I am trying to find a nice, safe, clean hotel near JFK that has a decent shuttle to/from the airport - about a 3 star level hotel.

Unfortunately all the reviews I've read so far about JFK hotels say things like, "What a dump!" or "Stay away!" - not exactly rave reviews!!

Our international flight arrives at JFK around 8PM then we fly home to Calif. the following afternoon. Since it's just an overnight stay we'd like to stay in the $150 range, if at all possible.

Is Jamaica our only option for hotel location, given the time we arrive and leave NY? If you have any hotel suggestions I'd really appreciate the advice.

Thanks!
Jody

Some suggestions, with the reviews being from the Star Service.

RADISSON HOTEL JFK AIRPORT, 135-30 140th St., SOUTH JAMAICA, next to the Holiday Inn, five min from the terminals, remains the top player beside the runways. The renovation completed at last inspection continues to look good, and the staff is professional and prompt. This 12-story building of cream-color stucco holds an attractive contemporary lobby that gleams with the casual but sophisticated look of glass, marble floors, and vases overflowing with flowers. The jet-lagged will appreciate the 24-hour nature of the property. The restaurant and gym never close, and room service also runs round the clock. The Aviators Lounge is a popular spot where guests can share tales of woe (15 percent of the guests are distressed passengers stashed here by the airlines). The fitness room offers stair-steppers, stationary bikes, and rowing machines along with free weights and views of landing jets. Besides a business center, the hotel has meeting space for 300. Shuttles to the terminals and the Green Acres mall are free. Accommodations are quite nice, done in green and well equipped with desk lamps with power plugs and data ports, 25-inch TVs with Internet access, coffeemakers, hair dryers, and irons and ironing boards. Desks have pullout shelves for laptops. West Wing rooms have king beds while larger East Wing rooms provide paired queens. This place is aimed at business travelers, many of them in the airline game (especially cargo handlers). Although smarter looking and better maintained than the Holiday Inn, this hotel is not quite as tourist-oriented.

HOLIDAY INN JFK AIRPORT, 144-02 135th Ave., SOUTH JAMAICA, five min from the terminals by 24-hour shuttle, is dated, mediocre material but a solid choice nonetheless. Security is taken seriously, so a fence circles the property to keep out undesirables and a sentry eyes comings and goings. The impressive entrance to this 12-story hotel is lively with a fountain and illuminated landscaping, while the stylish marble lobby is large enough to handle constant crowds. The lobby lounge spreads out over several levels, the tri-level restaurant serves buffets in view of the simple Japanese garden, and the bistro-like lounge offers luncheon buffets. A retractable glass roof covers the pool, and the health club has a fitness area, sauna, and whirlpool. The largest meeting room can host receptions for 650. The well-lit and -secured parking lot offers attractively priced park-and-fly rates. Guest rooms, renovated at last inspection, remain in good condition. Some wear is apparent, but standards are generally high. Solid wood appointments and pleasing pastels are standard, and the rooms are well soundproofed from jet blast. Amenities run to dual-line phones with data ports, TVs, coffeemakers, one king or two double beds with brass bedsteads, irons and ironing boards, and well-lit baths. Premium rooms have added work space, six floors are smoke-free, and some rooms are designed for the wheelchair-bound. Room service answers the call until midnight. Even though this is no jewel, it is certainly adequate for a layover.
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If you want really close to the airport, these are good moderate choices.

SALLY WATKINS, Certified Travel Counselor
sally@century-tvl.com
www.sallywatkins.com
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Thanks for the info, Sally. Appreciate it.

We have stayed at that Holiday Inn twice before and it was OK, but some of the recent reviews haven't been very positive - especially re: the condition of the rooms.

Just curious... for one night's layover then having 1/2 the day open the following day would it be worth venturing out a bit farther into NYC rather than staying in Jamaica?

Thanks again,
Jody

quote:

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Originally posted by Jody:
Just curious... for one night's layover then having 1/2 the day open the following day would it be worth venturing out a bit farther into NYC rather than staying in Jamaica?

Thanks again,
Jody

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I was just going to suggest that. You can enjoy a nice dinner in the city and some early morning shopping or stroll then head out to the airport. The only issue will be finding a hotel for $150 in Manhattan but I think it's doable - especially if you happen to be staying over a weekend night and can take advantage of a weekend getaway package.

I just did a quick search on travelocity and it seems you can find hotels within this price range.

When my flight from Paris landed last February in the middle of a snowstorm, the only hotel my husband and I could get was the Courtyard Marriott. They even sent their free shuttlebus despite the State of Emergency closing the streets to all non-essential traffic. We were pleasantly surprised by the hotel. Staff was super nice, room was clean and big enough, downstairs bar area was even cute. We definitely paid less than $150. It is fine for an overnight stopover so that you can get to JFK on time the next day. The hotel staff was actually so friendly and accommodating that I wrote a note complimenting them to Marriott. Take Care.

Jody, I'd head to Manhattan for the night. You might check out discounted hotel rates with
www.expressreservations.com
I've used them. You don't need to pay in advance. Lots of choice for about $150 - more or less. Good luck!

Thanks Stacey and Kim for both your replies. Will look into both of your suggestions.

Unfortunately (fortunately?) we'll be in NY right as the Fall season gets underway - when the room rates suddenly skyrocket! We may need to re-think our nightly rate maximum or consider getting a suite for 3 adults if we head into the city.

Otherwise, the Courtyard might work for just an overnighter since we basically just want a hotel that's clean, comfortable, and quiet. Do they have a restaurant?

Thanks for your input,
Jody

Hi Jody,
Yes the Courtyard has a restaurant. The food is average - sort of like diner/coffee shop quality. Nobody stays here unless they need to be at the airport early the next day. For that purpose, however, it can't be beat.

Stacey, thanks for letting me know.

We decided to book the Courtyard since we're most likely just going to want a little something to eat then hit the pillows after we land that night.

Then, if we decide we have enough time the following day, we may cab into the city and have brunch or whatever before catching our late afternoon flight home. This way, we'll have the option to go into the city - or not - and won't feel so rushed.

Thanks again for your help,
Jody