The Americana Inn is in a good location and a good price for those who want to see the city. If you want to hang out in the Hotel, it isn't for you. My daughter and I went for her 16th birthday and I didn't want to pay too much for a hotel room we would just be sleeping in. This was perfect for us. It was clean, the staff was friendly, and we felt safe. The only concern we had when booking was the shared bathrooms, but as the others said, there wasn't any problem. The bathroom was clean and we only had to wait about a minute one time to use it. It was also very close to the room and had a lock on the door. We would stay there again.

Stayed here for 4 nights at start of November. Couldnt fault the place. Arrived at 1245pm, check in not until 2pm. They let us get into our room straight away. On arrival in room, the window was jammed open at top and bottom. Told reception and problem was fixed within half an hour, despite needing 2 visits. Location is fabulous, right in the middle of all the sights. Never had a problem with the shared bathroom, there is roughly one bathroom per four bedrooms. The bag store was a great help on the last day as we had a late flight and could still go and visit the shops of Fifth Avenue one last time. Would definitely recommend this hotel (inn) to anyone on a budget. From JFK use the Airtrain and LIRR to get to Penn Station, only a short walk from there. Only $10 each so much cheaper than taxi and shuttles.

I was quite pleased with my stay at the Americana Inn.
Thanks to all the info I got from reading reviews.
The location was excellent so I basically walked to all the major attrantions in Manhattan.
The three guys I met at the front desk at different times were fabulous. Excellent customer service!

The rooms and bathrooms were very clean. No rats, no roaches.
The only downside for me was the fact that there was no free internet in the rooms.
Had to pay $1 for 10mins in a computer that eats cash. (basically, you feed the dollar in a slot and you get 10mins of airtime).
Never seen that before ;-D

Great selection of restaurants around.
My favourite was a Deli, (right across the street -6th Ave) where I could mix and match just anything: food and salad all in one plate and cost about $5/lb.

I thought the price was a smashing deal for the location. I could have gotten it cheaper anyway (paid $208 tax-inclusive through a hotel agent). Confirmed at the desk before I left that current prcice stands at $175 tax-inclusive.

Overall, a great deal, given prevailing financial crises.

Tip - If you've got quite some luggage and need to go to the airport , book SuperShuttle a night before. Will cost $25 to JFK while regular taxi (booked from the hotel) will cost $70

I'll begin with the positive aspects. the location is great - it is only 5 blocks from the empire state building, and within 8 blocks you are in time square. the hotel itself is very clean, as soon as you walk in you can tell that, especially as it has recently been updated. all of that makes it a great hotel. however, it is very noisy. i know that new york is a busy city, but this hotel does not have double glazed windows - every night we checked that the windows were closed and every night you would think that they were wide open. after a busy day you need a good night's sleep and, even though the beds are comfortable, you do not get this. i also found that the staff were not particularly friendly. leading up to our stay here, we had stayed in 5 other hotels and all were much more welcoming. for many this may have little bearing on the hotel itself but for me the first impression i get of the hotel is the staff and they did not make a good one. but i cannot fault the location and cleanliness.