$198 Avg/night
Rate and special offer based on Check-in: May 28, 2013 Check-out: May 29, 2013

Excelsior Hotel

3 stars
45 West 81st St., New York, NY 10024
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
4.2
out of 5
223 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 overlooks the remarkable American Museum of Natural History and is less than a block from both 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.
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

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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
  • American Museum of Natural History: 0.2 mi
  • Shakespeare Gardens: 0.3 mi
  • Children's Museum of Manhattan: 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
  • International Center of Photography: 0.6 mi
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art: 0.6 mi
  • Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument: 0.7 mi
  • Guggenheim Museum: 0.8 mi
  • National Academy: 0.8 mi
  • Lincoln Square: 0.9 mi
  • Beresford: 0.1 mi
  • American Museum of Natural History: 0.2 mi
  • Shakespeare Gardens: 0.3 mi
  • Children's Museum of Manhattan: 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
  • International Center of Photography: 0.6 mi
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art: 0.6 mi
  • Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument: 0.7 mi
  • Guggenheim Museum: 0.8 mi
  • National Academy: 0.8 mi
  • Lincoln Square: 0.9 mi
  • Whitney Museum of American Art: 0.9 mi
  • Frick Collection: 0.9 mi
  • Metropolitan Opera: 0.9 mi
  • Jewish Museum: 0.9 mi
  • Broadway: 1 mi
  • Council On Foreign Relations: 1.1 mi
  • Knickerbocker Club: 1.2 mi
  • Bloomingdale's: 1.2 mi
  • Metropolitan Club: 1.3 mi
  • Fifth Avenue: 1.3 mi
  • Harmonie Club: 1.3 mi
  • Carnegie Hall: 1.3 mi
  • FAO Schwarz: 1.3 mi
  • Park Avenue: 1.3 mi
  • El Museo Del Barrio: 1.4 mi
  • Tuscan Square: 1.4 mi
  • Conservatory Garden: 1.4 mi
  • Nicholaas Roerich Museum: 1.4 mi
  • Trump Tower: 1.4 mi
  • Henri Bendel: 1.4 mi
  • Roseland: 1.5 mi
  • University Club: 1.5 mi
  • Sony Building: 1.5 mi
  • New Amsterdam Theater: 1.5 mi
  • Museum of American Folk Art: 1.5 mi
  • American Craft Museum: 1.5 mi
  • CBS Building: 1.5 mi
  • Equitable Center: 1.5 mi
  • Museum of Modern Art (MOMA): 1.6 mi
  • Paine Webber Art Gallery: 1.6 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.

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Guest Reviews (223)

Ratings and reviews for Excelsior Hotel

Overall score

4.2 / 5
223 out of 223
Amenities:
3.5
Room cleanliness:
4.5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4.3
Location:
4.7
Value:
4.1

92% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Portland, Oregon
Jul 25, 2009

Excellent location, clean, quiet

We had fast check in and check out, very clean rooms, safe location near subways, UWS restaurants and Central Park. Our room was on the 12th floor facing Margaret Mead Park behind The Natural History Museum, which had a nice view of the city. I will definitely stay here next time I'm in NYC. We had a twin room, which was small but still bigger than many others I've had in NYC. My only small problem was that the young hotel clerks did not know a lot about how the subway schedule or about NYC in general; otherwise, they were very helpful.

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

Reviewer score

4
Auntie Pat
Cumberland, R.I.
Jul 28, 2009

Great location away from the rush

Went for the New York City Triathlon and chose the hotel sight unseen. Original room had a problem with air conditioner. We were 4 people in the room and it was very uncomfortable. Took very long to finally move us to a room which out of the blue showed up. This was the only problem at this hotel. Rooms are very spacious and very clean. Doorman was very helpful with directions and suggestions on where to eat. I would stay here again in a minute.

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

EJ's for breakfast was amazing. Lenny's for lunch was just wonderful

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Pennsylvania
Jul 28, 2009

Excellent Service and Great Hotel

It was great. The doorman helped me find a spot so I did not pay for parking and the hotel let me check in an hour early to get ready for a wedding. The rooms were clean and the location was perfect.

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

Ocean Grill is amazing. Just two blocks away.

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Jeanne from Philly
Philadelphia, PA
Aug 3, 2009

Excelsior Hotel and Area

I booked this hotel based solely on the previous reviews I had read and was not disappointed. A friend and I stayed here not really being familiar with the location and were pleasantly surprised to find it was located directly across the street from the Museum of Natural Science and close to Central Park. The room was small with two twin beds but was clean as was the bathroom. We were only there for one night but found the staff that we interacted with to be polite and helpful. We ate breakfast at EJs as another reviewer had recommended and were not disappointed! Would also recommend eating at Sarabeth's and Nonna's in the neighborhood. Overall we had a great time in NY and would recommend the Excelsior Hotel. We would stay there again in the future.

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

We were able to park for about 24 hours in the Museum of Natural History's underground parking garage for about $26 - you need to show your parking stub at the time of checkout to get a sticker but it saved us about $12! Well worth it.

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
new orleans
Aug 10, 2009

excelsior hotel

quite neighborhood, near the B

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

Reviewer score

4
travelling girlz
Nanoose Bay British Columbia
Aug 19, 2009

Marvelous location for a Family

We were upgraded to a suite for our family of 4 which proved to make the stay in this hotel even better. The hotel is located across from the park that surrounds the Museum of Natural History so this was a wonderful view to take in every day. Left one-half block away is Central Park with a playground at its entrance as well as an easy walk to the MET and the rest of Museum row.

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

To Starbucks for a variety of coffees to begin our day.Columbus street had some lovely lunch and dinner places not too much for breakfast though except for weekend brunches. Amsterdam street should be explored although we didn't do that regretfully.

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
travelling girlz
Vancouver, BC
Aug 19, 2009

Great for all age ranges!

We were upgraded to a 1-bedroom suite which was very helpful with two children and two adults! This is a very kid-friendly neighbourhood; close to Central Park (lots of play areas) and across the street from the Museum of Natural History; subway station is a block away and we walked through the park -- played in Belvadere Castle -- to get to The Met Museum of Art. Never did find a good cheap breakfast place close by; this hotel would be perfect if it had a good, cheap breakfast. Cab rides are under well under $10 from Times Square/MoMA/5th Ave shopping and Lincoln Center is a long but doable walk away. We were walking in this neighbourhood quite late at night and felt very safe. Room was great; quiet with windows closed and air-conditioning worked like a dream (and was programmable!).

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

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Bloomington, IL
Aug 5, 2009

First Trip to NYC!

Hotel is in a great location between Central Park West and Columbus. Cental Park was just a block away and is a beautiful park...better than a botanical garden and great waling paths! Location is a wonderful upper westside neighborhood with great restaurants and brownstones. We had a queen bed with an extra sitting area including a pull out couch so was a much bigger space than expected. Bath was small but very clean and quaint with all tile walls and nice touches amd great water pressure in the shower! Room did not have a view but after sightseeing all day did not matter! Staff was efficient but not that friendly...did not make you feel welcome or give you any details about the hotel or the neighborhood. Loved NYC!

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

Patsi's for pizza, Isabella's for a great dinner, and the Shake Shack for awesome burgers!

Review of Excelsior Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Sterling, VA
Aug 27, 2009

This is a good, decent sized hotel.

The hotel is situated directly across the from the Museum of Natural History and you can use their parking. Be sure to get it validated by the hotel. The hotel suited our needs which was a place to lay our heads. We hardly stayed in our room because we were having lots of fun in Manhattan which was a quick subway ride. The subway is nearby. Very convenient. The tour bus was nearby too. Breakfast and lunch was all within 1 block. There is no kitchen in the hotel. I got this hotel for the low price and away from all the city noise.

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

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Chattanooga, TN
Sep 9, 2009

Surprise birthday trip for my husband

The staff was helpful, hotel was quiet, great location with plenty of eateries close by.

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