The Lucerne Hotel New York

We have twin 3 1/2 year old toddlers, and this was our first experiment with travel relying solely on mass transit. We picked this place because of its proximity to Central Park and the Museum of Natural History, but it proves to be a terrific location for a batch of other reasons. Subway accessibility is good (1 train at 79th street and Broadway, B and C at 81st Street and Central Park West), though neither stop is handicapped accessible (for that you take a seven block walk from the 72nd Street stop on the 1/2/3). Many terrific restaurants in the area, a top tier coffee shop cata-corner on Amsterdam Avenue, and a big low-priced grocery store chain at 72nd and Broadway. Our superior queen suite was ideal - for a Manhattan hotel, quite roomy main room with two queen beds, and a separate sitting room with a small kitchenette (fridge, microwave, Keurig coffee machine, a few plates, bowls, and silverware, and a corkscrew). Flat panel TV in both rooms, though the cable signal was not HD and defaulted to a stretched display. No particular view from our room and the windows were unopenable, nice from a safety standpoint, but meant we relied on the in-room AC units to regulate temperature (which they did well). Bathroom was a judicious size, well appointed, with Gilchrist & Soames toiletry products. Cleaning services were excellent, and you had your choice of two newspapers delivered to your doorstep every morning. In house WiFi worked pretty well, delivering good speed fairly consistently through the day. In the lobby, there is also a restaurant attached which is a very fine bistro-style, moderate-to-high priced French restaurant (nice if it's pouring and you're feeling lazy, though many fine take-out options will deliver to your room in the area and know the hotel well). Downsides: Our double wide stroller fit into the elevator only with wiggling and yanking. It did fit, but was something of a struggle, and anybody with a wheelchair may find the same struggle. You have to negotiate steps with said stroller or wheelchair, there is a side stair with a ramp though the ramp is not wide enough for a standard width wheelchair. Noise was reasonable, though I could hear my kids shrieking from around the corner as I was returning to the room one night, so I don't know how well soundproofed the rooms are (though nobody complained to us). All in all, though, this is more constructive criticism than genuine gripes. We loved this hotel and would definitely stay if we're looking to stay near the subway on the Upper West Side in the future.

Perfect location, room spotless, staff friendly but not obtrusive.

While our daughter was attending school in New York we stayed at the Lucerne many times. Nice rooms, attentive and friendly staff, and a good breakfast at the first-floor restaurant. We needed an Upper West Side location and Lucerne is convenient to shopping, eating, touring, strolling, and the subway.

I thought the location was very good. More residential and quieter than staying in midtown or downtown. Close to the park, subway, shopping and dining. The room was comfortable and quiet. I would stay here again.

Location wad great. The staff was very friendly. Bed was uncomfortable. A lot of shopping and restaurants in the area.

Excellent location. Nice staff, great service. Rooms were very small and walls are paper thin. We could hear the family in the next room, talking, laughing, sneezing, etc.. And street so sounds were horrible. Book it but bring earplugs!

The recently remodeled hotel is lovely, clean and has a courteous and helpful staff. The surrounding neighborhood with its antique shops, bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops and Zabars is delightful. From this location and the convenient subway stop and plentiful taxis we were able to get to Ground Zero, Brooklyn, etc.

stayed here in Mid April 2013. Had an incredible time. Perfect location close to sunway and a few minutes walk to central park. Loads of great shops and restaurants nearby. In fact there is so much to do you could spend all your time on the upper west side! hotel was fantastic with great staff, very clean rooms that were also quiet. Would recommend this hotel to everyone! perfect Holiday, thank you Lucerne!!!

Very Clean, staff members very helpful. Great location. Good, Quiet neighborhood yet close to subway station.

Great staff, very helpful. Gave us an upgrade when they saw we had kids with us. Nice view of Hudson and NJ. Very clean and well appointed yet understated. Fantastic neighborhood with great choice of restaurants and easy proximity to Central Park. If you're looking for New York neighborhood experience away, this is a great place to stay.