Everything about this hotel was lovely, clean rooms and friendly staff. The only drawback was that there is no restsurant in the hotel itself. There is however a diner next door which serves lovely food and delivers up to your hotel room for free.

After reading several positive reviews of the Hotel Beacon my family and I rented a room for 3 nights this fall. We enjoyed the Upper West setting with the easy access to Central Park. Although it was a bit noisy at night (we had a room facing the street) our overall experience was just fine. The staff are friendly and helpful. Although their prices are high ($250 per night), for NYC this was a bargain compared to other options we found. I would recommend this hotel to others and return to stay there myself.

We have just returned from 5 days in New York and stayed at the Beacon Hotel. I had read some reviews before booking that weren't too favourable so was quite nervous about our stay there, but I have to say it was a fantastic hotel for the price.
The room was huge with 2 double beds and a walk in closet. The kitchenett was great with a new fridge and microwave and everything you could need. The bathroom was lovely and had everything we needed. The room was really clean and made up every day. We over looked the Fairway Market and on our arrival on the Friday evening we could look out of our window across the street and see a ballet class taking place in the dance studio opposite.
We were on the 12 floor and didn't find it too noisy at all. We were able to sleep with the windows open without being disturbed by the road noise.
The subway is a 2 minute walk up the road. The Dakota Buildings and Strawberry Fields in Central park a 10 minute walk away. Time Square is a 25 minute walk away. There are some great shops near by and great places to eat and drink. The people are so friendly. When ever we got our map out people would stop to offer help.
We will definately be returning to the Beacon Hotel for our next stay in New York and I thouroughly recommend it.
Claire

I booked this hotel on reading previous reviews and found some problems during my stay. First the good points I agree from previous reviews.

Nice neighbourhood location, good size two roomed suite with kitchenette, close to subway about 3 stops to Times Square, Fairway market across street always open for anything !
Hotel cost was far cheaper than Times Square hotels.

Bad Points.

No help with bags on arrival at hotel. We watched a number of elderly people arrive , as we did,and struggle inside with their bags while staff watched. When staff were asked for help you could feel their reluctance. The Concierge had to doulble as a bag man when asked and it was quite obvious it was below him ! Staff on front desk were surly and it certainly wasn't service with a smile.

On a two roomed suite I had the bathroom was very small.
Even on the 18th floor you could here delivery lorries to Fairway Market all through the night with their reversing beepers.

Air conditioning units very noisy.

I understand that only half of the rooms have been reconditioned, make sure you request one.

No ice machines in hotel - you can buy ice at Fairways.

This is just my opinion at the time of my 2 night stay. I was dissapointed as I felt it did not live up to previous reviews.

On my next visit I will revert back to my normal Times Square area and pay the difference in price,