Hotel Carter

New Yorkers know the value of a prime location, especially when it comes to experiencing the energy and excitement of Midtown. While luxury hotels abound, sometimes what's needed is a straightforward, no-nonsense place to rest your head after a long day of exploring, working, or enjoying the city's unparalleled attractions. For those seeking just that, particularly with an eye on affordability in a premium spot, Hotel Carter often comes up in conversation. Let's take a closer look at this establishment, situated right in the beating heart of Times Square, and see why it might be a practical option for locals and their visitors.

Hotel Carter, located at 250 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, USA, holds a unique place in the city's hospitality landscape. It has a storied history, dating back to its opening in 1930 as the Hotel Dixie. Designed to be a practical, budget-friendly option for travelers, it has seen many changes over the decades, reflecting the shifting character of Times Square itself. While it has garnered a reputation for being a very basic accommodation, its unbeatable location has consistently drawn in those who prioritize access to Manhattan's major sights and transportation hubs above all else. For locals, this can translate into a convenient base for exploring a different part of the city, or a highly accessible spot for friends and family visiting from out of town who want to be in the thick of it without breaking the bank.

One customer review perfectly encapsulates the Hotel Carter's appeal for a certain type of traveler: "You want luxury... go waste your money elsewhere. This hotel served its purpose: someplace to rest your head after a long night in the city. Clean, pleasant smelling room, with a comfy bed, no bed bugs, a clean bathroom and plenty of hot water. The staff was pleasant. I will definitely be using this place again. I believe the other negative reviews were just over exaggerated. Trust me you will not be disappointed. There is even a cozy cafe with bargain prices for breakfast. I give it five stars because I feel it was worth every penny being that it was smack in the middle of Manhattan, the room/bathroom was clean and the staff was pleasant. Thank You Hotel Carter... see you again very soon !!!!!" This perspective highlights the core offering: a functional and clean space in an incredible location, at a price point that is rare for this part of New York City.

Another review offers a contrasting, historical perspective: "60 Minutes featured the Carter on a segment about New York’s “welfare hotels” back in the 80s. It had floors for tourists and others for welfare recipients. Tourist rooms were similar to what they have today: spartan and geared toward the most budget-driven traveler. Those for welfare recipients had cockroaches crawling all over the place, women and children sleeping six or more to a tiny room and walls in a horrific dark color with mold everywhere. 60 Minutes attempted to address the pitfalls with management at the time, but they refused to respond or do anything. I highly recommend avoiding the place if only to punish management for their negligence over the years. They don’t deserve anyone’s custom. The place should be torn down and rebuilt if only to bury the past." It's important to acknowledge that the hotel has a complex history and has faced significant criticism regarding its upkeep and past uses. While some current visitors report a satisfactory experience, it's clear the Hotel Carter has had its challenges. Public records indicate that the Hotel Carter closed in 2014 and was sold, with plans for renovation. As of now, information suggests it remains defunct and under renovation by its current owner, Joseph Chetrit. Therefore, while we can discuss its past and its common perception, direct current services and promotions are not available.

The Hotel Carter's most significant asset is its unparalleled location. Situated at 250 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, USA, it is literally steps away from the iconic Times Square. This means immediate access to Broadway theaters, world-class dining, major retail flagships, and an endless array of entertainment options.

For New Yorkers, this location is incredibly convenient. Whether you're commuting into Midtown for a show, meeting friends, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, getting to and from the Hotel Carter is remarkably easy.

• Subway Access: The hotel is around the corner from the Times Square-42nd Street subway station, a major transportation hub serving multiple lines (1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, S, W). This provides seamless connections to virtually every corner of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

• Bus Terminals: The Port Authority Bus Terminal is within walking distance, offering extensive bus routes for regional and national travel.

• Train Stations: Both Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal are within walking distance or a very short subway ride, making it ideal for those arriving by Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, or Metro-North.

• Major Landmarks within Walking Distance: Beyond Times Square itself, guests are within easy reach of Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, the Theater District, and numerous museums and attractions.

Based on its operational history, Hotel Carter traditionally offered a more utilitarian range of services, catering to budget-conscious travelers.

• 24-hour Front Desk Service: A consistent feature, providing assistance around the clock.

• Multilingual Staff: To assist a diverse range of international and domestic guests.

• Coffee Shop/Café: A basic dining option for quick meals, particularly breakfast, as mentioned in a positive review.

• Business Center: While not a full-service center, it typically included computers and internet access (often available for a fee).

• Luggage Storage: A common amenity for guests needing to store bags before check-in or after check-out.

• Elevator/Lift Access: Essential for a multi-story building in a busy urban setting.

• Tour/Ticket Assistance: A desk in the lobby to help guests arrange city tours and transportation.

The Hotel Carter's primary highlights have always revolved around its location and its no-frills approach to lodging.

• Prime Times Square Location: Undoubtedly the top selling point, offering immediate access to the heart of New York City's entertainment district.

• Budget-Friendly Rates: For its Midtown location, Hotel Carter historically offered some of the most competitive prices, making it accessible for travelers on a tight budget.

• Basic but Functional Rooms: Rooms were generally described as spartan but provided essential amenities like a bed, private bathroom, and air conditioning. Some rooms might have offered city views.

• Historic Charm (for some): For those with an appreciation for old New York, the hotel itself could be seen as an artifact of a bygone Times Square era, adding a unique, if somewhat gritty, layer to the New York experience.

• Accessibility to Public Transportation: Its proximity to major subway lines, bus terminals, and train stations made it an excellent hub for navigating the city.

As of now, Hotel Carter is widely reported to be closed and undergoing renovation. Therefore, there are no current promotions or special offers available to the public. Any future promotions would depend on its reopening and new management or branding. Historically, promotions would likely have focused on its affordability and prime location, perhaps offering seasonal discounts or packages for extended stays, but these are speculative given its current status.

Given that the Hotel Carter is currently closed for renovations, direct booking and contact for immediate stays are not possible. However, the address remains:

250 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, USA

There is no active public phone number or official website for Hotel Carter that is currently taking reservations or providing updated information on its reopening. Information available online suggests that the property was acquired by Joseph Chetrit in 2014, and plans for a renovation have been mentioned. It is recommended to consult reputable hotel booking sites for any future updates on its operational status, or to search for news from the current owners regarding their plans.

For New Yorkers, Hotel Carter, when it was operational, offered a pragmatic solution for various needs. While it certainly wasn't a luxury destination, its greatest strength was its unparalleled location in the heart of Times Square combined with its budget-friendly approach. This made it an attractive option for:

• Staycations on a Budget: If you wanted to experience the vibrancy of Times Square for a night or two without the high cost of a premium hotel, the Carter provided a convenient crash pad.

• Hosting Visiting Friends and Family: For out-of-town guests who prioritize being in the center of the action and are comfortable with basic accommodations, Hotel Carter offered a highly accessible base for exploring the city.

• Convenient Business Travel: For professionals needing an affordable, central location for quick trips or meetings in Midtown, the hotel provided a functional space with excellent transportation links.

• Last-Minute Plans: Its historical availability and competitive pricing sometimes made it a go-to for spontaneous overnight stays in the city.

The Hotel Carter's narrative is a testament to New York City's diverse hospitality scene, where even the most basic accommodations can thrive due to an unbeatable address. Its history as a "no-frills" option in a bustling tourist mecca speaks to a specific demand – the need for a simple, clean, and incredibly well-located place to sleep. While it awaits its next chapter following renovation, its legacy as an accessible Times Square hotel for the budget-conscious traveler continues to resonate. When it reopens, it will be interesting to see how it balances its historic reputation with new offerings, and whether it will once again become a go-to for New Yorkers seeking a practical base in the very core of the city.

Hotel Carter

250 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036, USA