Does the 'Chuck Bass' hotel live up to it's own hype?
I stayed at The Empire Hotel for 4 nights in February 2026 and I have mixed feelings about it - so here’s the real breakdown.
First Impressions
The hotel is in a PRIME spot, literally a stone's throw from the Lincoln Centre and only a short walk from Columbus Ave subway station. Not to mention that Central Park is 2 blocks away and in sight from the hotels door step. So far so good!
When we arrived, the hotel looked lovely. The lobby has a very retro New York boutique feel — warm lighting, stylish decor, and a slightly old-school glamour vibe. It definitely gives “Chuck Bass' energy.
Check in was smooth - there was a $20 fee to be paid per night ($80 for our stay) which was taken off our deposit which we had to put down at check in. Keep this in mind when you are booking your accommodation and ensure you have money to cover it so you don't feel hard done by on your first day!
Now, our first room wasn't ideal due to a faulty blind that, honestly, looked rough and haggard. Because the rooms are quite dim due to the dark interior and the little lighting, it wasn't something i was going to overlook. To their credit, the staff were helpful and moved us to another room without any hassle.
The Room
The second room was much better visually, but there were still some downsides.
The biggest issue? Noise and lack of overhead lighting
You could hear the subway at night, which was quite noticeable when trying to fall asleep - it did stop between certain hours thankfully but started around 6 am. On top of that, the AC system, even though we turned it off, was loud. If you’re a light sleeper, this might bother you.
And without being too pernickity, while sitting on the bed and looking at the window I realised there was a gap in the window frame, allowing the chill from outside in through a gap just smaller than an inch.
The room itself was clean and comfortable enough, but it didn’t feel particularly luxurious — more functional than special.
Location – The Best Part
The location is where this hotel really shines.
We found it was an excellent spot with so much around — restaurants, coffee shops, convenience stores, and great transport links. To be able to step out of our hotel and be minutes from the hustle and bustle was extremely convenient. We especially loved that the upper west side never felt crowded or busy, we were just far enough outside of the main hub to feel like we could get our bearings and explore ur neighborhood without feeling rushed around.
If you prioritise location over room experience, this hotel absolutely delivers on that front.
Little Extras
One small but appreciated perk: free bottled water available at reception throughout your stay. It’s a simple touch, but in New York where everything adds up, it’s genuinely useful.
The hotel also has a rooftop bar which, while expensive enough, was lovely. For two beers, one cocktail and one wine we spent $75.
Price & Value
We paid around €450 for 4 nights, which works out at around €112.5 per night — very reasonable for New York City, especially in a good location. But remember to add on your room tax so our nightly cost was €132.5.
For the price, I do think it was worth the value. You’re paying for the location more than the luxury.
Would I Stay Again?
Probably not - unless the price was unbeatable.
While it looked lovely at first glance and the price was fair, the noise levels and small room issues took away from the experience. I’d consider trying somewhere quieter next time — even if it meant being slightly further out.
That said, if you’re on a budget and want to be in a prime location, it could still work for you.
Tried and Tested
- Old Johns Luncheonette for a diner style, value for money breakfast in the UWS.
- Levain Bakery for delicious cookies (close to central park for a walk)
- Broad Nosh Bagels (near columbus circle)
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