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Marrakech Hotel
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Manhattan Valley
2688 Broadway
(between 102nd St & 103rd St)
New York, NY 10025
(212) 222-2954
2688 Broadway
(between 102nd St & 103rd St)
New York, NY 10025
(212) 222-2954
Book now & Save on Winter in NYC
Book now at http://www.marrakechho...
Stay 5 nights or longer and save 10% off your stay
Book online or call 212-222-2954
- Nearest Transit:
-
103rd St (1)
96th St (1, 2, 3)
- Price Range:
-
$$
13 reviews for Marrakech Hotel
I stayed at this hotel last night while I was in town for an event. It wasn't bad. I've stayed in worse. There are lots and lots of stairs. No elevator. But, I can live with that. There was nothing even remotely Morrocan about the room I stayed in except for the night stand. Though the room was cute and clean. The bathroom on the otherhand, not that great. The tub still had a puddle of water sitting in it and seemed not very clean. And the bathroom had a very strong mildew smell. I needed to go to Duane Reade and get an air freshener, which didn't help that much.
But that wasn't the worst of it. The noise from the street was terrible. The windows are not sound proof like in most hotels. Granted, it's an old building, but they should have at least put new windows in. Every little noise from the street echoed through our room all night. We got very little sleep. Between the garbage man picking up the trash at 1:00 in the morning, and the big truck making a delivery at 2:30 in the morning, and all the other trucks zooming by all night, and I could even hear the subway which is underground but the grate was on the ground below our room. I could probably sleep through the subway and car noises, but the trucks were constant and loud. Not to mention the shop owners closing the store front gates and then re-opening them in the morning. Very loud. Needless to say we got no sleep and ended up checking out early in the morning and heading right to the bus station to go home.
I suppose we could have changed rooms if we asked, but I was too tired to lug all my stuff to some other room. Did I mention all the stairs??? Plus I figured if the windows were that thin in our room, they were probably that thin in every room. So why bother?
On the upside, it is a cute hotel. The lounge was closed when I was there so I wasn't able to really check it out. The staff is very nice, and the location is not bad. It's a safe neighborhood and there are a lot of good restaurants around. It was a bit too far uptown from all the stuff I was there to do, but that's okay. The subway is right there and there are always taxis around.
Stayed here this weekend. We got a great price, but I still blanche at calling the rate we got a "budget" rate. But, budget it was . . . for New York. It makes me want to come back . . . to stay here.
Here's what this hotel has. Location, location, location. Steps from the 1 train stop at 103rd street. Upper West Side, near everything, esp. where we wanted to go. A Starbucks right next door - this was brilliant, as the hotel avoids having a cafe this way - they can just send people over to the Starbucks. LOVED the iPod clock radio in the room, but this seems to be standard in most hotels this day . . . 'cos it's brilliant, everyone brings their own music these days.
A cute Moroccan theme . . . those that know me, know I am all OVER this, and this part is well done. It's brilliant also, because some aspects of Moroccan design are slightly spartan and simple . . . like the rooms. A metal shelving unit with a curtain holds your clothes - what, you need more? Simple, clean rooms. The fastidious Virgo in me appreciated the spotlessly clean snowy white bed sheets.
The striped carpet on the dimly lit stairwell required concentration. I was afraid a couple of times that I was going to pitch down the stairs after a misstep, however I maintained my equilibrium. I loved the blue walls throughout, very Moroccan, very cool.
The bar was quite the lively scene during the happy hour from 5-8, but then the lounge area dwindled off after that, as the bar was not open late. Suppose this is good, as it cuts down on the noise. The free WiFi worked in the bar area, but was spotty at best in the rooms.
The service was very good enough and the staff was pleasant.
I'm comin' back, t'fudaal, ya habibi!
This is where La Novia stayed in New York. It's a Moroccan themed hotel. No really, it has a Moraccan theme.
In order to properly assess this hotel, we need a GBU review. And by GBU, I mean: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The good: It's cheap. The staff is hard working, friendly, and helpful. It's cheap. It's near the "1" subway train. It's cheap. It's a few blocks from central park. It's cheap. The neighborhood is decent and feels pretty safe. There is a hallway community restroom, just in case you don't want to take a dump in front of your significant other in the hotel room. Did I mention it was cheap?
The bad: There is no elevator. Very tiny rooms. Even tinier bathrooms. No closet space since there were no closets. The room felt very stuffy, unless you had the air conditioning on at full blast.
The ugly: The carpet. It was playing tricks on my mind. You have to see it to believe it.
So in the end, if you want a cheap room in New York City that is full of younger patrons and near the subway, then this is the place to go. Just don't expect anything fancy. So with that said, don't believe the pictures on the website.
And remember: it's cheap.
Well, cheap when it comes to New York.
From the start, this place was pretty unique. The stairway up to reception was a beautiful journey through blue wall tiles and earthy colored, striped carpeting, really an awesome first impression. Then the lobby, being small, was also very impressive and the staff was very very friendly...there is a small bar area around the other side of the room in the lobby. unfortunately there is no elevator but the walk up the stairs isn't too bad, the only thing is that the rooms are very small..they're clean and accommodating but very small...at least the one i was in was very small. They are quaint and have extensive cable channels to enjoy and the shower is no smaller then normal. the location is pretty good too, its right near a lot of good places to eat and literally next door to a starbucks! which i liked.
Clean but very very small rooms and we had a Superior room. The door barely clears the double bed.
No elevator, two flights to reception, then more stairs to your room (3 more flights for us) The steps are very uneven which makes it much easier to trip.
The room was baking hot such that we turned on the AC fan, then the actual AC. It was odd in that despite being quite cold outside the incoming air was warm.
The electricity in the bathroom came and went.
At half the rate we paid, it would be an OK value.
Here's the deal with the Marrakech - I needed a place for one night because I needed to be in the Upper West side in the morning - This place is clean enough and safe enough but totally low-budget. There are no frills - not even an elevator. The staff was really nice, and they will carry your bags up for you if you like. The room and bathroom were OK (no bed bugs), but despite the business center in the lobby and the flat screen TV in the room I could tell this building has seen some rough times in its day (think housing Bukowski) . The current owners have painted and upgraded and replaced all the linen, beds and some of the carpet according to a posting they put up on http://www.tripadvisor... but if you are easily put off this is not the place for you.
If you can take it for what it is than it's A-OK.
I do have fond memories of my stay at the Marrakech Hotel, only due to the company. But I probably would not stay here again. Here's why;
I was attending a concert at the Beacon Theatre on Broadway, and hadn't decided to go until the day before. Needless to say, the Beacon Hotel was full as well as everything else in that area. This was the closest.
While the pictures are somewhat accurate, there is a "Moroccan" design, whatever that is supposed to mean. Ever wonder why you and I have both never heard of a "Moroccan" designed hotel? Just think about that a little bit....
The hallways in this place reminded me of a rundown hotel I had to go into in San Francisco in the early 80's for some odd reason that was not enjoyable at that time... The rooms, well, they remind me of a Motel 6. I have no idea where they got the picture from of the room on their website, as the two rooms I had looked nothing like that. Mine looked like well, a motel 6 with restrooms like I saw in High School in the 1980's. And yes I said (2) rooms. The first one they gave me, with a view over Broadway had a window unit air conditioner that was so loud that when I turned it on, it scared me. It sounded like a lawn mower. So I had to move to another room, with a great view of a brick wall next door.
The only reason I am giving this 2 stars is due to the fact that I know Real Estate in NYC is expensive. The staff was great, and the bar does give you one free beer a day. They even stock local NYC Microbrewed beer. I did in fact feel so safe in the bar/lounge (with free Wi-Fi and funky private egg shaped chairs) that when going outside to smoke, I just left my laptop there on my table (asking the bartenderess to make sure no one but me leaves with it). And that was fine. I did feel safe and comfortable.
The stairs are very old with very small steps, and myself, having size 14 feet did trip and about broke my fucking neck by falling down a whole flight of them. Still have the scar on my knee to show for it, but I was drunk so I won't point any blame considering that. I had came home from drinking with a few members of the SNL cast for about 5 hours and we were trashed. Us with big feet know to be more careful especially in older buildings around the whole country.
Just know that their photos on their website are not at all a true representation of the halls and rooms. The lobby, counter and bar / lounge (which their website focuses on in photos) does look cool. Yet when there, then you open the creaking door to the hallways to your room and, if you are like me, think "Oh Holy Shit!" Is this the SAME place? I GUARANTEE YOU, there are hookers living here with some extended stay pricing plan.
This is within walking distance from Central Park. It's overpriced. I paid like $170 a night. IF it were $99 a night and I could not find anything better on a real short notice, I would stay there again.
This is a great place to stay if you need something on the UWS. There is no elevator and be careful with the steps. The carpet is a crazy pattern that I swear messes with your depth perception! They have two room sizes. Small and Very Small. They are all the same price so its really just luck of the draw. As always, in my opinion, the most important thing is cleanliness! This place has always been very clean and myself or my family has stayed here six times now. They also have a comfortable bar in the lobby which is great for a drink while your wife heats the entire room with her hair dryer! This is a smart way to go if your coming to visit....dont get hung up on trying to find a place near midtown....it will probably cost you twice as much down there. This hotel is right next to the #1 train that can get you to Times Square in less than ten minutes.
Comment from Keith A. of
Marrakech Hotel
7/9/2009
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Wow! I stayed here while planning my wedding and also was able to get an amazing room block rate for my wedding guests this October. I have to say that for the price we negotiated, this is a great find in NYC. I saw the bad review before mine and I have to say that it's pretty unfair; this is not a luxury hotel, there is no turn down service, it's an older building, etc., so some things aren't going to be there. Like toiletry shelves for little people.
I didn't have a problem with noise staying at the front of the hotel on Friday night. It was fine!
The rooms are comparable in size to a standard room at the W 5th Ave. No joke. However, the bathrooms are pretty tiny. Ours was very clean and had a great overhead rain showerhead. No bathtub - just a standup shower.
The decor - fine. Room - clean. Staff - great, for the most part (there is always an exception, right?).
The only things I would improve are:
1. put mini fridges in the room under the desks;
2. more comfortable mattresses;
3. add an elevator (it's an old building, so I doubt this will ever happen)
This hotel was so cute! I loved the theme. The staff is super friendly and helpful.
I came here with a budget hotel in mind and got exactly what I expected. The rooms are small but you get what you paid for. The fact that a metro station was right outside was great! No having to walk numerous blocks to get to the hotel.
I would definitely come back here again just because the staff was so friendly and it's a decent hotel for the price.
Trying to do New York on a budget is never fun. The last thing you want to do is end up at some hotel in Times Square which looks like most of the clientele book by the hour - and believe me, it happens. And the whole shared bathroom idea? Not for me. Youth hostels are for the young, which I most certainly am NOT.
So I found this funky hotel on Quickbook called the Marrakech Hotel, which had a good location and looked pretty nice from the website. Actually, here's a tip, just book directly with the hotel - the rooms are cheaper.
It's the kind of place you would totally miss if you weren't looking for it. Look up and you will see a banner and then realize there is a man in a uniform standing by an enclosed door. A long stairwell (typical of the buildings in the neighborhood) leads to a first floor landing with reception and a bar. I liked the fact that they have their own bar. It's done well, and a fine place to meet friends for a drink before heading out
It's obvious to me why they chose the theme of the place - mood lighting, rich paint colors and dark corridors cleverly hide blemishes and divert your gaze. It's fine, just don't expect frills. Rooms are small and utilitarian, and clean enough. You get one scratchy bath towel each, which seemed a little skimpy to me. The staff is very friendly and they guests seemed satisfied. They have a computer station, which is convenient, and is always in use. You can also buy wireless access for around $9.
Walls are thin so if you're a light sleeper, bring your earplugs.
Guests were varied - all age groups and nationalities. From young Europeans to suburban grandmothers.
The location is close to Columbia/Barnard so would be a good choice if you are visiting someone there.
Rooms start at around $119.
RUDE receptionist!
This is my conversation with one about 15 minutes ago (06.18.08, 11am):
Me: I'd like to leave a message for my brother who's not checked in yet. His name is so and so.
Receptionist: OK.
Me: do you have his reservation up?
Receptionist: Yes.
Me: ok, can you ask him to text message me or give me a call when he gets in.
::pause::
Receptionist: how do you spell the last name?
Me thinking: WTH!? Didn't I just ask you if you had his reservation up and you said Yes?!
He finally had it up and I left my message.
When I asked him to repeat the message, HE HUNG UP ON ME!!
I called back, and I asked him to repeat the message.
Receptionist: Oh what, you don't think I wrote it down ?
I'm like.. WTF?!?!
Me being the person that I am, i just said: oh no, just want to make sure you have my phone number correctly.
He repeated my message, but you can tell by the tone of his voice that he's upset/ think it's ridiculous, or whatever.
I don't need hotel staff to worship the ground I walk on -- not all the time anyway. ;-) -- but COME ON! This is ridiculous!
HORRIBLE hotel!!!! I booked this hotel, cos all hotels 3 stars and 4 stars already sold out in Manhattan. I've been checking the whole travel websites for about 4 wks to find a great, reasonable hotel. Since, it's high season, so there;s nutin left. Well, it's NY. Funny thing, Marrakech hotel is always available for that price, it was around $260 ish, still expensive in general, but then again it's NYC. The first day we got there was heavy raining and still cold (end of May). We checked in the room and it's "super tiny" This is my 8th times in NY and I've stayed in my friends house before and see how NY apt looks like. This is seriously so tiny. The room is very cold. They don't have heater that you can turn on by yourself. They do have attached AC. The window panels aren't built great as well. There's still some air from the outside coming inside the room. SO COLD!!! I was wearing my fleece pants with socks and sweater, still can't barely take a rest or nap after a long flight. I was sneezing from the cold the whole day and night. I'd rather stay outside than inside the hotel. The bathroom is super tiny, the sink is so small and there's no place where you can put all your makeup, amenities, curling iron, etc. They only have an attached stainless rack to put your toilettries and it was kinda high. I'm only 5'3 so a little hard to reach the top rack. The only mirror is the bathroom small wall mirror. So, you CAN'T checkout yourself in full profile. I don't know if my clothes look good altogether, etc. SO ANNOYING!!! If you are a guy or sloppy one, then go ahead. Inside the room, only one double bed (they said it's queen bed), 2 sides tables. Nuting else. I can't even open my laptop comfortably. I have to fight with my boy to use the mirror and bathroom. I'm a tiny person and this room is still tiny for me. The people are pretty friendly in there, the star only goes for them. You can't even put your shampoo or cleanser in the shower. The sink drains so slow, almost flooding. After that the water runs down to the floor from the pipe, almost like leaking. Location is FAR, I thought it was not that bad hearing Central park few blocks. Don't be fooled!!!! It's a little ghetto during nightime. We have to change subway to get to diff directions. The theme on the website is cute, but you ain't getting like that. It's just a very small hotel hidden in between Starbucks and some grocery shops or one dollar store, can't remember. There's 24 hrs Mcdonalds and Duane Read. LOL. I have to eat on the bed inside this room. I put my brown bag on the floor, water on the carpet...sux. Disgusting enough. So, uncomfortable. We moved to Club Quarters Downtown hotel close to Wall Street, financial district. It's very great hotel, we slept like babies for 4 nights there..... Great location as well, safe, many foods, supermarket, bakery. Lovely room just what I'm looking for, contemporary, clean, pretty spacey for NY, comfy bed and real queen size bed, free internet, laundry, gym, etc. LOVE IT.
PS: Forgot to add, the annoying housekeeping kept knocking your door like 5 times when the sign do not disturb is on. WTF!!! The walls are very thin, too.
