The Bayard

The Bayard Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first walked up to The Bayard on East 49th Street, I almost missed it. It’s tucked between some typical Midtown office buildings, and there’s something refreshingly understated about the entrance that made me do a double-take. You know what I mean? In a neighborhood where every hotel seems to be screaming for attention with massive signs and doormen in elaborate uniforms, this place just… exists, quietly confident.

Once you step inside though, you get it. The lobby has this sort of old-school New York charm – think dark wood, brass fixtures, and artwork that actually looks like someone curated it rather than ordering it from a hotel supply catalog. The staff behind the front desk seemed to genuinely know the neighborhood, which is rarer than you’d think in Midtown East. When I mentioned I was looking for a decent coffee place that wasn’t Starbucks, the guy didn’t just point me toward the lobby café – he walked me to the window and showed me this little spot on Second Avenue that locals actually use.

What really won me over about this three-star place is how it handles the Midtown location without feeling like you’re sleeping inside a tourist trap. Your room windows look out over the street scene below – sometimes you’ll catch snippets of conversations from people walking to Grand Central, or the occasional taxi honking its way through rush hour – but it’s not overwhelming. The rooms themselves are compact (this is Manhattan, after all), but they’re laid out smart. The bathroom actually has counter space, which is basically a miracle in this price range. And the beds? Honestly better than some four-star places I’ve stayed at in the city.

The thing about staying here is you’re really in the thick of things without being in Times Square chaos. Grand Central is literally a five-minute walk – I timed it – which means you can hop on Metro-North for day trips up the Hudson Valley, or just use it as your subway hub for getting anywhere in the city. There’s this great little ramen place around the corner on Third Avenue that the hotel folks told me about, and Bryant Park is close enough for morning coffee runs or evening people-watching sessions.

I mean, look, it’s not trying to be the Plaza or anything fancy like that. But sometimes you want a place that feels like it belongs in the neighborhood rather than dropped in from some corporate hotel playbook. The Bayard gets that balance right – comfortable enough that you’re not thinking about your room when you’re out exploring, but with enough personality that coming back feels like returning to your temporary New York home rather than just another hotel room. Plus, honestly, the rate for what you get in this part of town? It’s pretty reasonable, especially if you book directly with them.

The Bayard Accommodations

Reviews of The Bayard

• Great experience for the family- this hotel apartment make you feel like living in NYC – Zevi from Israel – July 23, 2025 (9/10)

  The apartment was great. Big rooms and all very comfortable.
  The staff was very nice, with one outstanding person- Mariella in the front desk was so nice and so helpful.
  She is an treasure for the hotel.
  
  What could be improved: If there was one more bathroom in the apartment- it was perfect.

• Wonderful – Langman from New Zealand – June 24, 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent location

• Highly recommended. I would stay again considering the Manhattan hotel prices. 9/10 – Sakc from Greece – June 23, 2025 (9/10)

  The room is actually a nice spacious flat with 2 large bedrooms with king and queen super comfortable beds, a living room that turns into the 3rd bedroom with a queen bed and a practical kitchen and bathroom. It was really more that what we expected from a Manhattan hotel (that in most reviews are tight, small, dark, dirty and way overpriced). The furniture and the decoration were not modern but everything worked as expected. I could easily see ourselves (5) living there for long terms. 10/10
  Breakfast was clean and fresh but pretty plain and basic. 6/10
  Rosa holds the secrets for THE best omelet I have ever tasted. Unfortunately she only makes it twice a week, not every day! Rosa, my doctor says "thank you" for that.
  Water dispenser was only dripping, could not refill a bottle.
  Bonus, you can take your breakfast up to your room and enjoy it there!
  WiFi was OK 9/10
  
  What could be improved: The night cost, but all the Manhattan hotels are overpriced

• It was a wonderful stay would happily stay here again. – Sidney from United States – June 13, 2025 (9/10)

  Property was clean, breakfast was wonderful. And close to everything we needed. The staff was outstanding, especially woman the front desk, receptionist, and the woman in the food service area.

• Wonderful – Zdenekl from Czech Republic – June 13, 2025 (9/10)

  Very good location. Friendly staff.
  
  What could be improved: Noise from the street at night.

• Wonderful – Brenda from Ireland – June 3, 2025 (9/10)

  Very spacious family apartment in an excellent location. Spotlessly clean with all the facilities you might need, including a welcome basket of water and snacks on the first night. Comfortable beds and minimal street noise helped us get a good sleep during our stay.

• Friendly hotel near the city centre. – Eva from Czech Republic – May 27, 2025 (8/10)

  Good locality, friendly personel , good breakfast with variety. Thank Rosa for making us tasty pancakes.

• Great 2 night stay before getting a cruise – Jane from Gibraltar – April 28, 2025 (9/10)

  The location, sizeable one bedroom suite. Start were great
  
  What could be improved: A bit rundown – could do with a refresh

• Wonderful – Cindy from United States – November 27, 2024 (9/10)

  lots of space. quiet location was good
  
  What could be improved: it meet or needs

• Amazing location, very helpful staff in beautiful New York. – Malgorzata from United Kingdom – November 24, 2024 (9/10)

  Sensational location of the hotel. Very tasty breakfast. Great hotel staff, very helpful and friendly Rossa – thank you for your help with the hairdryer. Hotel very clean.
  
  What could be improved: Our room was on the ground floor of the building, we did not know that the view from the window was of the wall, it would have been worth writing this in the description. I am quite a delicate sleeper so it was difficult for me to fall asleep without ear plugs due to the huge air conditioning extractor which was right next to our room.

Surroundings