Finding a place to crash in Manhattan is usually a nightmare. You either pay five hundred bucks a night for a room the size of a closet or you end up in a sketchy basement in Queens. If you’ve been scouring the maps for something affordable, you’ve probably stumbled upon the hudson river hotel nyc. It sits right there on 36th Street, basically on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen.
People always ask: "Is it actually good?"
The answer is complicated. It’s not the Ritz. It’s not trying to be. Honestly, if you go in expecting marble floors and a concierge who knows your name, you're going to be miserable. But if you just need a bed and a shower within walking distance of the Javits Center or Hudson Yards, it’s a different story. New York City real estate is brutal, and that applies to hotels too. You have to know exactly what you’re signing up for before you put your credit card down.
What You’re Really Getting at the Hudson River Hotel NYC
Let’s talk about the location first. It’s located at 442 West 36th Street.
That’s a specific kind of neighborhood. You’re close to the Lincoln Tunnel entrance, which means there is traffic. A lot of it. The sound of honking is basically the soundtrack of this part of town. But the trade-off is huge. You are a short walk from the High Line. You can wander over to the Vessel at Hudson Yards in ten minutes.
The rooms? Small.
Don't be shocked. This is Manhattan. You’ll get a bed, a TV, and a bathroom that is functional but tight. Some travelers complain about the lack of "frills," but honestly, how much time are you spending in your room anyway? You're in New York. If you’re spending six hours a day in a hotel room, you’re doing the city wrong. The hudson river hotel nyc is a "launchpad" hotel. You wake up, grab coffee nearby, and disappear until 11:00 PM.
The Pricing Game and Why It Matters
NYC hotel prices fluctuate more than the stock market. One Tuesday in February might cost you $140, but if there’s a massive convention at the Javits Center, that same room might spike to $400.
Always check the convention calendar.
The Javits Center is only a few blocks away. When a big tech summit or the Boat Show is in town, this hotel fills up with exhibitors. They aren't looking for luxury; they’re looking for a five-minute walk to their booth. If you’re a tourist, try to book around these events to get the actual "budget" price.
What Most People Get Wrong About Budget Stays
There’s a misconception that "budget" means "dirty."
In my experience looking at these mid-range Midtown spots, the hudson river hotel nyc keeps things relatively tidy. It’s just dated. The carpets might look like they’ve seen the 90s. The elevators might be a little slow. But it’s a legitimate, licensed hotel. That matters in a city where Airbnb is increasingly restricted and "ghost hotels" are popping up in residential buildings. Staying here is safe and legal, which is more than you can say for some of the "deals" you find on sketchy forums.
The Logistics: Getting Around from 36th Street
Transportation is where this place wins.
- Penn Station: You can walk here in about 12 minutes. This gives you access to Amtrak, NJ Transit, and the LIRR.
- Subway Access: The A, C, and E lines are at 34th St-Penn Station.
- The Hudson River Greenway: If you like to run or bike, the path along the water is right there. It’s one of the best parts of the city.
One thing to keep in mind: 36th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues can feel a bit industrial. There are a lot of parking garages and loading docks. It’s not the "pretty" New York you see in movies with brownstones and flower boxes. It’s the "working" New York. It’s safe, but it’s gritty.
Food Options Nearby (Skip the Hotel Breakfast)
Don't eat at the hotel. Just don't.
You are in Hell's Kitchen—well, the bottom edge of it. Walk up to 9th Avenue. You have everything.
- Best Bagels: Liberty Bagels on 35th is legendary. The lines are long, but they move fast.
- Quick Coffee: Culture Espresso is nearby and has arguably the best chocolate chip cookies in the world.
- Dinner: Go to 9th Avenue and just pick a spot. Thai, Italian, Ethiopian—it's all there.
Staying at the hudson river hotel nyc gives you the luxury of spending your "saved" hotel money on actual New York experiences. Eat the $30 pasta. Buy the Broadway ticket. The room is just a place to put your head.
Common Complaints and How to Avoid Them
Noise is the big one.
Because the hotel is near the tunnel, sirens and trucks are common. If you are a light sleeper, you need earplugs. Seriously. Don't leave home without them. Also, ask for a room on a higher floor. It doesn't eliminate the noise, but it muffles the vibrations of the heavy trucks.
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Another thing: the Wi-Fi. It’s usually okay for scrolling Instagram, but if you’re trying to run a high-stakes Zoom meeting for work, you might struggle. Use your phone's hotspot if you have a critical deadline.
Some people mention the elevators are small.
They are.
If you’re checking out at 11:00 AM along with a hundred other people, leave ten minutes early. Or just carry your bags down the stairs if you’re on a lower floor. Little bits of "street smarts" like this make a stay at the hudson river hotel nyc much smoother.
Real Talk on the "Hudson River" Name
It’s a bit of a stretch.
You aren't on the river. You can't see the water from most rooms unless you've got a very specific angle on a high floor. The name is more about the general West Side location. If you want a "river view" hotel, you’re looking at places like the Standard High Line, where you’ll pay triple the price. Manage those expectations.
Is it Better Than a Hostel?
Absolutely.
For many travelers, the choice is between a private room at the hudson river hotel nyc or a bunk bed in a shared dorm at a hostel. In NYC, a hostel bed can still cost $80-$100. For an extra $50 or $60, you get your own bathroom and a door that locks. To me, that’s a no-brainer. Privacy in New York is the ultimate luxury.
The staff here are used to a high volume of travelers. They are efficient. They aren't going to give you a twenty-minute orientation on the city, but they’ll get you checked in and out without a fuss. It’s a transactional relationship.
Final Verdict: Who Should Stay Here?
This hotel isn't for everyone.
If you're on your honeymoon, please, go somewhere else. Spend the extra money for a boutique spot in Soho or a classic Midtown tower with a view of Central Park. You want memories that don't involve a view of a parking garage.
However, if you are:
- A solo traveler on a budget.
- A business person attending a 3-day conference at Javits.
- A group of friends who just need a place to crash after a concert at Madison Square Garden.
Then the hudson river hotel nyc is a solid choice. It’s a functional, no-nonsense piece of the Manhattan lodging puzzle. It serves a purpose. It keeps your costs down in one of the most expensive cities on the planet.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
Check the Javits Center Schedule First
Before you book, go to the official Javits Center website. If there is a massive event like Comic-Con or a major trade show, the prices for the hudson river hotel nyc will be inflated. If you can shift your dates by just two days, you might save $200.
Request a High-Floor Room
When you book, put in a request for a room on the highest floor possible. It won't be silent, but the street-level mechanical noise and the chatter from the sidewalk won't be nearly as intrusive.
Master the 34th Street Transit Hub
Don't rely on Ubers. The traffic near the Lincoln Tunnel is a standstill for half the day. Walk the two blocks to the 7 Train or the three blocks to Penn Station. You’ll save hours of your life and a lot of money.
Pack a Multi-Plug Outlet
Older hotels in New York often have a shortage of outlets. If you have a laptop, a phone, a watch, and a tablet, you’ll be fighting for a single plug behind the nightstand. A small travel power strip is a lifesaver here.
Explore Hudson Yards for "Free" Entertainment
Since you’re so close, take advantage of the free stuff. Walking the High Line costs nothing. Seeing the Vessel (even if you don't go up) is a great photo op. The mall at Hudson Yards has clean public bathrooms and air conditioning if you need a break from the humidity.