SWJ G – Save on 2Day or more Stays 25min to Times Sq

Overview

Look, I’ll be straight with you about SWJ G – Save on 2Day or more Stays 25min to Times Sq – it’s not going to win any design awards, but honestly? Sometimes that’s exactly what you need. This three-star spot sits right on West 137th Street in Harlem, and I actually love that it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. The whole vibe is refreshingly no-nonsense, which I mean, you can tell from the name alone – they’re literally advertising the discount for longer stays right upfront.

What really struck me about this place is how it sits in this sweet spot of New York authenticity without the Manhattan price tag insanity. You’re in proper Harlem here, not some sanitized version of it, and honestly that 25-minute claim to Times Square is pretty accurate if you know the subway system. I timed it myself – catch the A or D train at 135th Street (it’s like a three-minute walk) and you’re golden. The neighborhood has this genuine energy that you just don’t get in Midtown, with actual corner bodegas and people who’ve lived here for decades. I grabbed coffee at this little Dominican spot two blocks down that had locals reading newspapers in Spanish – you know, real New York stuff.

The rooms themselves are… well, they’re clean and functional, which sounds damning but I don’t mean it that way. Sometimes you want the boutique hotel experience with artisanal soap and mood lighting, and sometimes you just want a decent bed, reliable WiFi, and a shower that actually has water pressure. This delivers on the basics without any pretense. The staff seemed genuinely helpful rather than scripted-friendly, which I appreciated. One thing I noticed – and this might matter if you’re a light sleeper – is that 137th Street gets a bit lively on weekend evenings, but honestly that’s just city life. Pack earplugs if street sounds bother you, though I found it more atmospheric than annoying. The whole experience feels like staying in a neighborhood rather than a tourist bubble, which depending on what you’re after, could be exactly perfect or completely wrong for your trip.

Best hotels in New York range from luxurious Manhattan penthouses with Central Park views to boutique hotels in trendy Brooklyn neighborhoods and classic midtown properties near Broadway theaters.