HARD ROCK HOTEL (NEW YORK CITY)

We stayed at the HARD ROCK HOTEL NEW YORK on two separate occasions in July 2024: for one night upon our arrival to New York City then again for another night after we’d had a couple of days away in Vermont. 

The Hard Rock Hotel is a 4 1/2 star hotel and we chose it as a treat. Rooms ranged from $359 to $404 a night. The additional resort fee we had to pay upon checkout was $45 per room per night. 

The hotel is centrally located and is close to Times Square and around 10 minutes walk away from the more famous Hard Rock Cafe. we were pleased to see it had secure elevators - you scan your room key before being able to select the floor you want to go to. 

We had rooms on the 6th and 26th floors, both offering good views of Times Square. The rooms were compact, clean and modern. The king sized bed had loads of room and was very comfortable. 

We had no complaints whatsoever, but a couple of small quibbles: the mood lighting in the rooms was great but we could have done with some additional lights for those times when you need them all on. There was also no iron or ironing board: you are provided with a hand steamer which was powerful but became the bane of our lives as if you weren’t careful it was easier to add creases to your clothes than get them out. 

We didn’t have time to visit the restaurant and bar in the hotel, but as we passed through the lobby we heard some of the live music being performed there. 

The hotel has a Rock Shop and we popped in to purchase a magnet to join our growing collection of Hard Rock Cafe and Hotel magnets, which are based on the chain’s famous logo. The Hotel versions are purple but sadly (and unusually) they didn’t stock them, so we left empty handed. 

This is a welcoming hotel; all the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful. The Hard Rock Hotel opened in New York in April 2022 and its newness is still there. We highly recommend a visit if you’re ever staying in New York City and the hotel is within your budget. 

ROOM FACILITIES 

Amazon Echo Show with Alexa

Coffee machine

Bottled water

Refrigerator (not the coldest)

AC

Table and chairs

Hand steamer

Room safe

Shower (rainfall and handheld)

THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Upon check-in we were told we’d been credited with $20 for food and beverages. This made it sound like you were getting twenty dollars for free but was actually part of the $45 Destination Fee. 

Like many hotels across America, the Hard Rock Hotel charges a “resort fee” or as they are now being called, a Deatination Fee. Hotels can claim this is for the WiFi you use, the coffee in your room, access to the gym facilities etc. Really it is just another tourist tax, an up charge to increase the cost of your visit, without it being quoted in the room price. We try to avoid hotels with these fees and while it can be a challenge, they do exist and often promote themselves as such. 

📌 HARD ROCK HOTEL NEW YORK, 159 W. 48th St., New York, NY 10036

🌐 hotel.hardrock.com/new-york

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