Expensive I just assume..
Let us hear from Yelpers,,Huh, they are not very impressed. Just Ok reviews
OK-- Let me note that the Intercontinental in TIMES SQUARE gets very good reviews...that is probably the Intercontinental you want in NYC
InterContinental New York Barclay
Category:
Hotels
111 E 48th St(between Park Ave & Lexington Ave)
New York, NY 10017
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 755-5900
For Best Available Rates Direct From Our Hotel
Book Now- Nearest Transit Station:
- 51 St. (4, 6, 6X)Lexington Ave./53 St. (E, M)Grand Central - 42 St. (4, 5, 6, 6X)
- Price Range:
- $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Paid
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
118 reviews for InterContinental New York Barclay
Review Highlights What's this?
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"The location was great, I would definitely stay here again." In 7 reviews -
"...is four blocks west and Grand Central is within easy walking distance." In 13 reviews -
"The Front Desk is some of the most knoweldgeable and best I've ran..." In 22 reviews
Rating Distribution | Trend
117 reviews in English
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Review from David S.
San Francisco, CA9/30/2013
I can be a picky traveler, but I found my standard room to be immaculate, comfortable, reasonably spacious (by New York standards), and very reasonably via Hotwire. And despite my room facing the street, the double paned windows kept all the noise out.
The only drawback is that lots of UN folks like to stay there while in session, so there can be strict security to enter the hotel during those times.
I'd highly recommend. -
Review from Jenn W.
Washington, DCDon't come here. Compared to other Intercontinentals, this is an embarrassment.
Rooms are outdated, at least on the fifth floor where I stayed (09/14/2013). Rubber bath mat in the bathroom had black mildew caked on its underside. The toilet in my room didn't flush unless the handle was held for at least 10seconds. This morning at 11am, a hotel employee saying something unintelligible opened the door even after I called out for him not to come in.
Also - standard membership in the loyalty rewards program costs $200. Are they kidding??? -
Review from Cassie P.
I'm kind of surprised that this is a three star hotel. I'm in the Intercontinental Ambassador Club and we get late check out, free wifi and supposedly an automatic upgrade. I purposely chose to stay here for the upgrade. The hotel is located in a great section of the city. An easy walk to the luxe sections of NYC, theaters, shopping, the Park. The staff was very nice.
I'm not sure we actually received the upgrade because the room, while nice, wasn't as "upgraded" as some of the other IHG hotels we have stayed in. That being said, our room was a decent size for the two of us. The beds were super comfortable!!! There was little to no counter space in the bathroom which is no bueno for two glam fashionistas. I ended up using the mirror in the room and kept my toiletries in their bags. We were on the 6th floor and yes, the street noise was a bit much BUT it IS NYC. Expected.
I would definitely stay here again. A good choice! -
Review from Chris G.
Downtown, Seattle, WALate Review:
I stayed here for about two weeks in July of 2011 for work. I liked it here, I didn't love it but liked it. Although, the service was great and the lobby is large and beautiful, the rooms are really dated and not in an old-charm sort of way, it was more like an old dingy someone please update me now sort of way. I mean wait to you see the toilette, Im thinking it was in a public restroom in its past life.
This is a awesome location in Midtown but If you happen to walk by the InterContinental Hotel in Times Square, you're going wonder why this Hotel doesn't look as nice as that one. Until they update it, this is just an A-Ok hotel. -
Review from David G.
Clearwater, FL10/9/2013
Not a very nice hotel. Poor service by all, and elevators are breaking. Stay elsewhere if cost is the same. -
Review from Teri D.
Mostly the A-Ok is for the location. From this hotel you can walk to the business district with ease (good for hubs) and to the major shopping on 5th ave. Since we were there they have done some updating which they were in the process of when we stayed there last year.
They now have flat screen tv's instead of the old big bulky things and I believe they have upgraded the carpeting in the rooms. Front desk service was ok in my opinion - stuffy - but ok and the concierge seemed more concerned about the big group that was there (yeah yeah so it was the US Open folks) instead of helping me find some place.
The rooms are tiny but that's to be expected. But unless you are having a party in the room you're only there to sleep, change clothes and whatever ;) Beds were comfy but that bathroom??? I've seen bigger closets! Had to turn sideways on the toilet. My biggest complaint was the continental breakfast.
Seriously! They were issuing out the coffee, juice and croissants like there was a war shortage or something. Most hotels have a set up where you can go up to the buffet and get your cold cereal, yogurt, etc. Not here! You get one croissant and if ya lucky two cups of coffee. After going once for breakfast we opted to not do that ever again and went to a spot across the street. -
Review from Sam G.
Sherman Oaks, CAExtremely disappointed. My wife and I have stayed at several Intercontinentals in the past (Tel Aviv, SF, etc.) and have always had wonderful experiences. We expected coming to NYC we would have the same; alas, we were sorely disappointed.
Staff is decently attentive, but no one seems to particularly care about your existence. Location is pretty good; mostly hotels nearby, but fairly close to everything you need to get around (Subway, Grand Central, Times Square, etc.).
The real issue here though is the physical plant. Simply stated, the hotel is worn and is in desperate need of a renovation.
Walking by the business center to the elevator banks, one can't help but notice the smell of mold/sewage. When noting this to hotel staff, they seemed befuddled. Getting up to your floor doesn't help; the hallways are mildly air conditioned and as a result, there is a nice mildew-y smell permeating throughout thanks to NYC summer humidity. Getting to your room is a bit better in that the smell seems to have dissipated (likely due to guests cranking the AC), but that's when you see what seems to be the last gasp of a glory-era hotel:
-Chipped and broken furniture;
-Showers with water pressure/temperature problems;
-A lumpy mattress;
-Peeling wallpaper;
-Dirt. Lots of dirt;
-Incredible amounts of noise (from the street, from the hallways, from your neighbors, etc.);
-And just general wear and tear.
The room is good size, however, which is appreciated in a town known for its expensive (yet paltry) accommodations.
After three nights, we got fed up and went across the way to another hotel which was cheaper, friendlier, and had nicer rooms.
Don't stay here. -
Review from Mr Cat S.
Manhattan, NYMr and Ms Cat purchased two nights at the InterContinental Barclay through Hotwire, and were very satisfied with their stay!
Upon walking in the building, the Cats were very impressed with the lobby, which was fancy, classy, and made the Cats feel like dandy humans.
The hotel was very spacious, with a wide lobby, wide hallways, and larger than usual rooms as compared to other NYC hotels.
The Cats would be very happy getting the Barclay another time through Hotwire. -
Review from Joseph C.
I think they must have recently renovated or updated their rooms, because a lot of the complaints I read about didn't exist in my room (outdated bathroom, old TVs, worn furniture). I really had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend this hotel to someone who wanted to stay in a touristy spot. I normally avoid midtown at all costs when visiting New York, but I was taking my grandmother to a Broadway show and I thought it would be easier to be close to everything. For its proximity to all the tourism of Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue and Central Park, I was surprised by how quiet the street itself was.
The lobby is absolutely breathtaking. I normally stay in more modern hotels, but I intentionally chose something with old world charm for my grandmother. I'm glad I did because I loved it. My husband and I spent a good deal of time chatting in the lobby and drinking in the hotel bar. My grandmother spent a few hours reading in a nice chair in the lobby. We never felt like we were in someone's way or like it was too loud. It really had the vibe of one of those classic, elegant hotels where everyone socializes in the lobby.
The room itself was a good size for New York. There was originally a mixup with the room we reserved, but the staff was incredibly accommodating and got us what we needed without any hassle. The beds were incredibly comfortable. The closet was huge. There was an iHome and an LED Samsung Smart TV, for those of you who (like me) enjoy techy things in your hotel room. Even though it was just a regular room with two beds there was seating for 4 (a little 2 person bench, an office chair, and a comfortably arm chair by the window). The bathrooms were well appointed and stocked, but a bit on the small side, even for New York. I would maybe shrink the walk-in closet a bit and make the bathroom larger, but that's just me.
The only thing I found annoying was the credit card hold. I always call ahead to ask what it's going to be so I can be prepared. I'm a grad student and I like to travel comfortably, but I need to be aware of my financial situation. They told me ahead of time it would only be a $50 hold per night. I called a week before to confirm the amount, and then again the day before. Each time I was told $50. They ended up holding $100 per night. It didn't cause any problems, and I didn't even notice until I checked my credit card when I got home, but it's mostly the principle. In large chains I always try to ask the front desk directly because sometimes the call centers give out wrong information. They refused to allow me to speak directly to the front desk when I called though, and sure enough the call center answering my phone call apparently did not have the correct information.
Despite that minor annoyance I really did have a wonderful experience. Next time I stay in midtown this place will definitely be on the short list. -
Review from Kevin R.
Scranton, PAGot a "deal" on Priceline, $120/night.
Location is great for the typical NYC tourist attractions. However, not impressed with this self-proclaimed luxury hotel. Room was tired and in need of some upgrading/remodeling. The bathtub's "anti-slip" flooring was stained with dirt from use over the years and the room was dimly lit. Also found hair in the tub. We asked for another room, but it was in the same condition.
I was not allowed to use a luggage cart myself, as I was informed that this is a service hotel. I'm certainly capable of handling my own luggage and while I appreciate the availability of a bell hop, I would like the option of taking care of it on my own.
Valet parking $71/night. Found a garage down the street for $50. -
Review from Hadron Collider P.
Manhattan, NY:: review for the bar only ::
The bar area is small, but there is a massive room next to it that looks like a dining room. It's the kind of space where you'd expect to see a bagel station and some coffee pots. Anyway, I sat there.
Drinks are midtown expensive, just like at the Roosevelt hotel bar. But, unlike the Roosevelt, there's really no vibe here. Service was spotty, too. And, interestingly, the default martini preparation was on the rocks in a rocks glass, not up. Weird, but the drink was fine. -
Review from Kailey M.
Orlando, FLI love the location because its in midtown, its close to everything but not as hectic as time square. We wanted 2 beds room but it wasn't available, so they upgraded us to a room with a king bed and a roll-away bed. The room is spacious for New York. The bed was comfortable, but the bathroom was a little tight. I would stay again. -
Review from Lauren R.
Ugh, this place. I'm glad our room was pretty cheap on Priceline or else I'd probably be more annoyed.
First off, upon checking in, it seemed the whole entire hotel was full of drunk kids. We found out later it had to do with the NFL draft being at Radio City. So, all night long I could hear drunk, meatheads stumbling up and down the halls yelling. Needless to say the walls are paper thin.
The weirdest thing happened and it really irked me. We checked in to our room pretty late, got up there and walked in. It looked like someone had been laying in our bed with furniture strewn about the room. Not only that, the minibar was opened and water bottles were opened with the caps right next to them. These are expensive bottles of water. I knew we were gonna get charged if we didn't say something to the front desk. So, call down and they give us a new room. A slightly larger one. But, low and behold, the same thing! The mini bar water bottles are opened with a glass of water sitting right next to it in the new room. I was annoyed, do they not check the rooms? Is it cleaning people? We stay in that room, it was late, I was starving. Upon checking out, we were informed that we were charged for the mini bar. I let them know that we didn't touch anything in it. Neither front desk person at either time seemed to care.
The hotel is old and overpriced. The bed is redeeming as well as the location. I will not be staying here again. -
Review from Reviewer O.
Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, NYLove this hotel, so nice and beds are fantastic -
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Review from Melissa S.
Seattle, WAMy husband and I stayed here in September 2012. The location was easy to find once we got off the subway. We arrived late in the evening and the staff at the front desk offered a warm welcome. We were offered late checkout (without asking!), and were given several suggestions for late-night dining options.
The early edition of the New York Times was waiting for us at our room - how cool! The room was small but comfortable. The bedding was soft and felt very clean (you know when the bedspread doesn't feel clean?). It felt like you were sleeping on a cloud. The bathroom was cramped but had everything we needed (including mouthwash). The bathtub was showing its age and peeling up around the drain, but it did the job. In the morning we used the in-room Kuerig coffee maker but it didn't work - oh well. Good thing there's a Starbucks on the same block!
I knocked the hotel down to three stars because it didn't really amaze us for the high price. I realize that midtown is an expensive neighborhood, but we stayed at a holiday inn nearby that was a lot cheaper and comfortable enough. I'd probably recommend anyone on a budget (even if you like to splurge) to stay somewhere else in the same neighborhood.-
King Sized bed. -
Welcome package. -
In-room coffee.
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Review from Jody Z.
We had a great stay at the Barclay over a long weekend. I got a gooddeal on Priceline and check in was a breeze. We had requested a king sized bed and when we tried to check in early at noon, the front desk staff told us that a king would be available at 3:00pm or we could check into a queen room right away. At that point, we just wanted to check in and freshen up so we took the queen and were happy that they gave us the choice!
I thought the room was large for NYC! There was a decent sized bathroom, full closet, queen sized bed, desk with chair, arm chair, ottoman, and a large unit with drawers, a refrigerator, and a huge flat screen on top and a mini Keurig! I had read some complaints about the bathroom, but I thought it was nice. There was a long shelf above the sink, which gave me plenty of room for all of my stuff. The Keurig was great! I usually never bother with in-room coffee makers, but the Keurig was so convenient. We were always stocked with two regular and two decaf K-cups, to go cups with lids, and little boxes filled with creamers, sugar and sweet & low packets, and spoons. It's the little things that make me happy!!
Everyone at the hotel was friendly and helpful. The location was great, there was so much we could walk to and it was so easy to grab a cab out front when we needed it. It may not be the most modern hotel, but I liked the old New York style. The hotel shows its age a little, but I think that's pretty typical for a hotel built in the 1920s! I think they've done a good job of keeping it updated. I would definitely stay here again if the price was right. -
Review from Derek F.
San Ramon, CAIt was love at first sight.
I booked this room via Hotwire Hot Rates and was amazed at what i ended up with. Not only was I in love with the location, but the room was spectacular. The wooden furniture gave the room a very modern yet elegant feel and the room did not seem to lack any of the necessary amenities. Plus, its not often you can find a large room in NYC (especially with 2 beds) so needless to say i was impressed.
The location was amazing! i was walking distance from almost everything. So many restaurants, stores, ect in close proximity. I stayed here on Saturday night (2 nights before Sandy hit) and was ecstatic to see a street food festival about 2 blocks away.
The only reason this place does not get 5 stars is because my wallet was stolen (along w/my id & room key) and the front desk gave me a hard time and refused to let me into my room without ID. I was stuck at the front desk for 20 minutes and had it not been for my friend who was visiting from New Orleans that i had added to my room, i likely would have been stuck downstairs for who knows how long. My friend was staying in my room and the front desk had to confirm my identity with him before letting ME back into MY room which was under MY name with MY luggage in there. *SMH* what a joke.
If you have back up identification I would highly suggest staying here. I loved my room, the location, and my experience other than the difficult people at the front desk. -
Review from Denice R.
Oakland, CAEveryone has an opinion and one little thing can sway it to either be a positive or negative experience. I have nothing but (mostly) positive things to say about my stay here.
It started before I even arrived -- I used name your own price on http://priceline.com and secured a room at this hotel for more than $100 off per night. Arrived way before check-in, asked for a double bed and was provided one. Such a bonus in New York!
The lobby is beautiful, staff is friendly and helpful, and the room provided a decent view (woke up Sunday morning to discover a street fair going on down below. Such a bonus).
The only hiccup was with requesting more washcloths. Called for extra (housekeeping only left two and there were two of us in the room). Had to call back when they didn't arrive. The second time, the person who answered the phone asked how many people were in the room. I should not have to justify why I need more washcloths, just bring them!
Overall, the location is great (I love to walk, and there is much to see in the area). It did take us an unusually long time to get a taxi Friday night.
Don't be scared off by people who say this is an "older" hotel and the bathrooms are small. That doesn't matter If you travel like I do. I use my hotel room strictly for sleeping and showering!-
Double beds -
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Review from Janice C.
With an impressive and grand looking lobby, professional and welcoming staff, central location (5 blocks to Grand Central station/Times Square, near 5th Ave, 1 block from Duane Reade and 2 blocks from Starbucks), I was excited to stay here.
However, being centrally located also means NOISE. Lots of it, so bring ear plugs, I was on the 8th floor but the honking outside woke me up before my alarm went off. (don't you hate that?!)
The room was very much in need of updating, the bed wasn't as comfortable as it looks and the furniture had deep scratch marks. The bathroom was a tight squeeze, water pressure is ok but the shower makes this hissing noise and I'm all for eco-friendly toiletries but it sucked! This hotel caters mostly to business people and is perfect for conferences, etc. but it's not for me.Listed in: I Heart NYC!
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