Cambridge Hotel

New York City's housing landscape is incredibly diverse, encompassing everything from luxury high-rises to long-standing residential hotels that play a crucial role in the city's social services network. For many New Yorkers, understanding the various types of housing available, especially for those in need, is part of comprehending the city's complex social fabric. Among these housing options, Single Room Occupancy (SRO) buildings serve a specific and vital purpose, often providing emergency and transitional housing. The Cambridge Hotel, located in Harlem, falls into this category, functioning not as a typical commercial hotel for tourists, but as a residential building primarily dedicated to supportive housing.

The Cambridge Hotel, situated at 141 W 110th St, New York, NY 10026, is an establishment that has a long history, characteristic of many older buildings in New York City. However, it is essential for anyone seeking information about this "hotel" to understand its primary function. Public information and reviews strongly indicate that the Cambridge Hotel is primarily an SRO building, often utilized by the city's emergency housing system and social services, providing accommodation for individuals, including those with specific health needs. This distinguishes it significantly from hotels advertised for leisure or business travel.

The distinction between a commercial hotel and an SRO is critical for setting appropriate expectations. SROs are designed to provide minimal, affordable, single-room dwelling units, often with shared bathroom or kitchen facilities, typically for individuals on low incomes or those experiencing homelessness. They are a part of the city's larger effort to address housing insecurity and provide a safety net for vulnerable populations. For New Yorkers looking to understand the breadth of their city's housing initiatives or seeking information on local community resources, the Cambridge Hotel serves as an example of a specific type of residential accommodation integral to that system. Its role is rooted in social support rather than conventional hospitality.

The Cambridge Hotel is located at 141 W 110th St, New York, NY 10026, USA. This address places it firmly in the vibrant and historically rich neighborhood of Harlem, specifically in what is often referred to as Central Harlem or the southern edge of Harlem, bordering Central Park. West 110th Street is a significant crosstown artery, marking the northern boundary of Central Park, and is also known as Central Park North.

The location offers excellent accessibility via New York City's extensive public transportation network. The hotel is very close to several major subway stations, making it highly convenient for residents to travel throughout Manhattan and beyond.

Subway access:

• 2 and 3 lines (IRT Lenox Avenue Line): The 110th Street (Central Park North) station is directly on Lenox Avenue, just a very short walk from the hotel. These express lines provide quick and direct access to Midtown Manhattan, Times Square, the Financial District, and Brooklyn.
• B and C lines (IND Eighth Avenue Line): The 110th Street (Cathedral Parkway) station is also relatively close, located a few blocks west along 110th Street, offering access down the Upper West Side and to Downtown Manhattan.
• 1 line (IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line): While a bit further west, the 110th Street (Cathedral Parkway) station for the 1 train is also accessible, providing local service along Broadway.

These multiple subway options mean that residents of the Cambridge Hotel have convenient access to virtually any part of New York City. Additionally, numerous bus lines operate along 110th Street and the avenues, providing further local connectivity within Harlem and to adjacent neighborhoods.

The immediate neighborhood surrounding the Cambridge Hotel is a mix of residential buildings, local businesses, and community services. Being directly on Central Park North, residents have immediate access to the northern section of Central Park, which offers extensive green space, recreational facilities, and walking paths. This includes areas like the Harlem Meer and the North Woods, providing valuable outdoor amenities. The area is also home to various shops, laundromats, and dining establishments, catering to the daily needs of residents. The presence of social service organizations and community resources is also notable, given the building's function as an SRO.

Based on the provided reviews, the Cambridge Hotel operates as a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building, primarily catering to emergency housing and social services clients. As such, the "services offered" are those typically associated with SROs, which differ significantly from a standard commercial hotel. The emphasis is on providing basic shelter and fulfilling a social housing function.

• Single Room Occupancy Units: The primary service is providing individual rooms for residents. Reviews indicate these are "single room occupancy" units.
• Emergency Housing/Social Services Accommodation: The facility primarily serves clients enrolled in state social services and emergency housing programs, including individuals with specific health needs such as HIV patients. This is its core function.
• Basic Shelter: The rooms offer a basic place to sleep and reside, fulfilling a fundamental housing need for its residents.
• Limited In-Room Amenities: Reviews mention "no bathroom in your room," indicating shared bathroom facilities for residents on each floor or section. In-room amenities are minimal.
• Minimal Security: One review mentions "min security," suggesting basic security measures are in place, but not necessarily comprehensive, modern hotel-style security.
• Maintenance and Staff Support: While reviews indicate challenges (e.g., "staff the manager and maintenance are just overwhelmed in dysfunctional obstacles and become corrupt"), there are staff and maintenance personnel on site to manage the building and address resident needs to some extent.

It is crucial to understand that expectations for cleanliness, comfort, and modern amenities should be aligned with that of emergency SRO housing, not a commercial hotel. Reviews highlight issues such as "roaches the mice the rats," "nasty," and "old old old," suggesting the conditions are challenging and reflect the realities of budget or emergency housing in older buildings. The "price was right for me seeing how was in town for my daughter 17th birthday party," from a different context/hotel, does not apply here. The price mentioned in the review, "$1470 every two weeks," suggests a specific payment structure for long-term residents, possibly through government programs.

Given the nature of the Cambridge Hotel as a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building serving emergency and social service housing, its "features" and "highlights" must be understood within that specific context, rather than compared to commercial hotels. The reviews provided directly inform these characteristics, revealing significant challenges experienced by residents.

• Function as Emergency/Supportive Housing: A primary feature is its role in providing housing for individuals, including those with HIV, who are enrolled in state social services and emergency housing programs. This makes it a component of New York City's public welfare system.
• SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Model: The building operates on an SRO model, offering individual rooms rather than full apartment units. This is a characteristic of affordable, minimal housing options in dense urban areas.
• Shared Facilities: A key feature is the presence of shared bathrooms, as indicated by "no bathroom in your room" in a review. This is typical of older SRO structures.
• Historic Building (Implied "Old Old Old"): The description "old old old" suggests the building is an older structure, common for SROs in New York City. This can imply certain architectural styles but also potential challenges with infrastructure.
• Harlem Location: Its placement in Harlem is a significant feature, offering residents access to the vibrant culture, history, and community of this iconic New York neighborhood, as well as excellent public transportation.
• Proximity to Central Park: Located on West 110th Street, the building offers convenient access to Central Park North, providing residents with nearby green space and recreational opportunities.
• Challenges Noted by Residents: The reviews highlight significant challenges including issues with "roaches the mice the rats," and a general description of the place as "nasty." There are also mentions of "dangerous" conditions for respiratory systems and allergies, suggesting issues with air quality or cleanliness.
• Perception of Staff and Management Issues: Reviews point to a perception of "dysfunctional obstacles" and "corrupt" staff and management, indicating difficulties in resolving issues for residents.

It is crucial for anyone seeking information about the Cambridge Hotel to consider these features and challenges as they define the reality of this type of housing. Its "highlights" are in its fundamental role within the social services system rather than in offering comfort or luxury.

Given that the Cambridge Hotel operates as a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building primarily for emergency housing and social services clients, it does not engage in commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a conventional hotel would. Its pricing and occupancy are typically managed through government programs and social service agencies.

Therefore, there are no discounts, loyalty programs, seasonal sales, or package deals for direct booking or for the general public seeking a commercial hotel stay. The "price" mentioned in one review, "$1470 every two weeks," likely refers to the rate paid by a social service agency for the resident's stay, rather than a rate available to the public.

The "offers" associated with the Cambridge Hotel are strictly related to its function within the city's social safety net:

• Emergency Housing Placement: Its primary "offer" is providing a place to stay for individuals referred by New York City's Department of Homeless Services (DHS) or other social service agencies. Access is determined by eligibility for these programs, not by direct booking.
• Transitional Housing Support: For some residents, it may serve as a transitional housing option while they work towards more stable living situations, supported by social service caseworkers.

Individuals seeking accommodation at the Cambridge Hotel would typically go through a city agency or social worker, rather than directly contacting the hotel for a commercial booking. Therefore, there are no "promotions" available to the general public.

For individuals needing to contact the Cambridge Hotel, particularly in relation to its function as a residential SRO building or for social services inquiries, the following contact details are provided. It is important to note that direct inquiries about commercial bookings for leisure travel are generally not applicable to this type of establishment.

Address: 141 W 110th St, New York, NY 10026, USA

Phone: (212) 865-9110

This phone number can be used for direct communication with the building's management or front desk. However, for those seeking emergency housing or social service placements, the appropriate channels are usually through the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) or other relevant social service organizations, rather than directly contacting the building.

For General New York City Social Services Inquiries:

NYC 311: For information about homeless services, housing assistance, or other city resources, New Yorkers can dial 311 from any phone in NYC or visit their website at portal.311.nyc.gov. This is the recommended contact point for individuals seeking assistance related to the type of housing provided by the Cambridge Hotel.

For New Yorkers, the Cambridge Hotel, understood as an SRO primarily serving emergency and supportive housing needs, is suitable for locals in a very specific and critical context: as a component of the city's social safety net. It is not suitable for the general public seeking typical hotel accommodations for leisure or business travel, as its purpose and operational model are entirely different.

Firstly, its primary suitability lies in providing essential temporary housing for vulnerable populations. For New Yorkers experiencing homelessness or housing instability, SROs like the Cambridge Hotel offer a crucial immediate shelter solution. While reviews indicate significant challenges with living conditions and management, for individuals in crisis, it represents a basic place to sleep and a point of entry into the city's support system. Its existence is vital for fulfilling the city's obligation to provide a right to shelter, making it suitable for those who qualify for and are placed in emergency housing.

Secondly, from a community perspective, the Cambridge Hotel is suitable because it contributes to the broader ecosystem of housing resources in Harlem and New York City. For social workers, community organizers, and agencies working with at-risk populations, SROs are known entities within the service network. The hotel's location in Harlem, a neighborhood with many community resources and excellent public transportation, makes it a pragmatic base for residents who may need to access social services, healthcare, or employment opportunities across the city. Its presence helps to address the city's ongoing housing crisis, albeit imperfectly.

Finally, for locals concerned with the city's social welfare, understanding the role of places like the Cambridge Hotel provides insight into the challenges and efforts involved in supporting the most vulnerable. While conditions may be difficult, the hotel represents a tangible (if imperfect) component of the city's attempt to provide housing for its most marginalized residents. Therefore, its suitability is not measured by guest satisfaction in a commercial sense, but by its function as a necessary, albeit challenging, part of New York City's social infrastructure.

Cambridge Hotel

141 W 110th St, New York, NY 10026, USA