ave, Union City, NJ 07087, Union City, United States

2-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.1 / 5

Shefah Hotels is a no-frills, 2-star budget property set on Palisade Ave in Union City, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Rooms are simply furnished with wood floors, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minifridges, with most bathrooms shared down the hall; upgraded rooms add microwaves and some come with en suite facilities. A step up, suites offer kitchenettes and sitting areas for guests who want more space to settle in. The building has no air conditioning, and operations run on a self-service model, including check-in and checkout. Its location puts Manhattan's biggest draws within a few miles' reach, including Times Square, the Empire State Building, The High Line, and the Intrepid Museum, making it a base for travelers prioritizing proximity to New York City over on-site polish. This is a stripped-down, value-first stay rather than a full-service hotel experience.

Best for

This hotel suits budget-conscious travelers and solo visitors who want a cheap, no-frills base within a few miles of Manhattan's landmarks, including weekly-rate seekers looking for extended, low-cost stays. It's less suited to guests who expect on-site staffing, air conditioning, or private bathrooms, given the shared-bath standard rooms and self-service check-in/out model.

Travel tips

Plan on covering the last few miles into Manhattan via bus or rideshare, since landmarks like Times Square and the Empire State Building are roughly 3-4 miles away rather than walkable. Because check-in and checkout are self-service, confirm your access code and arrival instructions in advance, especially for late-night arrivals, since front-desk staff may not be immediately reachable. Given reports of noise on wooden stairwells, light sleepers may want to request a room away from stairway traffic if possible.

What guests say

Guests frequently mention the low, budget-friendly rates and the availability of weekly pricing as a strong draw, especially given the proximity to Manhattan. Recurring complaints center on the self-service check-in/checkout system, including malfunctioning door codes and difficulty reaching a manager, particularly during late arrivals. Several reviewers also noted uncomfortable, slanted mattresses that caused bedding to slip off, along with nighttime noise from foot traffic on wooden stairs, and at least one mention of a damaged front door raising security concerns.

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