Quick note before we start: I paid for my stay. I slept there, showered there, and lugged my suitcase through that tiny elevator myself. So yes, I’ve got feelings about it.
If you want to compare notes with another firsthand rundown, check out this in-depth trip report on the Belnord Hotel.
The Vibe, In a Nutshell
Clean. Small. Budget-friendly for Manhattan. The Belnord Hotel won me over with location and price. It didn’t wow me with space. But it did its job, and I slept fine.
You know what? That’s kind of the point.
Why I Picked It
I was on the Upper West Side for a work thing and some museum time. I wanted easy subway access, a safe area, and a place that didn’t blow my budget. Belnord sits on West 87th Street, near Broadway. The 1 train at 86th Street is super close. Central Park is a short walk. Zabar’s, Levain Bakery, and the American Museum of Natural History are all nearby. That’s my happy triangle.
Also, rates were lower than other spots around there—truly a no-frills Upper West Side steal compared with many neighboring properties.
Check-In and First Impressions
I reached the desk around 3 pm with a backpack, a rolling bag, and a tired face. The front desk was brisk but polite. Not chatty, not cold—just “let’s get you a key.” They held my luggage for an hour earlier while I grabbed a bagel. No fuss.
The elevator is small. Think: two people with carry-ons and we’re full. It felt a bit slow, but it worked. The hallways are narrow and bright. No weird smells. Housekeeping carts lined up like little vans. I took that as a good sign.
The Room: Tiny, But Tidy
My room was on a higher floor. Queen bed, small desk, a chair that pretended to be a chair, and a window that faced a wall. I could touch both side walls if I stretched my arms. That small.
But here’s the thing: it was spotless. Crisp sheets. No dust on the baseboards. I even ran a finger on the window sill—clean. I know, that’s a weird test, but I do it.
The bed was firm with a soft top. Pillows had bounce. No sag. I slept well.
The AC was a window unit. A little loud on high, but it cooled fast. I used it as white noise. Worked fine.
Storage is tight. There’s a small closet with a few hangers and a shelf. I lived out of my suitcase and was okay with it.
If you’re intrigued by hotels that lean into the “micro room” concept, my experience at Hotel 21—proof that a tiny space can still have a big heart offers an interesting comparison.
The Bathroom: It’s Mini, But Mighty
The bathroom reminded me of an airplane lav, but nicer. Stand-up shower, small sink, bright light. Water pressure was strong—like “wake you up” strong. Hot water came quick, even in the morning. Towels felt standard hotel style, not plush. A hair dryer was there. No tub, no fancy stuff.
Wi-Fi and Work Stuff
Wi-Fi was free. It handled email, maps, and a couple video calls with only a hiccup once when everyone seemed to be online. Speed wasn’t blazing, but stable enough. The desk was small, so I switched between the bed and desk for calls. Outlets were easy to find—two by the bed, which I liked.
Because the connection held up nicely, I even had time to unwind by scrolling through social apps at night. If part of your travel routine includes sparking playful chats on Snapchat, take a peek at Snap Chaudasse—the guide curates the spiciest French-language Snapchat accounts and offers tips for meeting like-minded adults discreetly and safely. And if you’d prefer to swap screen time for in-person networking while you’re in the city, the upcoming Sugar Baby Summit delivers expert-led panels, workshops, and meet-ups that break down the world of sugar dating, offering practical safety advice and confidence-boosting strategies for newcomers and veterans alike.
Noise and Sleep
Street noise was mild for Manhattan. Some horn honks, some chatter, nothing wild. Hallway noise was louder. One night, a kid laughed his way down the hall at 10 pm. It lasted a minute, then quiet. I used earplugs the first night and didn’t need them after.
Blankets kept me warm without roasting. I’m picky about that, so I was glad.
Location Perks: Food, Park, Museums
I woke early and walked to Zabar’s for coffee and a black-and-white cookie. Don’t judge—breakfast can be a cookie. I swung by Central Park and watched dogs race leaves. Pure joy. Later, I grabbed a chocolate chip cookie at Levain (yes, two cookies in a day; look, it was a long walk). The museum is a straight shot down to 79th. The 1 train makes midtown easy. If you want the B or C, that’s over by Central Park West. A few more blocks, but not bad.
Service Notes
Housekeeping kept things tight. Fresh towels each day. Trash emptied. I asked the front desk for extra pillows and got them within 10 minutes. That was nice. I also saw a family check in with two kids; they headed to a room with bunk beds, which looked handy for them.
No breakfast on site. No gym. No spa. No nonsense. Lobby is small—think quick hellos and goodbyes, not hangout time.
Things That Bugged Me (But Didn’t Ruin It)
- Elevator feels slow when you’re late. Plan an extra minute.
- Rooms are compact. If you need space to spread out, this won’t be your jam.
- AC hums. It didn’t bother me, but light sleepers should know.
- No coffee maker in my room. I missed that a bit. But hey, Zabar’s.
Who Should Book It
- Budget-minded travelers who want the Upper West Side.
- Solo travelers or couples who don’t mind a snug room.
- Folks who value clean and safe over frills.
- Museum lovers, park walkers, bakery fans.
Who Should Skip It
- Families who need a big room to play in.
- People who want a view or a large lobby scene.
- Heavy gym users (there isn’t one).
Travelers who crave more elbow room, on-site amenities, or a dash of luxury can take a peek at my honest take on The London Hotel NYC before deciding.
For travelers craving extra space and on-site amenities, consider booking a stay at The Hotel Modern instead.
Little Tips That Helped
- Ask for a higher floor for less street noise.
- If you’re sensitive to sound, bring earplugs, just in case.
- Use the 1 train at 86th—super fast access.
- For a quick, good breakfast: Zabar’s or a nearby deli. Coffee’s better anyway.
Final Take
Belnord Hotel is a simple, clean base camp in a great neighborhood. It’s not fancy. It’s not roomy. But it’s fair, friendly enough, and in the right spot. I’d stay again when I want the Upper West Side without a big bill. And yes, I’ll still get the cookie.