$248 Avg/night
Rate and special offer based on Check-in: Jul 1, 2013 Check-out: Jul 3, 2013

Excelsior Hotel

3 stars
45 West 81st St., New York, NY 10024
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
4.2
out of 5
226 reviews
nice place to stay

good location-reasonable size rooms-quiet-near central park and the B/C subway lines. very good... See full review

  • wis visitor
  • May 13, 2013
Great location for us

We thoroughly enjoyed the Excelsior. Nice views from our window, great location to shows, Lincoln... See full review

  • Buckingham
  • May 13, 2013
Modern take on Old New York charm at trendy Upper West Side hotel

Dressed in classic New York City architecture and fully renovated, the Excelsior Hotel places guests at the best of the trendy Upper West Side neighborhood in Manhattan. The hotel is less than a block away from the remarkable American Museum of Natural History, Central Park and the subway station. The Art Deco design of Excelsior adds charm and style to a stay, with guest rooms graced in shades of cream and some featuring French doors. In-room Wi-Fi, a 32-inch LCD TV and an iPod docking station ensure total comfort. 

Highlights

  • Unwind in the Entertainment Room, with a library, working fireplace, fitness center and surround-sound TV
  • Enjoy Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History right at the doorstep of the hotel
  • Kick back in-room with Wi-Fi (fees apply), a 32-inch LCD TV and an iPod docking station

Location

Excelsior brings the hip Upper West Side of Manhattan to life, with a location just a few steps from Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History. The subway is right around the corner.

Rooms

Old Manhattan chic and modern luxury meet at the totally renovated Excelsior, with standard to deluxe guest rooms tailored in dark woods and cream shades. Each includes a host of amenities, including Wi-Fi access (fees apply), a phone with voice mail, a 32-inch LCD TV with LodgeNet On-Demand movies, an iPod docking station with radio, Natura bath products, a hair-dryer and a safe. 

Features

Kick off an adventurous day with breakfast buffet dining (fees apply) at the Excelsior Hotel. Other services include a fitness center with cardiovascular equipment, concierge services and express checkout.

Transportation

  • Grand Central Terminal (2.7 mi/4.3 km)
  • Penn Station (2.9 mi/4.6 km)
  • Statue Cruises, Battery Park (Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry) (7.1 mi/11.4 km)
  • LaGuardia Airport (9.9 mi/16 km)
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (17.9 mi/28.7 km)
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (19.4 mi/31.3 km)

Attractions

  • Central Park (0.1 mi/0.1 km)
  • American Museum of Natural History (0.2 mi/0.3 km)
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art (1 mi/1.6 km)
  • Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (1.4 mi/2.2 km)
  • Museum of Modern Art (2.1 mi/3.4 km)
  • Rockefeller Center (2.3 mi/3.7 km)
  • Madison Square Garden (2.6 mi/4.3 km)
  • Times Square (2.8 mi/4.6 km)
  • Empire State Building (3 mi/4.8 km)

Business


  • Two rooms for small or mid-sized events, plus an event coordinator (fees apply)
  • Hotel-wide Wi-Fi access (fees apply)

Policies and fees

Additional guest: All rates are based on double occupancy unless specified. A $20 USD charge is imposed for all guests 12 years and over.

This is not a comprehensive list of fees. Any amounts listed above may not include taxes and are subject to change.

Excelsior Hotel Rooms

Double Double
Beautifully decorated with a modern flair. This spacious guest accommodation includes two double beds, complimentary USA Today newspaper, flat screen T.V. in room movies, AM/FM and MP3 Alarm docking stations, in room safe, wireless internet access, iron and Natura bathroom amenities including hair dryer. Approximately 270 square feet of living space.
Classic Queen
Traditional Queen room is comfortable and decorated with modern elegance; perfect for the business traveler. Accommodations include 1 Queen bed, complimentary USA Today newspaper, flat screen T.V., in room movies, AM/FM & MP3 Alarm docking station, in room safe, wireless internet access, iron and Natura bathrooom amenities including hair dryer. Approximately 230 square feet of living space.
Excelsior Superior
Our interpretation of elegance, beautifully decorated with class. Superior guest accommodations include either 1 Queen bed or 2 Double beds, French Doors and a seating parlor, complimentary USA Today newspaper, flat screen T.V. in room movies, AM/FM & MP3 Alarm docking station, in room safe, wireless internet access, iron and Natura bathroom amenities including hair dryer. This impressive room is spaciously designed with approximately 370 square feet of living space. Has a courtyard view.
Excelsior Deluxe
Our interpretation of elegance, beautifully decorated with class. Excelsior Deluxe guest accommodation includes One Queen Bed, Two Double Beds or One King Bed with French Doors separating a seating parlor. This beautifully stylish decorated room has it all, flat screen T.V. in room movies, bath robe, AM/FM & MP3 Alarm docking station, in room safe, wireless internet access, iron and bathroom amenities including hair dryer, This luxurious room is spaciously designed with approximately 470 square feet of living space. This room is perfect for the savvy business traveler or families needing the extra room at added value

Amenities

  • Wireless internet
General
Concierge
Activities
Health club
Spa services
Dining
Restaurant
Services
Conference facilities
Internet
Wireless internet
Accessibility
Handicapped rooms/facilities

Recommendations for you

Customers who viewed Excelsior Hotel also booked these hotels.

Reviewer score 3.8 out of 5
Reviewer score 4.2 out of 5
Reviewer score 3.0 out of 5

Hotel Map

40.7832 -73.9737
Area served
New York
Nearby airports
LaGuardia International, Kennedy International, Newark International
Area description
Nearby Airports * New York LaGuardia International - 9 miles * New York Kennedy International - 17 miles * Newark (NJ) International - 19 miles

Nearby points of interest

  • Beresford: 0.1 mi
  • Rose Center for Earth and Space: 0.1 mi
  • American Museum of Natural History: 0.2 mi
  • Shakespeare Gardens: 0.3 mi
  • Children's Museum of Manhattan: 0.3 mi
  • New York Historical Society: 0.3 mi
  • Belvedere Castle: 0.4 mi
  • Henry Luce Nature Observatory: 0.4 mi
  • Americas Society: 0.4 mi
  • Central Park: 0.5 mi
  • The Obelisk: 0.5 mi
  • Verdi Square: 0.5 mi
  • International Center of Photography: 0.6 mi
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art: 0.6 mi
  • Sherman Square: 0.6 mi
  • Beresford: 0.1 mi
  • Rose Center for Earth and Space: 0.1 mi
  • American Museum of Natural History: 0.2 mi
  • Shakespeare Gardens: 0.3 mi
  • Children's Museum of Manhattan: 0.3 mi
  • New York Historical Society: 0.3 mi
  • Belvedere Castle: 0.4 mi
  • Henry Luce Nature Observatory: 0.4 mi
  • Americas Society: 0.4 mi
  • Central Park: 0.5 mi
  • The Obelisk: 0.5 mi
  • Verdi Square: 0.5 mi
  • International Center of Photography: 0.6 mi
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art: 0.6 mi
  • Sherman Square: 0.6 mi
  • Septuagesimo Uno: 0.6 mi
  • Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument: 0.7 mi
  • Richard Tucker Square: 0.7 mi
  • Madison Avenue: 0.8 mi
  • National Academy Museum: 0.8 mi
  • Guggenheim Museum: 0.8 mi
  • National Academy: 0.8 mi
  • The Juilliard School: 0.8 mi
  • Cooper-Hewitt: 0.8 mi
  • Andrew Carnegie Mansion: 0.8 mi
  • School of American Ballet: 0.8 mi
  • Lincoln Square: 0.9 mi
  • Jewish Museum of New York: 0.9 mi
  • Vivian Beaumont Theater: 0.9 mi
  • Whitney Museum of American Art: 0.9 mi
  • The Frick Collection: 0.9 mi
  • Dante Park: 0.9 mi
  • Frick Collection: 0.9 mi
  • Metropolitan Opera: 0.9 mi
  • Jewish Museum: 0.9 mi
  • Victorian Gardens, Central Park: 1 mi
  • Asia Society and Museum: 1 mi
  • New York Institute of Technology: 1 mi
  • Broadway: 1 mi
  • American Musical and Dramatic Academy: 1 mi
  • Studio 54: 1.1 mi
  • Central Park Zoo: 1.1 mi
  • Council On Foreign Relations: 1.1 mi
  • Lincoln Center: 1.1 mi
  • Time Warner Center: 1.1 mi

Dining

Breakfast room
Breakfast is available from 7 AM to 11:30 AM for an additional fee.

Meeting facilities

Meeting Info
Two meeting rooms available.

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
1500
Check-out:
1200

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

Back to menu Return to top

Guest Reviews (226)

Ratings and reviews for Excelsior Hotel

Overall score

4.2 / 5
226 out of 226
Amenities:
3.5
Room cleanliness:
4.5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4.3
Location:
4.7
Value:
4.2

92% would recommend to a friend.

Sort by:
Review this hotel
Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

3
Redi
Boston
Apr 10, 2012

OK

Faces the Museum of Natural History (though our room faced a brick wall). Lots of dark wood in lobby and elevator. Room was dated. Floors creaked loudly. Mattresses were soggy. No hot water first morning. Three-legged table with glasses on it toppled over when brushed - whose great idea was that? But room was clean, quiet and spacious (2 full beds), bathroom was brightly tiled, towels were plush and new. Staff was friendly and helpful. Would probably stay again.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
3
Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

3
Art fanatic
Nashville, TN
Oct 21, 2012

Nice quiet location

It was convenient location to go many museums due to near bus stop & subway. And, It was close to many restaurant & food market. It was quiet near Central Park & Natural History.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
2
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
3
Time-saving tip: Short walk from hotel

Bus & subway

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

3
Seattleite
Seattle, WA
Apr 21, 2013

Explored the city

We enjoyed the hotel. It had great restaurants we walked to, subway line and Central park at end of block. It was in a quieter neighborhood away from the crazy continual sounds of the city. It could have been better if there was a small refrigerator & coffee in the room. I would definiately, stay here again though.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
3
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Sarabeth Restaurant had yummy breakfast.

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
USA
Oct 26, 2008

Great location

This hotel is in a great location in New York. You are right across the street from Central Park and all along each side of the hotel are restaurants and shops. Time Square is only a short cab ride away. The hotel was clean and comfortable. They do not offer room service though and you are not able to take food out of the two restaurants in the hotel. Also when you call the front desk for questions the staff who answer the phone are not all that friendly or helpful. The bell hops however are very accomodating about holding your suitcases if you happen to arrive before check in time. They will also hail cabs for you. Overall I would recommend this hotel however I would give the person I am recommending it to a heads up regarding the above issues.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Shopping tip: Short walk from hotel

There are many different shops and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel. We had brunch at this great restaurant called Isabella's which was about a three block walk from the hotel. Get there early though-the place can get pretty crowded very quickly.

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
USA
Sep 26, 2008

confortable

The Excelisor Hotel was very neat and clean. The room was nice with a small bath and closet. there was a full length mirror which was nice. however there was no coffee avalible in the room unless you went to the 4th floor (we were on the 15th floor) also the Ice machine was on the 11th floor. staff was very friendly and helpful. subway station very close.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
3
Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

Central park and the Museum of natural history across the street and Cloumbus Ave around the corner

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Business
USA
Aug 24, 2008

Gret Location

The location of this hotel was quiet and safe. Public transportation is close and the neighborhood was very easy to walk around. The hotel is clean and generally comfortable. While fairly efficient the staff could certainly be more friendly and helpful without the attitude. All in all I would recommend this hotel to a friend.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Trip purpose:

Business

Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

Museum on Natural History is a cross the street and the subway which is on the next corner can take everywhere you'd ever want to go in one of America's greatest cities.

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Business
Bexley
Jun 11, 2008

Good location

For the price its a good choice. I really like the location.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Trip purpose:

Business

Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

Right accross from the Museum of Natural History - great location. Easy cross town bus and subway access as well and easy to walk to Central Park.

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Mar 7, 2008

Upper West Side NYC Locale

Windows do not have shades or blinds-only thin white shears. We are awakened in the morning by bright light much earlier than we wanted. Why don't they have window shades or blackout drapes like every other hotel we've ever been in?

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
2
Location:
4
Value:
4
Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium 1 block away. Central Park 1 block away.

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Shia T
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Feb 21, 2008

Great West side location

Excelsior is a typical New York City mid-price hotel : an older building with very small rooms. But if you must be on the Upper West Side, it's a good bet. Right across the street from the Hayden Planetarium and Museum of Natural History, and an easy walk to many cafes and restaurants, and to Central Park. I wish the room had a comfortable chair for reading and a reading lamp; also, you can't watch TV unless you're in bed and there is no room in the bathroom for more than one person at a time.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
2
Location:
5
Value:
3
Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Business
Albany, NY
Jun 5, 2008

Nice Hotel

The Excelsior Hotel, New York was a nice hotel located in a great neighboorhood for those of us who prefer to be out of the crowded and over-priced touristy sections of the city. It is a ways uptown, but worth the subway or cab ride. The front desk staff were cordial - not as accomodating as some hotels but courteous. The room itself was small. Yes it is NYC, but this was small even by NYC standards with the TV mounted to the wall like you have in hospitals since there was no room for a piece of furnitire to house it on the floor. On the plus side, the hotel has maintained a great deal of it's original details and is not done in your standard hotel tile and moulding. Also they have a system that allows you to print out documenst from your computer - very helpful for business travellers. The restaurant on the first floor was quiet and a great place to have a relaxing glass of wine before bed!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
1
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
2
Location:
1
Value:
1
Trip purpose:

Business

Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Nice, not outrageously priced restaurants within a few blocks.

Back to menu Return to top