Looking for a hotel in Queens that gives you stunning views of the Manhattan skyline without the Manhattan price tag? The Wyndham Garden Long Island City Manhattan View Queens offers exactly that. Located just one stop from Midtown Manhattan, this hotel is a popular choice for tourists and business travelers alike. But is it worth your money? In this article, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and insider tips to help you decide.
Location & Accessibility: How to Get Around
The hotel sits at 29-21 41st Avenue in Long Island City, Queens. The biggest draw is its proximity to the subway: the 7 train at Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave station is a 3-minute walk. From there, you’re one stop to Grand Central or Times Square. If you’re driving, parking is available but expensive—$45 per night with in-and-out privileges. For airport travel, LGA is 15 minutes by car (no subway), and JFK is about 40 minutes via the E train. Pro tip: avoid rush hour if driving; the Queensboro Bridge can be a parking lot.
Rooms & Views: What to Expect
Rooms are modern and clean, with floor-to-ceiling windows that deliver on the “Manhattan View” promise. However, not all rooms face the skyline. If you want a direct view of the Empire State Building, request a “city view” room at booking. Standard rooms are compact but well-designed, with a comfortable bed, mini-fridge, Keurig, and a 55-inch TV. Bathrooms have walk-in showers with good water pressure. One common complaint: thin walls. You might hear hallway noise or neighbors. Pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
Amenities: What’s Worth Using
The hotel offers free WiFi (decent speed for streaming), a 24-hour fitness center with basic cardio machines, and a rooftop lounge with panoramic views (open seasonally). There’s no pool or full restaurant, but the lobby bar serves drinks and light snacks. For breakfast, you can grab a grab-and-go bag with coffee, fruit, and a pastry for $12—convenient but not a full meal. Better option: walk 5 minutes to “The Mill” for excellent avocado toast and coffee.
Dining & Nearby Attractions
Long Island City has a growing food scene. Within a 10-minute walk: “Casa Enrique” (Michelin-starred Mexican), “Tournesol” (French bistro), and “M. Wells Steakhouse” (quirky and delicious). For culture, visit MoMA PS1 (15-minute walk), a contemporary art museum. If you want to explore Manhattan, the 7 train gets you to Times Square in 10 minutes. Renting a Citi Bike is also a great way to see the waterfront park (Gantry Plaza State Park) with its iconic Pepsi-Cola sign and perfect skyline photo ops.
Booking Tips & Common Mistakes
First, avoid booking a “standard” room if you want the view—it often faces the courtyard. Second, check for package deals: sometimes the hotel includes breakfast or parking in the rate. Third, sign up for Wyndham Rewards; even basic members get free WiFi and late checkout. Fourth, if you’re sensitive to noise, request a room on a high floor away from the elevator. Finally, don’t expect luxury—this is a solid 3-star hotel. For the price (typically $150–$250 per night), it’s a great value for the location.
FAQ
Q: Is the Manhattan view really that good? Yes, from upper floors you can see the entire skyline. Lower floors may have partial views.
Q: How do I get to JFK airport? Take the 7 train to Times Square, then transfer to the E train to JFK. Total time: about 1 hour.
Q: Is the hotel safe? Yes, the area is well-lit and has a police precinct nearby. Standard city precautions apply.
Q: Can I check in early? Early check-in is available for a fee (around $25) if rooms are ready. Otherwise, luggage storage is free.
Q: Are pets allowed? Yes, dogs up to 50 lbs with a $50 fee per stay.
In summary, the Wyndham Garden Long Island City Manhattan View Queens is a smart choice for travelers who want easy access to Manhattan without the sky-high prices. Focus on booking a city-view room, use the subway for quick trips, and explore the local food gems. With realistic expectations, you’ll have a comfortable and convenient stay.