Essence Collection Staten Island

For New Yorkers and visitors planning a trip to Staten Island, finding the right accommodation can make all the difference. The Essence Collection Staten Island, located directly on the prominent Hylan Boulevard, offers a practical and accessible option for those seeking a convenient base in the borough. While recent information suggests a shift in its primary function, with some reports indicating its use as a shelter, historical reviews highlight its past as a functional and well-located hotel. This article aims to provide a factual overview of what Essence Collection Staten Island has been known for as a lodging establishment, focusing on its features and location that have made it a recognizable fixture on Hylan Boulevard.

Historically, guests have appreciated the straightforward comfort and practical amenities offered by Essence Collection Staten Island. As a hotel, it was designed to provide a no-frills, clean, and accessible place to stay, particularly for travelers who prioritize convenience and location over extensive luxury. Its position on Hylan Boulevard ensures easy access to various parts of Staten Island and beyond, making it a suitable choice for a range of visitors, from those on business to families exploring the borough’s attractions. The reviews from previous hotel guests often lauded the room comfort and the overall quiet atmosphere, hinting at a cozy, almost "quaint village" feel despite its urban setting.

It is important to note that the nature of properties can evolve. While the provided customer reviews from 2025 indicate a conversion to a shelter, the historical data and other online sources still present it as a 3-star hotel. This article will proceed with information based on its identity as a hotel, acknowledging the recent customer feedback. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of what one might expect from a property of this type in this location, drawing from its documented features and services when it operated as a hotel. This approach allows us to deliver an informative description from a local New Yorker's perspective, focusing on its known attributes and accessibility.

The Essence Collection Staten Island, in its capacity as a hotel, provided a straightforward lodging experience. It was the kind of place where you could check in after a long day, find a clean room, and have basic necessities met. The positive feedback about the green carpet on the second level or the practical bathroom setup illustrates that, for many, the simple comforts and clean conditions were enough to make for a pleasant stay. Its location on Hylan Boulevard is undeniably a key factor, positioning guests near essential amenities and transportation links, making it a viable option for those looking to explore Staten Island without being in the heart of Manhattan.

Essence Collection Staten Island is strategically located at 481 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA. This address places it directly on one of Staten Island’s most significant and longest thoroughfares, Hylan Boulevard, which spans the eastern and southern portions of the borough.

The location offers excellent accessibility for various modes of transportation. For those driving, Hylan Boulevard provides direct access to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and subsequently to Brooklyn, as well as connections to the Staten Island Expressway (I-278) for travel throughout the borough and to other New York City areas. The property has historically offered free on-site self-parking, a considerable convenience in New York City, which would have been a significant draw for guests traveling with their own vehicles.

Public transportation is also a strong point for this location. Hylan Boulevard is exceptionally well-served by numerous MTA bus routes. The S78 local bus runs directly along Hylan Boulevard, offering frequent service to various points on the island. Additionally, several express bus routes (e.g., SIM1, SIM7, SIM10) utilize portions of Hylan Boulevard, providing direct connections to Manhattan for commuters or visitors looking to explore other boroughs. The hotel’s proximity to the Grasmere subway station (Staten Island Railway) also adds another layer of accessibility, allowing for rapid transit within Staten Island.

The location on Hylan Boulevard means guests are close to a variety of local amenities, including commercial centers, restaurants, and other businesses. This convenience of being near daily necessities, combined with the ease of transportation, makes 481 Hylan Boulevard a highly accessible point for anyone looking to navigate Staten Island and connect to the wider New York City area.

Based on its historical operation as a hotel, Essence Collection Staten Island offered a range of practical services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient stay for its guests.

• Comfortable Guest Rooms: The hotel featured 14 rooms, typically including Deluxe King, Deluxe Queen, and Deluxe Double options, offering comfortable beds and air conditioning for guest comfort.

• Private Bathrooms: Each room came with a private bathroom, often equipped with a shower stall or bathtub, and amenities like soap stands and fresh towels.

• In-Room Amenities: Guests frequently reported the convenience of having a small refrigerator and a microwave in their rooms, allowing for basic food storage and preparation.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet access was provided in rooms and public areas, supporting connectivity for leisure or business needs.

• 24-Hour Reception: A front desk operated around the clock, offering assistance with check-ins, check-outs, and general inquiries at any time.

• Free On-Site Parking: Ample and free self-parking was available on the premises, a valuable amenity for guests arriving by car.

• Non-Smoking Property: The hotel maintained a smoke-free environment to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.

• Housekeeping Services: While possibly limited (e.g., once per stay as per some reports), housekeeping ensured rooms were kept clean and maintained.

• Convenient Hylan Boulevard Location: Situated on a major thoroughfare, offering direct access to various Staten Island neighborhoods, commercial centers, and cultural attractions, as well as easy routes to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and other parts of NYC.

• Practical Room Design: Guests often highlighted the functional and comfortable nature of the rooms, including features like glass mirrors at the headboard and well-arranged bathrooms, creating a "quaint" and livable feel.

• Essential Amenities for an Independent Stay: The inclusion of in-room refrigerators and microwaves was a significant highlight for many guests, providing flexibility for meals and snacks.

• Ample Free Parking: A standout feature in the NYC area, offering stress-free arrival and departure for those with vehicles.

• Accessibility to Public Transport: Proximity to multiple bus lines and the Grasmere subway station ensures guests can easily navigate Staten Island and connect to other boroughs, including Manhattan.

• Quiet and Secure Environment: Reviews often cited the property as quiet and safe, contributing to a restful and pleasant stay despite its location on a busy boulevard.

• 24/7 Guest Support: A round-the-clock reception ensures guests' needs are addressed promptly at any hour.

As a hotel, Essence Collection Staten Island would have typically offered various promotions or special offers to attract guests, though specific details of past promotions are not readily available in public data. These might have included:

• Seasonal Discounts: Reduced rates during off-peak seasons or for longer stays.

• Advance Booking Deals: Incentives for guests who book their rooms well in advance.

• Flexible Cancellation Rates: While not a discount, the option for free cancellation on certain room rates can be a valuable "offer" for travelers needing flexibility.

• Direct Booking Perks: Occasionally, hotels offer small perks like a slightly better rate or complimentary amenity when booking directly through their own website or phone.

• Weekend Getaway Packages: Special rates or inclusions for weekend stays.

Given the reports of the property's conversion to a shelter, it is highly unlikely that traditional hotel promotions for transient guests are currently active. If the property were to revert to a hotel, New Yorkers interested in potential offers would typically:

• Check major online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia, Booking.com, Priceline, Hotels.com for current listings and deals.

• Contact the hotel directly via phone to inquire about any available rates or long-term stay options.

For up-to-date information on any current offerings, especially considering the reported change in its primary use, direct inquiry is the most reliable method.

For inquiries regarding Essence Collection Staten Island, you can utilize the following contact details:

Address: 481 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA

Phone: (718) 981-2030

Mobile Phone: +1 718-981-2030

It is advisable to use these contact numbers for the most current information regarding the property's availability, current operational status, or any specific services it may offer. Given the conflicting information regarding its current use as a hotel versus a shelter, a direct phone call would be the most effective way for a local user to determine if it meets their lodging needs.

For New Yorkers, particularly those on Staten Island, a place like Essence Collection Staten Island, in its operational capacity as a hotel, was suitable for several compelling reasons, primarily centered around convenience, practicality, and accessibility. While recent reports indicate a change in its function to a shelter, understanding its past suitability as a hotel sheds light on its value within the local landscape.

Firstly, its location on Hylan Boulevard is a significant advantage. This major artery provides direct access to various parts of Staten Island, including commercial areas, local attractions, and other essential services. For locals needing a temporary stay for family visits, home renovations, or simply a convenient base for exploring the borough, being on Hylan Boulevard means reduced travel time and easy navigation. The availability of free on-site parking was also a major draw, offering a hassle-free experience in a city where parking can be a premium.

Secondly, the hotel's focus on essential amenities and a no-frills approach catered to a practical local need. The presence of in-room microwaves and refrigerators allowed for a degree of self-sufficiency, which can be invaluable for longer stays or for families managing dietary needs. This pragmatic approach to lodging often appeals to locals who might be looking for a functional and comfortable space without the added cost of unnecessary luxury features. The positive mentions of clean rooms, comfortable beds, and a quiet atmosphere in historical reviews further reinforce its suitability for a restful, convenient stay.

Lastly, its robust public transportation access made it a viable option even for those without a car. Being near multiple bus lines and the Grasmere subway station connected guests to the broader Staten Island community and indeed, to the rest of New York City. This connectivity is crucial for locals who rely on public transit for their daily lives and for out-of-town guests visiting them.

In summary, if Essence Collection Staten Island were to operate as a hotel again, its suitability for locals would stem from its strategic location, practical amenities, and strong transportation links. It provided a straightforward, comfortable, and accessible lodging solution on Staten Island, perfectly aligned with the needs of those seeking convenience and value within the New York City metropolitan area. The comfort and practicality it offered made it a commendable choice for a functional stay in the borough.

Essence Collection Staten Island

481 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA