InterContinental New York Barclay

The hotel is being renovated at the end of August so I’m not sure how much longer this will be true, but this is a great value for the money. We booked a room from Priceline for about $ 200 on two separate occasions and were were happy both times. Location is close to Grand Central and rooms are clean if a little dated. Can’t beat it for the price. Valet is $ 71 (!) a night so find a garage close by and you can knock about $ 25 off that price

Pretty horrendous hotel when you’re located a half a block away from Park Av. We pulled up to the hotel to find no bellman out front. Had to wait and wonder for a bit before he popped out of nowhere. His attitude wasn’t the greatest. Went to check in and was surprised to see the hotel looked and smelled like grandmas house with a clear draping next to the bar with colorful lights that looks like grandma stole from the W hotel. Checked into a room on the 9^th floor. Room was boring. With all the hip competition in Manhattan… your room looks like ThAt? Ok… so opened the fridge to find a half full bottle of alcohol. Reaaalllllll classy.
The water temperature in the shower was ok at night. But in the morning the water was super hot unless you kept the knob at the very beginning of cold. I loved bouncing on the loose plastic cover they had in the tub. The unevenness of the floor gave my shower experience a nice trampoline feeling.
There is no conditioner provided by this hotel. Thank god I had my own or my hair would be in a big tangle.
Would never stay here again, eve if it was free.

I got back from the office at 2:30am, worked until 3:30am and need to go back to the office by 8:15am. All I wanted was to do was put in an order to have breakfast brought up to my room at 7am. Not exactly the labors of Hercules. I got zero help. First, I called dining, which picked up to tell me they were closed. Could I leave an order in for the morning? No. We’re closed. I went down to the front desk. Any help? Order Seamless. Seriously? Aren’t you supposed to be a good hotel?
Staying at a place like this, you hope to get just a little extra help. Traveling on business is stressful and good service goes a long way. Giving room service an order in three hours doesn’t take much. But no one even tried.
Otherwise, room is unspectacular, décor dated, bathroom is cramped and awkward laid out, with paint peeling in the bathtub.
My third time staying here. I’m pretty sure it’s my last.

Centrally located, I enjoyed my stay here. I was able to navigate north to Central Park and south to Wall Street. The room was very comfortable, and I had a great view of the south end of the city.

Booked on hotwire for a quick weekend getaway, amazing laid back type of hotel. Walking distance from all the hot spots. Nice staff!!! Would stay again for sure!

Picked up a last minute deal the week before Christmas. Prime location, close to Grand Central, 5^th Ave shopping and Rockefeller Center. Despite it being busy due to the holiday crowds, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, especially the Front Desk/​Check-​In and the Concierge. There was a beautifully decorated front lobby which provided plenty of old world charm. And this is good because I prefer these warm hotels to some of the modern ones. The standard King room was plenty comfortable, clean and roomy for my wife and two toddlers. The bathroom was a bit on the smaller side with a pedestal sink and lack of counter tops. But that was the only small gripe to an otherwise delightful and memorial holiday weekend with the family. I will definitely consider the IC Barclay when it’s time to visit NYC again!

Pros:
Great Location
Excellent Service
Beautiful Lobby
Good Price
Cons:
Uncomfortable and Lumpy beds
Thin walls, lots of outside noise
Stuffy Room

We stayed here for my birthday weekend and I must say the room is a little small but nice, I remember asking the doorman to take a photo of me and my wife and the look on his face was no a pleasant one.

I have stayed in NYC over a dozen times for work. This is my first at the Intercontinental. While this isn’t my favorite hotel in NYC, it is definitely one that I wouldn’t mind staying in again. The accommodations are quite large for a downtown hotel room that is not a suite. The bed is beyond comfortable, with a nice sized desk, a moderately sized bathroom, and a big closet. Plus it has a K-​cup maker in the room w/​complimentary cups for use. Mini bar is overpriced (typical), and so is the internet. Staff is mediocre with a few gems floating around. I have stayed at Hilton Garden Inns that have welcomed me with a warmer smile and friendlier greeting. The hotel next door is the infamous Waldorf Astoria — and coincidentally — is where I stayed a few months ago. In comparison — Intercontinental is 1000x’s better. Service, room, etc — all superior to the Waldorf.

While expensive, this is a reliable hotel in East Midtown Manhattan.
The good points:
Located near Grand Central Terminal Subway, also 51^st street, although that doesn’t have as many lines.
Great breakfast place right next door (Longwood), I wouldn’t overpay for their hotel breakfast if all you want is the basics.
Great service, all the staff (from the Housekeeping to the doormen to the desk staff) were very friendly and frequently asked if we needed anything else. Forgot my toothbrush and they brought one.
Everything was clean, it’s an older building and the rooms aren’t huge, but that’s Manhattan.
The weaker points:
WiFi is like $ 18 a day. Really? I stay at Red Roof inns in small towns for like $ 50 and WiFi is free. Brought my iPad for no reason, could have really used it for planning/​reservations/​directions but had to use my phone on 4G.
Our room was near the front of the hotel and the doorman would use his whistle constantly, even when he wasn’t really needing to whistle. Like I’d watch him look at the empty street and just blow the whistle (?). As late as 10p at night.
Manhattan is pricey, but this was over $ 400 a night. Again, can’t throw in WiFi?
Could have done wonders with a small refrigerator. Just to put some water and sodas in to have at the end of long days.
I would stay here again, but for the price paid, might surf for something with free WiFi and/​or a Fridge. Wouldn’t give up the location, though. And can’t beat the service.

I can be a picky traveler, but I found my standard room to be immaculate, comfortable, reasonably spacious (by New York standards), and very reasonably via Hotwire. And despite my room facing the street, the double paned windows kept all the noise out.
The only drawback is that lots of UN folks like to stay there while in session, so there can be strict security to enter the hotel during those times.
I’d highly recommend.

Don’t come here. Compared to other Intercontinentals, this is an embarrassment.
Rooms are outdated, at least on the fifth floor where I stayed (09/​14/​2013). Rubber bath mat in the bathroom had black mildew caked on its underside. The toilet in my room didn’t flush unless the handle was held for at least 10seconds. This morning at 11am, a hotel employee saying something unintelligible opened the door even after I called out for him not to come in.
Also — standard membership in the loyalty rewards program costs $ 200. Are they kidding???

I’m kind of surprised that this is a three star hotel. I’m in the Intercontinental Ambassador Club and we get late check out, free wifi and supposedly an automatic upgrade. I purposely chose to stay here for the upgrade. The hotel is located in a great section of the city. An easy walk to the luxe sections of NYC, theaters, shopping, the Park. The staff was very nice.
I’m not sure we actually received the upgrade because the room, while nice, wasn’t as «upgraded» as some of the other IHG hotels we have stayed in. That being said, our room was a decent size for the two of us. The beds were super comfortable!!! There was little to no counter space in the bathroom which is no bueno for two glam fashionistas. I ended up using the mirror in the room and kept my toiletries in their bags. We were on the 6^th floor and yes, the street noise was a bit much BUT it IS NYC. Expected.
I would definitely stay here again. A good choice!

Mostly the A-​Ok is for the location. From this hotel you can walk to the business district with ease (good for hubs) and to the major shopping on 5^th ave. Since we were there they have done some updating which they were in the process of when we stayed there last year.
They now have flat screen tv’s instead of the old big bulky things and I believe they have upgraded the carpeting in the rooms. Front desk service was ok in my opinion — stuffy — but ok and the concierge seemed more concerned about the big group that was there (yeah yeah so it was the US Open folks) instead of helping me find some place.
The rooms are tiny but that’s to be expected. But unless you are having a party in the room you’re only there to sleep, change clothes and whatever ;) Beds were comfy but that bathroom??? I’ve seen bigger closets! Had to turn sideways on the toilet. My biggest complaint was the continental breakfast.
Seriously! They were issuing out the coffee, juice and croissants like there was a war shortage or something. Most hotels have a set up where you can go up to the buffet and get your cold cereal, yogurt, etc. Not here! You get one croissant and if ya lucky two cups of coffee. After going once for breakfast we opted to not do that ever again and went to a spot across the street.

Extremely disappointed. My wife and I have stayed at several Intercontinentals in the past (Tel Aviv, SF, etc.) and have always had wonderful experiences. We expected coming to NYC we would have the same; alas, we were sorely disappointed.
Staff is decently attentive, but no one seems to particularly care about your existence. Location is pretty good; mostly hotels nearby, but fairly close to everything you need to get around (Subway, Grand Central, Times Square, etc.).
The real issue here though is the physical plant. Simply stated, the hotel is worn and is in desperate need of a renovation.
Walking by the business center to the elevator banks, one can’t help but notice the smell of mold/​sewage. When noting this to hotel staff, they seemed befuddled. Getting up to your floor doesn’t help; the hallways are mildly air conditioned and as a result, there is a nice mildew-​y smell permeating throughout thanks to NYC summer humidity. Getting to your room is a bit better in that the smell seems to have dissipated (likely due to guests cranking the AC), but that’s when you see what seems to be the last gasp of a glory-​era hotel:
–Chipped and broken furniture;
–Showers with water pressure/​temperature problems;
–A lumpy mattress;
–Peeling wallpaper;
–Dirt. Lots of dirt;
–Incredible amounts of noise (from the street, from the hallways, from your neighbors, etc.);
–And just general wear and tear.
The room is good size, however, which is appreciated in a town known for its expensive (yet paltry) accommodations.
After three nights, we got fed up and went across the way to another hotel which was cheaper, friendlier, and had nicer rooms.
Don’t stay here.

Got a «deal» on Priceline, $ 120/​night.
Location is great for the typical NYC tourist attractions. However, not impressed with this self-​proclaimed luxury hotel. Room was tired and in need of some upgrading/​remodeling. The bathtub’s «anti-​slip» flooring was stained with dirt from use over the years and the room was dimly lit. Also found hair in the tub. We asked for another room, but it was in the same condition.
I was not allowed to use a luggage cart myself, as I was informed that this is a service hotel. I’m certainly capable of handling my own luggage and while I appreciate the availability of a bell hop, I would like the option of taking care of it on my own.
Valet parking $ 71/​night. Found a garage down the street for $ 50.

Everyone has an opinion and one little thing can sway it to either be a positive or negative experience. I have nothing but (mostly) positive things to say about my stay here.
It started before I even arrived — I used name your own price on
and secured a room at this hotel for more than $ 100 off per night. Arrived way before check-​in, asked for a double bed and was provided one. Such a bonus in New York!
The lobby is beautiful, staff is friendly and helpful, and the room provided a decent view (woke up Sunday morning to discover a street fair going on down below. Such a bonus).
The only hiccup was with requesting more washcloths. Called for extra (housekeeping only left two and there were two of us in the room). Had to call back when they didn’t arrive. The second time, the person who answered the phone asked how many people were in the room. I should not have to justify why I need more washcloths, just bring them!
Overall, the location is great (I love to walk, and there is much to see in the area). It did take us an unusually long time to get a taxi Friday night.
Don’t be scared off by people who say this is an «older» hotel and the bathrooms are small. That doesn’t matter If you travel like I do. I use my hotel room strictly for sleeping and showering!

My husband and I stayed here in September 2012. The location was easy to find once we got off the subway. We arrived late in the evening and the staff at the front desk offered a warm welcome. We were offered late checkout (without asking!), and were given several suggestions for late-​night dining options.
The early edition of the New York Times was waiting for us at our room — how cool! The room was small but comfortable. The bedding was soft and felt very clean (you know when the bedspread doesn’t feel clean?). It felt like you were sleeping on a cloud. The bathroom was cramped but had everything we needed (including mouthwash). The bathtub was showing its age and peeling up around the drain, but it did the job. In the morning we used the in-​room Kuerig coffee maker but it didn’t work — oh well. Good thing there’s a Starbucks on the same block!
I knocked the hotel down to three stars because it didn’t really amaze us for the high price. I realize that midtown is an expensive neighborhood, but we stayed at a holiday inn nearby that was a lot cheaper and comfortable enough. I’d probably recommend anyone on a budget (even if you like to splurge) to stay somewhere else in the same neighborhood.

We had a great stay at the Barclay over a long weekend. I got a gooddeal on Priceline and check in was a breeze. We had requested a king sized bed and when we tried to check in early at noon, the front desk staff told us that a king would be available at 3:00pm or we could check into a queen room right away. At that point, we just wanted to check in and freshen up so we took the queen and were happy that they gave us the choice!
I thought the room was large for NYC! There was a decent sized bathroom, full closet, queen sized bed, desk with chair, arm chair, ottoman, and a large unit with drawers, a refrigerator, and a huge flat screen on top and a mini Keurig! I had read some complaints about the bathroom, but I thought it was nice. There was a long shelf above the sink, which gave me plenty of room for all of my stuff. The Keurig was great! I usually never bother with in-​room coffee makers, but the Keurig was so convenient. We were always stocked with two regular and two decaf K-​cups, to go cups with lids, and little boxes filled with creamers, sugar and sweet & low packets, and spoons. It’s the little things that make me happy!
Everyone at the hotel was friendly and helpful. The location was great, there was so much we could walk to and it was so easy to grab a cab out front when we needed it. It may not be the most modern hotel, but I liked the old New York style. The hotel shows its age a little, but I think that’s pretty typical for a hotel built in the 1920s! I think they’ve done a good job of keeping it updated. I would definitely stay here again if the price was right.

With an impressive and grand looking lobby, professional and welcoming staff, central location (5 blocks to Grand Central station/​Times Square, near 5^th Ave, 1 block from Duane Reade and 2 blocks from Starbucks), I was excited to stay here.
However, being centrally located also means NOISE. Lots of it, so bring ear plugs, I was on the 8^th floor but the honking outside woke me up before my alarm went off. (don’t you hate that?!)
The room was very much in need of updating, the bed wasn’t as comfortable as it looks and the furniture had deep scratch marks. The bathroom was a tight squeeze, water pressure is ok but the shower makes this hissing noise and I’m all for eco-​friendly toiletries but it sucked! This hotel caters mostly to business people and is perfect for conferences, etc. but it’s not for me.

Das Hotel ist super gelegen, bis zur Madison oder 5^th Ave sind es nur ein paar Minuten. Auch am Rockefeller Center ist man schnell angekommen.
Das Hotel an sich ist sehr schön, die Lobby ist großartig und das Personal sehr freundlich.
Die Zimmer sind typisch für NY sehr klein, aber sauber. Sehr bequeme Betten.
Das Essen an der Bar ist teuer, Internet-​Nutzung auch.