The Empire Hotel: Your Stylish Hub in Lincoln Center, NYC

The Empire Hotel Introduce

New York City, a global icon of culture, entertainment, and endless discovery, offers an array of accommodations for every type of traveler and local looking for a change of scenery. Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Lincoln Center neighborhood, The Empire Hotel stands as a recognizable landmark, promising a unique blend of classic New York charm and modern amenities. For those seeking a convenient and stylish base from which to explore the city's artistic and recreational highlights, or even for a local staycation, The Empire Hotel offers a distinctive option.

The Empire Hotel is more than just a place to sleep; it aims to be a part of your New York experience, with its iconic sign gracing the Upper West Side skyline. Its location, directly across from Lincoln Center, places guests at the epicenter of world-class performing arts, just a short stroll from the tranquility of Central Park and the dazzling lights of Broadway. While some guests have had varying experiences, the hotel generally strives to provide a welcoming environment, highlighted by its attentive staff and inviting common spaces. For New Yorkers, considering a hotel for visiting friends and family, or perhaps a local getaway, The Empire Hotel’s prime position and signature amenities offer a compelling reason to consider a stay.

Location and Accessibility

The Empire Hotel boasts an enviable address at 44 W 63rd St., New York, NY 10023, USA. This puts it in the prestigious Lincoln Center neighborhood, directly across the street from the world-renowned Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. This prime location is a major draw, offering unparalleled access to a wealth of New York City's most beloved attractions.

Imagine stepping out of the hotel and being mere moments from the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic. The expansive beauty of Central Park is just a block away, inviting leisurely strolls, picnics, or active recreation. The bright lights and excitement of the Broadway Theater District are also within easy reach, promising unforgettable evenings. For those who love to shop, Columbus Circle and the luxury boutiques along Fifth Avenue are conveniently close. Public transportation is exceptionally accessible, with multiple subway lines converging at Columbus Circle (59th Street-Columbus Circle) and the 1 train at 66th Street-Lincoln Center, both just a short walk away. This robust transit access ensures seamless travel to all parts of Manhattan and beyond, making the hotel an ideal base for exploring every corner of New York City. Whether you're heading downtown for business or uptown for a museum visit, getting around is a breeze.

Services Offered

The Empire Hotel offers a range of services designed to enhance the guest experience, though the consistency of these services can sometimes vary.

24-hour front desk: Available around the clock for check-ins, check-outs, and general inquiries.
Concierge services: Staff generally available to assist with directions, recommendations for dining and attractions, and making reservations.
Room service: For guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their room.
Daily housekeeping: To ensure rooms are kept clean and tidy throughout your stay.
Valet parking: Available for guest convenience (surcharge applies).
Luggage storage: Secure storage for belongings upon early arrival or late departure.
Complimentary Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access is typically available in guest rooms and public areas.
Fitness center: On-site facilities for guests to maintain their workout routines.
Laundry and dry-cleaning services: Available for guest convenience.
Pet-friendly accommodations: The hotel generally welcomes pets, making it suitable for those traveling with their furry companions.

Features / Highlights

The Empire Hotel is known for several key features and amenities that define its character and appeal.

Iconic Rooftop Pool Deck and Bar: A significant highlight, offering a seasonal outdoor pool (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day) and a bar with stunning views of the city. This area is often lauded as a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy a drink.
Prime Location: Directly across from Lincoln Center and a block from Central Park, offering unmatched access to cultural institutions and green space.
Stylish Design: The hotel features a distinctive design that blends classic elegance with a touch of modern sophistication, aiming for a memorable aesthetic.
Guest-focused Staff: Many guests praise individual staff members for their excellent attention, cordiality, and willingness to go above and beyond, particularly for special occasions like birthdays, which can significantly enhance the personal touch of a stay.
On-site Dining Options: The hotel generally offers various dining and lounge spaces, including the popular rooftop bar and a lobby bar, providing convenient options for guests.
Marquee Sign: The hotel's prominent red "Empire" marquee sign is a recognizable landmark in the Lincoln Center area, contributing to its iconic status.

Promotions or Special Offers

The Empire Hotel, like many properties in a competitive market, frequently offers various promotions and special packages. While specific offers can change, it's always advisable to check their official website directly for the most current information. Common types of promotions may include:

Advanced Purchase Rates: Discounts for guests who book their stay well in advance.
Stay Longer and Save: Reduced rates for extended stays, encouraging guests to enjoy more time in the city.
Seasonal Packages: Offers tied to specific holidays, events (like Broadway show packages), or times of the year.
Romantic Getaway Packages: Designed for couples, potentially including amenities like champagne or dining credits.
Breakfast Inclusive Rates: Bundling the room rate with daily breakfast for added convenience.

It is crucial to verify the terms and conditions of any promotion, especially regarding amenity availability. For instance, the rooftop pool is seasonal, typically operating from Memorial Day to Labor Day, which may differ from a broader "May-September" timeframe. Reservations for the rooftop bar, especially during peak times, are often recommended or even necessary for guaranteed seating. Always check the fine print or contact the hotel directly to confirm specific details about amenities, operating hours, and booking requirements to avoid disappointment.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about your stay at The Empire Hotel, you can reach them through the following contact details:

Address: 44 W 63rd St., New York, NY 10023, USA

Phone: (212) 265-7400

Mobile Phone: +1 212-265-7400

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York City locals, The Empire Hotel offers a compelling option for a staycation, for hosting visiting friends and family, or even as a convenient base during home renovations. Its unparalleled location in the Lincoln Center area is a significant advantage. Imagine stepping out of your temporary "home" and being immediately immersed in the world of performing arts, just steps from a Broadway show, a Metropolitan Opera performance, or a leisurely walk in Central Park. This allows New Yorkers to rediscover the city's cultural heart from a fresh, luxurious perspective without the hassle of long commutes.

The presence of the seasonal rooftop pool and bar provides a rare urban amenity, offering a unique opportunity for relaxation and enjoyment with stunning city views—a true escape within the city limits. While it's important to be aware of operational hours and booking requirements for these popular spots, the potential for such an experience adds significant value. Furthermore, for those hosting out-of-town guests, the hotel's central location and recognizable name make it an easy meeting point and a comfortable launching pad for exploring all of Manhattan. Despite some varied guest experiences regarding room quality or service response times, the hotel's prime location, iconic status, and potential for memorable moments like a decorated birthday room, make it a noteworthy choice for New Yorkers seeking a sophisticated and convenient urban retreat.

The Empire Hotel Photos

The Empire Hotel Location

The Empire Hotel

44 W 63rd St., New York, NY 10023, USA

The Empire Hotel

44 W 63rd St.

Dante Park

Columbus Ave &

30 Lincoln Plaza

1886 Broadway

Fordham’s Sculpture Walk

Q2C8+759

Damrosch Park

Amsterdam Ave &

Richard Tucker Park

Columbus Ave &

Dale F. Frey Plaza

New York

Mandarin Oriental, New York

80 Columbus Cir

Trump International Hotel & Tower New York

1 Central Prk W

The Phillips Club

155 W 66th St floor 1

One central park

10 Columbus Cir

Hudson New York

356 W 58th St

6 Columbus - Central Park Hotel

Columbus Hotel

The Empire Hotel Reviews

I recently had the pleasure of staying at this wonderful hotel, and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, the staff's excellent attention made me feel incredibly welcome. Their dedication to detail ensured that my stay was truly memorable.The location of the hotel is perfect, situated in a prime area that made exploring the city incredibly convenient. The quality of the facilities is top-notch, with everything maintained to the highest standards.One of the standout features is the rooftop bar. It's a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning views. The entire staff , Keenan, Pascuale, Ariel and Kate were incredibly cordial and always attentive, going above and beyond to provide the best service possible.A special mention goes to Keenan, who went out of their way to decorate our room as we were celebrating a birthday. This thoughtful gesture added a personal touch that made our stay even more special.Overall, I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable stay. The combination of excellent service, great location, and high-quality facilities makes it a top choice.
Apr 20, 2025 · LETICIA LAMORATTA
I booked my room over the phone, and was told that the rooftop pool was open May-September. That amenity and the rooftop bar were 100% of the reason we booked this hotel over the less expensive options in more preferred neighborhoods. We splurged for the expectation we would have a relaxing outdoor area to enjoy with the nice weather and the expectation of service and cleanliness that come with a 4-star hotel. We were wildly disappointed to find out that by "May-September", it was actually Memorial Day to Labor Day and we were a week too early to enjoy the pool. Only one place under a FAQ on the hotel website does it clarify those exact days, otherwise it also says May to September or "late May to early September". We were also disappointed to find out we couldn't have access to any of that area, pool or not. We would have found solace in having the rooftop bar, but it was completely booked and we were told that there would only be standing room and it would be indoors. We were told by staff that we "should have made reservations weeks ago" if we wanted to be on the rooftop. It is our expectation that when something is listed as an amenity of a hotel, that guests have access to it. We could make reservations at any rooftop in the city, which we did elsewhere, but it was our expectation that we had at least some outdoor space to enjoy and we ended up having none. This was the entire reason we booked with the Empire, in addition to the expectation of service and quality that comes with a 4 star hotel. For what we paid, we did not receive any of the promised amenities or quality.Upon check-in, we were extremely disappointed to see the quality and cleanliness of our room. We had a "closet" covered by a curtain, and a worn-down, dingy bathroom. The chair and decorative pillows and blankets in the room were stained, the furniture was completely worn and dingy, and there was a smell to the room that we later complained about. There was an extremely loud, constant buzzing noise in the room that we were told could not be identified and thus could not be fixed. I have videos of this noise over the entire weekend. When we ran into other guests, we found that the cleanliness and quality wasn't just our experience and several others had complained to management about it. I had been to this hotel years ago and found that there was a steep decline in quality, but the price is wildly disproportionate to what you actually get now.We were told several times when going to the front desk to ask about these issues, that we should "just call 0" to speak with staff instead of going to the desk. We only ever went to the desk because we called 0 and either were put on hold for 10+ minutes, or nobody picked up. There was no sense of urgency in getting any issues addressed, and hotel staff seemed less than apologetic that we were told the pool and outdoor areas would be accessible during our stay.We are wildly disappointed with our stay and would like to receive some type of refund for the miscommunication of amenities, subpar quality, and lack of cleanliness. Our concerns were never addressed in person, and we know we are not the only guests that had this experience.
May 21, 2025 · Jessica Streich
DO NOT EVER STAY HERE. EVER. This is the first review I’ve ever written. After a week at this terrible hotel, I felt compelled to write a review. I stayed here for a week on a work trip in May 2025 and it’s bad enough to ruin a trip to NYC.Everything is bad about this hotel.Before you even get to the room, you know it’s a terrible hotel. The lobby is dark and dirty. One of the two sets of doors was broken the whole week. All of the elevators broke at some point during the week. The floor of the rooms is so dark it’s impossible to see where you are going. It’s obviously kept intentionally dark so you cannot see how dark and dirty it is because you can smell the mildew the second you get off the elevator. The rooms are terrible. The bathroom is so small that an average size person could not get dressed in the bathroom. The rooms smell like mildew. The shower broke day one. The air conditioner didn’t work and was loud. It was so dusty I was sneezing and itching every time I was in the room. Just terrible all around.I almost forgot. I got locked out EVERY TIME I LEFT MY ROOM. I had to go to the front desk for a new key over 40 times in the course of a week. At first, the front desk employees pretended it was odd, but they stopped pretending when they realized I was there for an extended period. When I asked them to fix the lock, the told me “actually it’s the key.” Great. Fix that.The poor employees did what they could. The maids were great given they are stuck cleaning horrible rooms.Bottom Line: I HAVE STAYED IN HOSTELS ALL OVER THE WORLD THAT WERE BETTER THAN THIS HOTEL.You are better off staying further away and taking a train to Manhattan. Way better.
May 24, 2025 · Christopher Spiers
I have stayed here 3 times with my husband and daughter. Each time with a wonderful view of either Lincoln Center or looking east out into the city. This past visit really solidified this being one of my favorite Manhattan hotels. After arriving home, my 7 year old daughter realized she left her beloved stuffed fox that she has had since birth in the room. I called the hotel the next morning and spoke to housekeeping and it had not been found. I explained to them that I believe it to have fallen behind the bed perhaps. A few hours later, I received a call from Jessica in housekeeping telling me it had been found. I cannot thank The Empire Hotel and Jessica enough for their kindness extended to my family. We will definitely be back and recommend to everyone we know. PS...did we mention there is a beautiful lobby, rooftop bar and pool in the warmer months. Thank you!
Apr 24, 2025 · Jessica Stroud
The Empire Hotel has a great location and stylish charm, especially in the lobby and common areas. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout our stay, and the rooftop bar offered fantastic views of the city. While the overall vibe of the hotel is classy and cool, the rooms felt a bit outdated and could use some modern touches to match the rest of the space. Still, everything was clean and comfortable, and the convenience of being so close to Central Park and Lincoln Center makes it a solid choice for a NYC stay.
May 05, 2025 · Taylor S.