"If you are looking for a "classic New York experience," the Empire Hotel interprets that as staying in a room that hasn't been updated since the mid-20th century. My recent stay was a comedy of errors that quickly stopped being funny.
The First Room: A Total Disaster
Upon checking in, I was greeted by an air conditioning unit that looked like a museum relic and functioned like a paperweight. It emitted a loud, metallic rattling noise but zero cool air. To make matters worse, the shower was completely backed up. Within two minutes of turning on the water, I was standing ankle-deep in a pool of gray water that refused to drain.
The Move: No Better
After complaining, I was moved to a second room. While the drain worked here, the air conditioning was once again a failure. It didn't work at all for the first 24 hours, leaving the room stuffy and uncomfortable.
General Condition
The entire property feels incredibly run-down. From the frayed carpets to the peeling paint and the overall "tired" feeling of the furniture, it is clear that maintenance is not a priority here. For the price they charge, you expect a level of comfort that simply doesn't exist at this hotel.
The Verdict
Don't let the famous name or the lobby fool you. The rooms are neglected, the amenities are failing, and the basic necessities—like climate control and functioning plumbing—are a gamble. Save your money and stay somewhere that actually values guest comfort."