Editorial Review
The Pennsylvania Hotel is a huge hotel spanning an entire city block between 32nd and 33rd Streets, priced for budget travelers. With over 1,700 rooms, you can expect to meet people from all over the world here. However, do also expect less than stellar room and maid service. But for the price, it is doubtless one of the better New York hotel values. Nevertheless, we continue to receive mixed reports from travellers who have stayed here.
As for location, the Pennsylvania is ideal for tourists and visitors on a budget. Located in the Garment District of Midtown Manhattan, the hotel is across the street from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, four long avenues away from the Jacob Javits Convention Center, and just ten blocks south of Times Square. There is easy access to many subway lines and great transportation options to and from the three airports from here, especially Newark airport via AirTrain.
The hotel's renowned Cafe Rouge Ballroom has played host to many of the Big Band Era's greats, including the Dorsey Brothers, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra - who forever immortalized the hotel and its phone number in the 1940 hit "Pennsylvania 6-5000". Indeed, New York's Hotel Pennsylvania has had the same phone number since 1919.
The hotel does have a small fitness center. However, if you are serious about your exercise you will want to use the Bally's Sports Club, a private fitness center located just next door. The Club offers five floors of state-of-the-art fitness equipment and an Olympic size indoor swimming pool. Guests of the hotel are offered half-price discount admission on a daily basis.
For those of you with furry friends, the Pennsylvania is one of the more pet-friendly hotels you will find. The property offers year-round "pet friendly" accommodations and services to make your pets feel like the Pennsylvania is their "home away from home". The Hotel is no stranger to hosting pets -- it is recognized as the host hotel for the Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
And finally, for those on a budget, there are plenty of inexpensive dining options nearby, whether diners, chain restaurants, or the big Whole Foods Market just eight blocks down Seventh Avenue.
