Manhattan is a trap. Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh, but if you’ve ever paid $500 for a room the size of a walk-in closet in Midtown, you know the feeling. Finding a decent place to crash in New York shouldn't feel like a heist. That is why the Holiday Inn Long Island City NY has become this sort of open secret for people who actually want to enjoy their trip without draining their 401k.
It’s right there in Queens. Just across the bridge.
Honestly, the first time you pull up to 39-05 29th Street, it might not look like much. It’s a standard, high-rise hotel surrounded by a neighborhood that’s still figuring itself out. LIC used to be all warehouses and grease. Now? It’s a forest of glass towers and some of the best breweries in the city. The Holiday Inn sits right in the thick of that transition. It’s functional. It’s clean. Most importantly, it’s about two minutes away from the subway lines that get you to Times Square faster than if you were actually staying in a "central" hotel bogged down by parade traffic.
The Reality of Staying at Holiday Inn Long Island City NY
Let's get real about the location. You are in Long Island City, not the Hamptons.
Some people get confused by the name. "Is it on an island?" Kind of. It’s the westernmost tip of Queens. The Holiday Inn Long Island City NY specifically puts you near the 39th Ave-Dutch Kills station. You’re looking at the N and W trains. If those are running smoothly—which, let's be fair, is a 50/50 toss-up with the MTA on weekends—you are at 59th and Lexington in Manhattan in roughly ten minutes.
That is the sell.
The rooms are bigger than what you'll find in the city. You can actually open your suitcase on the floor without hitting the bed and the desk at the same time. Most rooms come with a mini-fridge and a microwave. In New York, a microwave is basically a luxury amenity because it means you can eat your $25 leftover pasta for breakfast and save a fortune.
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The view is the sleeper hit. If you get a room on the upper floors facing west, you’re staring straight at the Manhattan skyline. You get the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building without paying the "Skyline View" tax that hotels across the East River usually tack on. It's pretty cool to watch the sunset over the city with a cheap beer from the bodega downstairs rather than a $24 cocktail at a rooftop bar.
What the Amenities Actually Look Like
Don't expect a spa. There is no cucumber water waiting for you in the lobby.
What you do get is a solid fitness center that actually has enough equipment to get a sweat going. There’s a business center if you absolutely have to print a boarding pass because you’re old school like that. The WiFi is generally snappy. In a world where some "luxury" hotels still try to charge $15 a day for internet, having it included here feels like a win.
The on-site restaurant, 39th Avenue Bar & Grill, is fine. It’s convenient. But honestly? You’re in Queens. If you eat every meal at the hotel, you are doing New York wrong. Walk three blocks in any direction. You’ll find authentic Brazilian steakhouses, tiny Thai spots, and coffee shops where the baristas take their foam art way too seriously.
Why the Location Wins (And Where it Doesn't)
Logistics matter.
If you’re flying into LaGuardia (LGA), this hotel is a dream. It’s a 15-minute Uber or a slightly longer bus/subway trek. JFK is further, obviously, but still manageable via the AirTrain and the E train to Court Square, followed by a quick transfer.
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The neighborhood itself is safe, but it's industrial-chic. You'll see a lot of construction. You'll see some older auto shops. It’s not "pretty" in the way the West Village is pretty. It’s gritty. It’s real. But it’s also quiet at night. Manhattan never shuts up. In LIC, once the commuters head home, the streets actually get peaceful. You can actually sleep.
- Price Gap: You’re usually saving 30% to 50% compared to a similar IHG property in Manhattan.
- Space: King rooms here feel like King rooms, not "Cozy Queen" rooms (which is hotel-speak for "you will hit your shins on the bed frame").
- Transit: The N, W, 7, E, M, and R trains are all within walking distance if you’re willing to hike 10 minutes to Queens Plaza.
There is a downside, though. If you are a first-time tourist who wants to step out of the lobby and be greeted by the lights of Broadway, this isn't it. You have to commute. You have to be okay with the subway. If you hate public transit, you’ll spend all your saved money on Ubers to get across the Queensboro Bridge, which is perpetually jammed.
Navigating the "IHG One Rewards" Factor
If you’re a points chaser, the Holiday Inn Long Island City NY is a massive value play.
Because it’s a Holiday Inn and not a Kimpton or an InterContinental, the point redemption levels are usually quite low. However, because of its proximity to Manhattan, the "value per point" is often higher than average. It’s a great place to burn those Anniversary Free Night certificates that come with certain credit cards.
The staff here deals with a lot of international travelers and tired families. They’ve seen it all. Checking in is usually quick, though the elevators can be a bit of a wait during the 11:00 AM checkout rush. Pro tip: if you see a tour bus pulling up, sprint to the front desk. You do not want to be stuck behind 40 people trying to figure out their room keys.
Is it Better than the Competition?
Long Island City is currently a construction zone of hotels. You have the Hilton Garden Inn, the Hyatt Place, and a dozen "boutique" spots that are really just converted tenements.
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The Holiday Inn holds its own because it’s consistent. You know exactly what a Holiday Inn bed feels like. You know the shower will have decent pressure. In a city where "charm" usually means "the plumbing is from 1920," there is a lot to be said for a modern building with predictable standards.
The common area is okay for a quick meeting, but it's not a "hang out" lobby. It’s a "get your stuff and go explore" lobby. That’s the vibe of the whole place. It’s a base camp. You aren't here to stay in the hotel; you’re here to use the hotel as a launchpad.
Things to Do Within Walking Distance
Don't just head to Manhattan. Queens is the most diverse place on Earth. Literally.
- MoMA PS1: It’s a few subways stops or a long walk away. It’s one of the largest contemporary art institutions in the US. It’s in an old school building. It’s weird, cool, and way less crowded than the main MoMA.
- Gantry Plaza State Park: Walk down to the waterfront. The views of the UN building and the Pepsi-Cola sign are iconic. This is where you go for your "I’m in New York" Instagram photo.
- Dutch Kills: A legendary cocktail bar nearby. No sign on the door. Just great drinks and a very "old New York" vibe.
The Verdict on Holiday Inn Long Island City NY
Look, if you have an unlimited budget, go stay at the Ritz.
But if you’re a traveler who realizes that you only spend about eight hours a day in your room—and most of that is with your eyes closed—then this hotel is a genius move. You get the Manhattan experience without the Manhattan price tag. You get a neighborhood that feels like real life, not a tourist theme park.
The Holiday Inn Long Island City NY isn't flashy. It isn't trendy. It’s just smart.
When you’re sitting on the subway heading back after a long day of walking through Central Park, and you realize you still have enough money in your pocket for a massive dinner in Astoria instead of a hot dog from a street cart, you’ll realize why people keep coming back here.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Book a West-Facing Room: Specifically ask for a high floor facing the city. It’s the best "free" upgrade you can get.
- Download the MYmta App: Don't rely on Google Maps alone for the N/W trains; the MTA app is more accurate for the frequent weekend service changes in Queens.
- Check the Queens Plaza Station: If the 39th Ave station is closed for construction (which happens), walk the 10 minutes to Queens Plaza. It gives you access to the E, M, and R lines, which are often more reliable than the N/W.
- Eat at LIC Market: It's a short walk away and offers a killer brunch that beats any hotel breakfast buffet.
- Skip the Hotel Parking: It’s expensive. If you’re driving, look for nearby garages online beforehand or check street parking rules carefully—Queens meter maids do not play around.