A Nice Courtyard Minutes from Manhattan

I generally don't look forward to staying in Courtyards but this property has certainly changed my perspective.  I enjoyed its convenient location and the well-appointed room.

Check-in was quick and painless.  The associate asked for my name and had my reservation up before I even had my credit card and ID ready.  She was very friendly and efficient.  The lobby has a nice water feature and of course the marketplace, but the bar area was closed.  Status was not verbally recognized, but I did get the elite key holder and was told that internet was complimentary.  I am a lowly Gold so I did not expect much.  My request for a higher floor was honored (9th floor).

The room was expectedly small for NYC, but not so compact that you would have trouble moving around.  It is your typical Courtyard room with a desk, a coffee table, and a bench for your luggage.  I did like the modern decor a lot and it looked much newer than most of the other Courtyards I have been to.  The closet is deeper than it looks, and everything is very functional.  The internet-connected TV worked very well.  The bed was very comfortable.

The Keurig machine was a nice touch.  The desk even had a pad of paper and a pen, something I haven't seen in a long time.

I was surprised to see this power-saver that you commonly see in hotels outside of the USA.  There was a card in it already when I first came to the room, and removing it didn't seem to do anything.

I did have a couple of issues with the room.  I was not able to fully close the window, meaning I could hear the elevated subway throughout the night.  It was not an issue for me, but I am sure others would find it disturbing.  Also, several of the power outlets in the room were inoperative.  Again, not a big deal for me.

The bathroom was perfectly fine.  I was very pleased to see individual Paul Mitchell toiletries instead of pump bottles.  The shower was a high point of the stay -- a Kohler product, it had a detachable head and several adjustments.  I also thought the handle was very cool, as it had a dial that showed the water temperature.  I learned that I like the water in the high 90s :D

The hotel is in an excellent location.  It is next door to a 24/7 deli called Hudson Foods Market which has a variety of items for purchase as well as an extensive food menu.  Having used to work in the neighborhood, I've been there several times before and it was nice to be able to get dinner there last night.  There's also a Hilton Garden Inn at the other corner (two doors down), which is fine but a little less modern than this property.  The Queens Plaza subway station (E, M, R) is a block and a half away, while Queensboro Plaza (7, N, W) is about a five minute walk.  In addition to Hudson Market, there are plenty of other restaurants and bars within walking distance.  The hotel's website highlights Dutch Kills Centraal, which was one of my favorites until they went out of business earlier this year.

I enjoyed this hotel more than I usually do Courtyards.  Between the very nice shower and the convenient location, I could definitely see myself staying here again.