San Carlos Hotel New York ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about the San Carlos? It’s one of those classic New York hotels that actually feels like it belongs in the neighborhood instead of trying to scream “TOURIST HOTEL” at everyone walking by. Right there on 50th between Lex and Third, it sits pretty quietly among the office buildings and delis – honestly, I walked past it twice the first time I was looking for it because the entrance is so understated.

The thing about staying in Midtown East is that you’re basically living like a New Yorker for a few days, and the San Carlos gets that. You’re not stuck in the Times Square madness, but you can still walk to Rockefeller Center in about eight minutes if you want to do the tourist thing. What I really loved though was being able to grab actual good coffee at the little place on the corner (not hotel coffee, thank god) and walking to Grand Central when I needed to get anywhere – that marble concourse never gets old, even when you’re just passing through with your MetroCard like you own the place.

The rooms themselves have this sort of updated classic vibe that works really well. I mean, they’re not huge – this is Manhattan, so you know what you’re getting – but they’re thoughtfully laid out. The beds are actually comfortable (I’m picky about this), and the bathrooms feel renovated without being all cold and modern. Here’s something I appreciated: the windows have decent soundproofing, which matters when you’re sleeping above one of the busiest parts of the city. You’ll still hear some street noise, but it’s more like a gentle urban hum than the full New York symphony of honking and sirens.

What really sold me on this place was the staff – they’re helpful without being pushy, and they actually know the neighborhood. When I asked about a good spot for dinner that wasn’t a tourist trap, the front desk guy didn’t just hand me a generic list. He asked what I was in the mood for and pointed me toward this little Italian place two blocks over that I never would have found on my own. That’s the kind of local knowledge that makes a difference when you’re trying to eat well in a city with ten thousand restaurant options.

The whole experience just felt… comfortable, I guess? Like staying at a well-run hotel that happens to be in an incredible location, rather than staying at a “New York Experience” that’s trying too hard. You can walk to the subway, walk to Central Park, walk to good restaurants, walk to basically anywhere you want to go in Midtown – but you’re also on a relatively quiet street where you can actually think. For a four-star place with ratings like this, it delivers exactly what it promises without any weird surprises or disappointments.

Rooms

• Deluxe Room – King with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Deluxe Room with Two Queen Beds with 2 large double beds for 4 adults, 1 child
• Elite One-Bedroom Suite Queen with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Elite Suite with Two Queen Beds with large double beds, 2 large double beds, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 6 adults, 4 children
• Executive Junior Queen Suite with 2 × 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Deluxe Room – Queen with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Executive Junior King Suite with 2 × 1 extra-large double bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Elite One-Bedroom Suite King with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Deluxe King Room ADA with 1 extra-large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Quadruple Room with 1 sofa bed and 1 large double bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Premier Suite with King bed with 1 ½ bath with extra-large double bed, 1 extra-large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults
• Premier Suite with Queen Bed with 1 ½ bath with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults

Reviews

• Mariusin from Lithuania (9/10)

  We had an amazing stay at the hotel. We were thrilled to receive a room upgrade, giving us more space, which made our experience even better. The hotel went above and beyond to ensure our stay was unforgettable. The room was spotless, the amenities were excellent, and the location was both central and surprisingly quiet.

• Margaret from United Kingdom (8/10)

  no breakfast available

• Sarah from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Location great, clean and friendly

• John from United States (9/10)

  Closed to everything

• Anne from United States (9/10)

  It was clean and nicely decorated.

• Susan from United States (9/10)

  Location could not be beat! It was great being away from all the hustle bustle, but just a few blocks away and great conveniences right outside the hotel door.

• Caroline from United States (9/10)

  The staff was amazing super sweet. Especially the bell boy. He was so helpful and kind.

• Jacqueline from United States (9/10)

  Excellent location and lots of room in our suite for a family of four (including a 2 and 4 year old). Walking distance to all attractions we wanted to visit at Christmas time. Staff had a crib already set up in our room when we arrived and quickly sent someone up to our suite to set up the pull out sofa for our 4 year old. All staff were kind and prompt! Great value for the location. There’s a breakfast place across the street but it was popular all 3 mornings we were there; however, there are several restaurants within walking distance. FAO Schwarz and St Patrick’s cathedral a very short walk away.

• Lioyar from Israel (9/10)

  The location of the hotel was perfect! We managed to get around almost everywhere without using the subway, the rooms are very big, the hotel was clean and comfortable, the crew was very friendly, parking arrangement nearby for 50 dollars a night, excellent value for money.

• Eileen from United States (9/10)

  The staff was excellent!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities