Stayed at Sleep Inn Brooklyn for 5 nights, with three friends in December 2011. Chosen for the free parking and the price. Given the recent reviews, wasn’t sure what we were getting into. Overall, it was fine – I would only stay there if I wanted to access Park Slope/Prospect Park/lower Manhattan more than anywhere else, and had a car with me, but I can’t complain given the price and our relatively low expectations.
Upon arrival, the room was clean, including the bathroom, which smelled of bleach. Bedspreads were dated, towels were thin (but plentiful), ironing board was broken. Mini fridge, small armoire and a few drawers were adequate for our short stay. Average size for a budget hotel room in New York. I think there were smoking rooms on the floor, as by the end of the trip, I noticed the smell and a staleness had seeped into the room. No evidence of mice or insects were seen during our trip. No problems with other guests, who appeared to be largely foreign tourists in their 20s and 30s.
Front desk staff were courteous, though generally not friendly. Security was lax – I was a bit shocked that, upon asking for another key to our room the next day, it was provided without asking for ID or even names to prove we were the people staying in the room. They also neglected to mention that issuing a new key reset the lock, so no one else’s key would work. The hotel is in an industrial area, but if you walk a block and cross under the expressway, you are in a residential neighbourhood, largely Latino, and fairly poor (saw the weekly food bank line at the church one night – a few dozen people in it). Lots of cheap food options if you like burritos, etc., a grocery store, bodegas and services like barber shops. On the main strip, I had no problem walking from the subway and felt safe at all times of the day and night. It was quiet though well lit on the side streets and by the expressway and some people may feel nervous walking there alone.
The R line is about 6 blocks away, at 45th. It will take you into Manhattan (slowly, as it is a local), to Prospect Park/Park Slope in 10 minutes (where there is lots of food, shopping, bars, and culture/outdoor activities – a more family friendly vibe), or to the 36th street stop where you can catch an express train to lower Manhattan. In total, I’d say it took 30-50 minutes to get to Chinatown/SoHo/LES including walking and waiting if you took the express.
- Brooklyn Sleep Inn
