Finding a place to crash in Manhattan is usually a nightmare of overinflated prices and "resort fees" that cover absolutely nothing. If you've been scouring travel sites recently, you've likely seen the Days Inn Hotel New York City Broadway New York NY pop up in your search results. It’s located at 215 West 94th Street. Right on the Upper West Side. It’s an area that feels like "real" New York, far enough from the Times Square chaos but close enough to hop on a train and be there in ten minutes.
Most people look at this property and wonder if it’s a hidden gem or a total gamble. Honestly? It's a bit of both depending on your expectations.
New York real estate is brutal. This hotel occupies a classic pre-war building, which gives it a certain character you won't find in the glass-and-steel boxes in Midtown, but it also means the elevators might be slow and the floor plans are, well, cozy. "Cozy" is hotel-speak for small. Really small. But when you’re paying significantly less than the guy staying at the Marriott down the street, you tend to care less about the square footage and more about the fact that you have a clean bed.
Why the Location of Days Inn Hotel New York City Broadway New York NY Wins
Location is everything. Seriously.
The Days Inn Hotel New York City Broadway New York NY sits just a block away from the 96th Street subway station. This is a major hub. You have access to the 1, 2, and 3 lines. The 2 and 3 are express trains. They fly. You can get from 94th Street to Christopher Street in the West Village or even down to the Financial District faster than you can find a taxi in a rainstorm.
If you walk a few blocks east, you hit Central Park. Walk west, and you’re at Riverside Park overlooking the Hudson. It’s a vibe.
The Upper West Side is famous for its food culture, too. You aren't stuck eating at a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. because there are no other options. You have Barney Greengrass for legendary sturgeon and bagels. You have Jacob’s Pickles for biscuits that will change your life. Staying at this Days Inn puts you in the middle of a neighborhood where people actually live, work, and walk their dogs. It feels authentic.
The Room Situation: What to Expect
Let's get real about the rooms.
If you are expecting a sprawling suite with a marble bathroom, you are in the wrong place. These rooms are designed for travelers who spend 90% of their day exploring the city and 10% of their day sleeping or showering. The furniture is functional. The decor is standard-issue Wyndham—think neutral tones and sturdy headboards.
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One thing that surprises people is the height of the ceilings. Because it’s an older building, the ceilings are often higher than modern hotels, which keeps the small rooms from feeling like a literal closet. However, the walls aren't always thick. You might hear the muffled sound of a neighbor’s TV or the hum of the city outside. That's just Manhattan. Buy some earplugs at the CVS on the corner and you'll be fine.
The amenities are basic but necessary. You get free Wi-Fi, which is usually fast enough for emails and basic streaming, though I wouldn't try to host a 4K gaming tournament on it. There’s a fitness center, but don’t expect a luxury CrossFit gym; it’s a few machines in a room. It gets the job done if you really need to run off those New York pizza slices.
Navigating the Challenges of Budget Manhattan Stays
Staying at the Days Inn Hotel New York City Broadway New York NY requires a certain mindset. You have to be okay with the quirks of an older building. Sometimes the radiator clanks in the winter. Occasionally, the water takes a minute to get hot.
Some guests complain about the elevators. In older Upper West Side buildings, elevators are notoriously temperamental and small. If there’s a rush of people checking out at 11:00 AM, you might be waiting a while. My advice? Leave ten minutes earlier than you think you need to. Or take the stairs if you’re only on the third floor.
Is it actually safe?
Safety is a huge concern for anyone visiting NYC. The 94th and Broadway area is generally considered very safe. It’s well-lit and busy. There are 24-hour pharmacies and grocery stores nearby. You’ll see families walking around late at night and plenty of people commuting. The hotel itself has a 24-hour front desk, which adds that extra layer of security that you don't always get with an Airbnb or a short-term rental.
The Financial Breakdown: Is it Worth it?
Money talks.
The average price of a hotel room in Manhattan has skyrocketed over the last few years. It's common to see "budget" hotels charging $350 a night during peak season. The Days Inn Hotel New York City Broadway New York NY consistently stays at the lower end of the price spectrum.
- No Hidden Fees: Always check the fine print, but generally, Days Inn doesn't hit you with the $40-per-night "destination fee" that the fancy hotels use to pad their profits.
- Rewards Points: Since it's a Wyndham property, you can earn or use Wyndham Rewards points. If you travel for work and stay at La Quintas or Ramadas, you can often score a free night here.
- Cheaper Food: Because you’re in a residential neighborhood, you can find a deli on every corner where a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich costs $6, rather than the $22 breakfast buffet at a Hilton.
When you add up the savings on the room rate and the food, staying here can save a family of four literally hundreds of dollars over a long weekend. That’s money that can be spent on Broadway tickets or a nice dinner at Tavern on the Green.
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Expert Tips for Your Stay
Don't just show up and hope for the best.
- Request a High Floor: The street noise on Broadway can be intense. Cabs honk. Sirens wail. The higher you are, the quieter it gets.
- Check the AC: If you're visiting in the summer, make sure your window unit or through-the-wall AC is humming along when you first check-in. Manhattan heat is no joke.
- Use the 96th St Station: Don't bother with the 96th Street local-only stops if you can walk the extra two blocks to the express. It saves so much time.
- Zabar's is a Must: You are a short walk from Zabar's at 80th and Broadway. Go there. Buy some coffee and a cinnamon babka. It’s a New York rite of passage.
The Reality of "Budget" in the Big Apple
We need to address the "vibe" of the place. It isn't trendy. You won't find an influencer-ready rooftop bar or a lobby filled with people working on MacBooks while sipping $12 oat milk lattes. It’s a place to sleep.
Critics often point to the dated hallways or the simple bathrooms. They aren't wrong. But a lot of the negative reviews you see online come from people who expected the Waldorf Astoria on a Days Inn budget. If you go in knowing it’s a standard, no-frills hotel in a phenomenal neighborhood, you’ll probably have a great time.
The staff here are often New York veterans. They’ve seen it all. They are usually efficient and direct. Some people mistake that for being rude, but it's just the pace of the city. If you’re polite and clear with what you need, they’ll get you sorted.
Comparing Alternatives
Why choose this over a hostel or a boutique hotel?
Hostels in NYC like the HI New York City are nearby, but you're sharing a room with five strangers. For a similar price, the Days Inn gives you a private bathroom and your own door that locks. On the flip side, boutique hotels like the Arlo or the Standard are much "cooler," but you'll pay double or triple for the privilege of a smaller room in a louder neighborhood.
The Days Inn Hotel New York City Broadway New York NY occupies that middle ground. It’s the "sensible shoes" of New York lodging.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
If you’ve decided to book, don't just click the first link you see. Follow these steps to ensure you get the best experience:
- Verify the Exact Address: Double-check your booking to ensure it is the 215 West 94th Street location. There are other Wyndham properties in the city, and you don't want to end up in the wrong borough because of a quick click.
- Check for Recent Renovations: Hotels in NYC are constantly doing "soft" refreshes (new carpets, fresh paint). Call the front desk and ask if they have any newly refreshed rooms available. It never hurts to ask.
- Join Wyndham Rewards: Even if you don't plan on staying at a Wyndham again, the member rate is usually 5-10% cheaper than the public rate. It takes two minutes to sign up.
- Map Your Route: If you are flying into JFK, look into taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Penn Station and then hopping on the 1, 2, or 3 train uptown. It’s often faster and much cheaper than an $80 Uber.
- Prepare for the "New York Small": Pack light. There isn't much room for four massive suitcases in a standard double room. Use packing cubes to stay organized in the limited closet space.
The Days Inn Hotel New York City Broadway New York NY isn't going to win any architectural awards, but it provides a functional, affordable, and safe home base in one of the best neighborhoods in the world. For the budget-conscious traveler who wants to experience the city like a local, it’s a strategic choice that leaves more money in your pocket for the things that actually matter—like that third slice of Joe’s Pizza.