The Belnord Hotel

Hello, New Yorkers! When we talk about finding a place to stay in our incredible city, we're always looking for options that combine convenience, comfort, and a touch of local flavor. The Upper West Side, with its iconic pre-war architecture and leafy streets, is a perennial favorite. Historically, The Belnord Hotel, located at 209 W 87th St, has been a notable, budget-friendly option in this charming neighborhood. However, it's crucial for anyone looking for lodging in the area to be aware of its current operational status, as it has undergone a significant change.

The Belnord Hotel, situated at 209 W 87th St, New York, NY 10024, USA, was once a well-regarded 2-star hotel offering relatively affordable accommodations in the desirable Upper West Side. It was known for providing basic, clean rooms, often with private bathrooms, and amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a 24-hour front desk. Its location on a quiet residential street, yet close to major attractions, made it a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers and visitors seeking a local experience. Many reviews from its time as a hotel praised its "good value for money" and its "excellent location." However, as of recent public information and direct customer reviews, The Belnord Hotel is no longer operating as a traditional hotel. It has transitioned into use as a temporary emergency shelter, a significant change that impacts its availability for conventional hotel bookings. While it may still offer a place to stay, it is not serving as a publicly available commercial hotel in the way it once did. This means that while the physical building remains, its function has shifted to provide social services, impacting its former role in the New York City hospitality landscape. This information is critical for anyone planning a stay or recommending lodging in the city.

The location of The Belnord Hotel at 209 W 87th St, New York, NY 10024, USA, remains an undeniable strength, even with its change in operational status. Nestled on a quiet, residential street in the heart of the Upper West Side, it offers a tranquil environment away from the constant clamor of busier avenues, yet keeps you incredibly close to everything that makes this neighborhood so desirable.

You're just a short walk from Central Park to the east, providing an expansive urban oasis for recreation, relaxation, and cultural exploration. To the west, you have the serene beauty of Riverside Park and the Hudson River, offering stunning waterfront views and ample space for walks, runs, or enjoying a sunset. The immediate vicinity is rich with classic Upper West Side charm, featuring elegant pre-war buildings, local cafes, independent shops, and a strong community feel. Iconic cultural institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and the New-York Historical Society are also within easy reach.

Accessibility from 209 W 87th Street is excellent, ensuring easy navigation throughout New York City. The hotel is located just a few blocks from the 86th Street subway station, which serves the 1 local and 2/3 express subway lines. These lines provide swift and direct access to major Midtown destinations like Times Square and Herald Square, downtown to the Financial District, and uptown to Columbia University. Numerous cross-town bus lines (like the M86-SBS) along 86th Street connect you seamlessly to the East Side, while local buses along Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue further enhance connectivity. The neighborhood itself is highly walkable, with a Walk Score® indicating that daily errands can be accomplished without a car, and a good Transit Score® ensuring superb access to public transportation. This prime Upper West Side location means that while the building's function has changed, its geographical advantage in terms of connectivity and neighborhood appeal remains.

Given that The Belnord Hotel is currently operating as a shelter, the "services offered" are no longer those of a traditional commercial hotel. The information provided by past customer reviews explicitly states, "This is no longer a hotel. It is a shelter of some sort now." Therefore, the typical amenities and services one would expect from a hotel (like room service, concierge, or booking standard overnight stays for the general public) are not available.

While a shelter provides essential services for its residents, these are distinct from commercial hotel offerings. Publicly available information regarding the building when it operated as a hotel indicated some services:

• 24-hour Front Desk: This was a previous service for guests. Its presence now would be for the operational needs of the shelter.
• Luggage Storage: Previously available for hotel guests.
• Free Wi-Fi: Often a standard hotel amenity, it might still be available for residents.
• Air Conditioning/Heating: Essential for comfort in all living spaces.
• Private Bathrooms: Rooms were equipped with private bathrooms.
• Daily Housekeeping: Previously a hotel service.
• Paid Parking Available Nearby: While not directly on-site, this was an option for hotel guests.
• Coffee Machine/Microwave Access (24-hour): Described in older reviews as a convenient amenity for hotel guests.
• Business Center: Some reports mention a basic business center for hotel guests.

It is important to reiterate that these are past or potential operational aspects of the building, and currently, it functions to provide support and accommodation in a shelter capacity. The specific services offered within its current use are geared towards the needs of the shelter's residents.

The Belnord Hotel, even in its current incarnation, possesses certain inherent features and highlights that were once central to its appeal as a hotel and remain part of the building's character. However, it's critical to frame these with the understanding that the property is now a shelter.

• Prime Upper West Side Location: This is its most significant and enduring highlight. Situated on a quiet, residential street in one of Manhattan's most desirable neighborhoods, it offers excellent access to cultural institutions, parks, and diverse dining.
• Proximity to Central Park and Riverside Park: Guests (in its hotel days) and residents now benefit from being just a short walk from two of New York City's most iconic and expansive green spaces, offering unparalleled opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
• Excellent Subway Access: The close proximity to the 86th Street subway station (1, 2, 3 lines) provides quick and convenient transportation throughout Manhattan, making the location highly functional.
• Quiet Residential Street: As noted by former hotel guests, the setting on West 87th Street contributes to a peaceful environment, which is a rare and valued commodity in New York City.
• Historic Building (Exterior): The building itself, like many in the Upper West Side, likely possesses a classic pre-war architectural style, contributing to the neighborhood's charm and character.
• Community Integration: The property is deeply integrated into a residential community, allowing for an authentic local experience, regardless of its current use.

While the specific amenities that drew hotel guests are no longer available in the same way, the building's physical attributes and its advantageous location continue to define its presence on the Upper West Side.

Since The Belnord Hotel is no longer operating as a commercial hotel but as a temporary shelter, there are no "promotions or special offers" available for the general public in the context of booking a hotel stay. The services provided are for the specific purpose of accommodating individuals requiring shelter, and these are not offered to the public for commercial booking.

Therefore, terms like "seasonal rates," "extended stay discounts," or "direct booking benefits" do not apply. Any information found online regarding "promotions" for The Belnord Hotel as a hotel would be outdated and no longer valid. For individuals seeking shelter, specific processes and eligibility criteria would apply through city agencies or designated non-profit organizations, rather than commercial offers. It is crucial for New Yorkers and visitors to understand this distinction to avoid confusion when searching for lodging options in the city.

Given that The Belnord Hotel is currently operating as a temporary shelter and not a commercial hotel, the contact information provided would primarily be for the administrative or operational aspects of the facility's current use, rather than for public hotel reservations.

• Address: 209 W 87th St, New York, NY 10024, USA
• Phone: (212) 873-5222
• Mobile Phone: +1 212-873-5222

It is important to note that these phone numbers, while publicly listed, would likely connect callers to the management or administration of the shelter, and not to a hotel reservation desk. Anyone attempting to book a stay for traditional lodging purposes would be informed that the property is not operating as a hotel. For inquiries related to the shelter's operations or specific needs of its residents, these numbers might be relevant. For general public inquiries about hotels in the area, it is recommended to search for alternative accommodations.

For us New Yorkers, understanding the current status of establishments like The Belnord Hotel is essential for navigating our dynamic city. While it was once a suitable option for traditional lodging, its current role as a temporary shelter means it no longer serves that purpose for the general public.

However, the historical context and excellent location of the building itself still hold significance for locals. For those who live in the Upper West Side, the presence of such a facility highlights the ongoing social needs within our community. The building's prime location, with its easy access to public transportation and iconic parks like Central Park and Riverside Park, made it a great spot in its hotel days, and this geographical advantage remains for its current residents.

For locals hosting visitors, it's vital to know that this specific address is not available for hotel bookings. Instead, resources should be directed toward currently operating hotels or self-service apartments in the area, of which the Upper West Side has many. The Belnord Hotel's transition underscores the adaptability of New York City's infrastructure to meet evolving community needs. While its previous role as an "affordable" hotel option for guests is no longer active, its building continues to play a role in the fabric of the Upper West Side.

The Belnord Hotel

209 W 87th St, New York, NY 10024, USA