Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Queens/Queensboro Bridge

All’s Fair in Love and Snore.
This was the hotel that Eric S & family called ‘home’ during our week-​long vacation in New York. Opting not to stay in Manhattan (because really, we’re not obscenely wealthy like that) found us residing in Long Island City at this unusually hip Fairfield Inn.
I’ve stayed at Fairfields before, and I have to say that this one appeared on-​par with others, if not a cut above the rest. Checkout clerks were friendly and provided me with a few basic amenities upon request (since I couldn’t take toothpaste or mouthwash through stupid airport TSA). Other staff was attentive and one gentleman (a bellhop?) went out of his way to flag down a cab for us.
The rooms were spacious and clean, and housekeeping was diligent in re-​stocking the various toiletries (conditioner, shampoo, etc). Although the batteries in my TV remote were toast so I wound up having to change the channel the hard way. #firstworldproblems
On mornings when I bothered to wake my lazy ass out of bed in time for breakfast, the food was sufficient in both quantity and quality. Bacon was plentiful and waffles could be made for those that wanted one. One time they ran out of 2% milk cartons, and as I refused to drink the unimaginable horror that is SKIM MILK (*shrieks*), they were timely in replenishing the good type of moo juice.
Rates were reasonable compared to other places nearby, though the surrounding parts weren’t the greatest areas to be casually strolling around in. I would still recommend this hotel to anyone thinking of vacationing in New York that doesn’t feel like dropping $ 500/​night at the Plaza or Ritz Carlton (that’s probably a low figure, too).
Overall, a terrific stay!

So yes, the neighborhood surrounding this hotel is less than desirable. And I could certainly hear the city noises all night. But that’s to be expected. And the customer service was delightful. From the moment I got there the staff was kind, accommodating and very personable. Valet parking was easy, there is also a lot around the corner. Street parking is impossible to find so don’t depend on that. The free breakfast was great, nothing too fancy but they had juice, cereal, pastries, bagels, eggs and bacon. Also various fruit and yogurt for a quick grab. Everyone was very courteous and I was very comfortable. Room was clean and lots of channels to pick from on tv.

I really can’t say enough about this fantastic Fairfield Inn! This is my go to when staying in Long Island. I stay here on average 2 nights per month for business. I love coming to this hotel especially for their staff since they are incredibly welcoming –which is so refreshing in NY. When you walk in you are welcomed and treated as though you are part of the family.
*TIP* Request an even numbered room– it’s the quieter side of the hotel. You’ll still hear the train when it comes by but it’s not nearly as loud as the odd rooms
*Treat* In the afternoon the lobby fills with scent of fresh baked Otis Spunkmeyer cookies which is a real treat when you come ‘home’ from a long days work.
The bar doesn’t serve food, but serves bottled beer, 1 and 1 cocktails and glasses of wine. If you happen to part of the Marriott rewards program you are welcomed with a complimentary beverage from the bar which is another perk of this awesome hotel.
Most surprising for travelers and out of towers– Free Breakfast! Hot oatmeal (and fixins’ for it: raisins, chocolate chips, walnuts & coconut), baked goods (breads, bagels, muffins & pastries), sausages (turkey & regular), eggs (scrambled & hard boiled), potatoes, Silk Soy Milk, fresh fruit, and a waffle maker. You can’t go wrong staying here.
The rooms are simple, modern and comfortable. The sheets and towels are soft and absorbent. The location can’t be beat– head to Queens Plaza and then one stop on the E train and you’re in Manhattan. The Fairfield is affordable, wonderfully staffed and located just across from the hustle and bustle of the city. A must stay!!!

I always stay here. Hotel is located close to the airport and with close proximity to the city.
It has a great gym, breakfast bar and accommodation.

I’m here a lot. It’s centrally located, clean, convenient and quiet. Good gym, good bar, decent breakfast.

The rooms were very well put together, smelled fresh, the bathrooms were clean staff was very friendly. My friend from Virginia hated the parking that was her only complaint. I like the view of queens I was on the 10^th floor so the N train is right outside of the window.

Really felt compelled to write a review for this Fairfield Inn, although I stay in Marriotts weekly and rarely write about the experience.
The reason I want to write about this particular venue is mainly because I see this location gets mixed reviews and I wish to set the record straight for those contemplating a stay.
As a former NY resident of 10+ years, I need to level-​set visitors on a few things:
1. NYC is loud NO MATTER WHERE YOU STAY. Yes, this hotel is near a subway track. No, you don’t hear crickets at night — you hear trains rumbling by. Why? Because this is not Kansas — it is NYC! And this is a huge advantage because it means you have a really awesome and convenient way to get into the borough of Manhattan that will cost you way less than a cab.
2. All NYC hotels have small rooms! I’ve stayed in 5-​star hotels in Manhattan and places like this — the rooms are all undersized, no matter what the price point, because NYC real estate is crazy insane and just feel relieved to know that you only have to deal with this for 3 – 4 nights and not every night of your life, like the poor people who live here!!! The rooms here are actually quite reasonably sized for the area, though I admit I had a king bed room, so it may be different for the Queen bed rooms.
3. All NYC hotels are pricey! This property is actually super cheap compared to the ones in Manhattan and Brooklyn!
4. Oh, there’s no nice restaurant in the building? No biggie! You know why? Because you can order or go to 1,000 places nearby! If you’re hungry at 2am, no problem! Search «food delivery» in your search engine and you’ll see a myriad of options that deliver for free to this hotel ²⁴⁄₇. Amazing! Welcome to NY!
Also, I have to remark on the great customer service I experienced here. The lady at the front desk (Shauna was her name, I believe? She’s from Montréal) was fantastic. She was so sweet and nice at check-​in and actually came to the gym to find me when my delivery arrived at the lobby because she remembered me asking her where the gym was and I wasn’t answering my room phone — WHAT?! That’s AMAZING!
Only major downside to this hotel is that the gym is super SUPER tiny (4 treadmills, 1 elliptical, a bike, and those free weight blocks that allow you to shift weight plates), but it is functional and «good enough» for your stay — and if you don’t like it, go run in Central Park or Prospect Park, instead! Or rent a Citi Bike!
Haven’t tried the free breakfast, but I did hear they serve scrambled eggs and waffles which, for a free continental, is above & beyond (usually you get stuck with bagels and muffins!)

Does everything a hotel should do and does it well. Everything is modern, clean, and works. Love the breakfast. Very easy commute to Manhattan.

Great location next to the el which will take you downtown. If you have a car, parking sucks. The rooms are smaller then normal. They do have a small bar in the lobby, and there are plenty of places within walking distance.

We stayed there for four or five nights in June. Easy access to the subway. City view from our side of the building was through a tiny window and could only be seen by climbing over a chair and the ac unit. Good shuttle service but not much around there to see in the immediate neighborhood — kind of an industrial area.
The room seemed clean enough (average hotel room). The breakfast was fine but the exact same every single day– no inspiration there. The staff was not overly friendly but not outright rude. They were remodeling and only one of the elevators worked for half the day one day so we spent a lot of time waiting for the remaining one that worked that day.
The only option for food around there, other than delivery was the little deli next door that closes at around 5pm. They did make good sandwiches though. No liquor store or any place to buy beer, for that matter within walking distance so had wait to shuttle for booze.
The huge downside is I brought home bed bugs. They could have come from somewhere else but I kind of doubt it.

Best thing about this hotel was the staff and the bar. Junior really looked after us. Unfortunately he’s leaving, but everyone else was friendly enough. Get a room with a city view unless you want the construction view.
Average hotel breakfast of sausage, egg, muffins, toast, waffles, etc.
Used über to get around and there was always a car a few minutes away.
Rooms had standard equipment though my alarm didn’t have a visible time on it and it was across the room, still most of us use cell phones these days so no big deal. The chair was a bit short or desk high so was hard to work on the laptop.
Overall made for a comfortable base from which to jump from. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for.

I travel a lot for work and made the decision many years ago to stick with Marriott hotels whenever possible, wherever I am and I’ve never really been disappointed. I come to New York frequently for business trips and it can be very pricey in the fall season and because of that I usually stay in Brooklyn or here in LIC. The Brooklyn location was booked and I noticed that they opened another Marriott in LIC so I decided to try it out. LIC for those that aren’t familiar is right across the way from Midtown and you can get into the city in no time at all via Subway. I really enjoyed my stay here. The staff was excellent and the service, second to none. LIC is developing, especially in this area where the hotel is so there’s not a lot going on just yet, but give it some time. For the purposes of this trip however, I had numerious subway stations within a couple minute walk from the hotel and that for me is essential. The only draw back is it’s near the elevated train so it does get a bit noisy compared to the other Marriott in LIC, but location wise I’d stay here instead.

Great location, great rate clean less than 5 min into Manhattan over the Queensboro bridge.

A great place to stay when you want to be close to everything in the city. The staff is great. The rooms are clean, very nice and roomy. Use the valley parking since it is hard to find a parking place. The morning breakfast is pretty good as free breakfasts go. Overall pretty pleased. The only problem is that the rooms can be pretty pricy.

When you come in the building the first thing you see is a «B» rating. That’s a B status in terms of sanitary conditions.
When you get in and look at the elevator and look at the hallway floors and you see dirt you wonder what they’re thinking.
In the rooms there’s literally a sound machine that helps because there’s so much noise outside from the subways.
I wish this hotel could be a little bit cleaner. Actually the idea for the sound machine is not a bad one. I could live with that, it’s the lack of cleanliness that has me a little bit more concerned.

The hotel was clean, had lotion, a bar downstairs and 15 min to time square. The only complaint I have is that parking was expensive and you can’t use your car after you valet it without getting charged again. Besides that it was a pretty convenient location.

Stayed here two nights this past week. Staff was super nice. The bartender JR is awesome and recommends great places to eat. The rooms were brand new and comfortable. When i come back I would definately stay here again. Close to the n and q train and queens plaza. Only twenty mins train ride to city and to brooklyn. Had a great time.

The two stars that this hotel does get are strictly based on the room and the cool décor that the place has alone. If you don’t care about customer service then this place is good enough.
The staff here are awful. Rude, unfriendly, and the opposite of hospitable. Our first issue was upon check in when the individual at the front desk acted like we were bothering him by showing up, and smiling probably would have killed him. Following the unwelcoming check in, each time that we had a question or a request we were met with a snarky or unhelpful response, usually accompanied by an eye roll. The people here need a serious attitude check; if you don’t like your *hospitality* job find another one that doesn’t require you to talk to people. We definitely expected and have experienced much better out of a Marriott so this was disappointing.

This is the second hotel I’ve stayed at in this part of LIC and thought it a great improvement on the previous one. If you’re staying around here, you pay for the incredible convenience of 20 min to Manhattan by putting up with the noise from the EL. While still noticeable, my room was still much quieter than the last place I stayed. Still, bring your earplugs. (Good advice for NYC in general!)
The place has been recently updated and I found the bed very comfortable. The room rates seem to fluctuate a lot though, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to stay here every time I’d like to due to my travel budget for work.

ROOM (15^th Floor King Bed facing Northeast)
FRIDGE (Yes)
MICROWAVE (No)
COFFEE POT (Yes)
IRON & BOARD (Yes)
TV (Panasonic 37″ LCD HDTV w DirecTV)
DESK (Yes)
COUCH (No)
INTERNET (Free Limited WiFi/​Paid Full Featured WiFi)
BUSINESS CENTER (Yes)
FITNESS CENTER (Yes)
PARKING ($ 19/​day)
RATE (February, 2013 — $ 159/​night)
PROS
— Has a fridge!
— Freeish Internet
— DirecTV!
— Free Breakfast
CONS
— Valet Parking pretty much required.
— Free Breakfast not that great
— Lots of street noise & train
— Little confusing and hard to get to
COMMENTS
NOISE
My room was on the 15^th floor, top floor! But still not far enough to not hear loud police sirens and extremely impatient drivers honking their horns. The sirens and the horns eventually die down late at night, but you know what doesn’t stop? The freaking train!!! With the windows closed, you can still very much hear that train chug chugging every 10 minutes or so. All. Night. Long! I guess you can’t escape that in the city, huh?
BREAKFAST
Ok, 1^st world problems, I know, I know. But when they say «free breakfast,» I’m thinking sausage, bacon, hash browns, etc. Nope, it’s cereal, muffins, yogurt, and milk. Oh, they do have a waffle maker too, but WTF is with all these morning carbs? Doesn’t anyone have protein in the morning?
DIRECTV
#1 reason I like the DirecTV in the room: The Guide! I don’t watch a lot of TV at home, but when I travel, I tend to watch a bit. The whole flipping through channels really isn’t my thing, so I really appreciate that there’s a Guide feature on the hotel TV.
PARKING
I don’t know yet what the cost is for parking. I’ll update the review later, but I do know that I have to valet it. There’re like 3 street parking spots around the hotel, and I’m pretty sure I would NEVER get it, and even if I did, the neighborhood looks a little sketchy, so I don’t think I’d risk it anyway. Plus, there’s probably some hidden sign that says that they’ll tow. I just stuck with peace of mind (it’s a business trip anyway), and valet’d each day. They can get your car at any hour in the day or night, so that’s good.
FINDING THE PLACE
It’s on 40^th road, which is a 1 way street, and because of the way you have to turn in and around some streets, it’s a bit hard to get to, and looks like an alley. When you get to the hotel, it seems normal, with parking on both sides, but still, I missed it my first time.
ALL IN ALL
It’s a solid hotel. Has all the amenities, but the road noise and train noise is really a bummer. I can’t see myself ever getting any kind of real R&R here. Thank God it’s business, though, and I had to wake up early, which the train definitely assisted with.