So, you’re looking at hotels in Queens because Manhattan prices are basically extortion right now. It happens to the best of us. You see the photos of the Courtyard Long Island City New York Manhattan View and think, "Is that skyline actually what I’ll see from my bed, or is that just some clever marketing?"
I get it. Choosing a hotel in LIC is a gamble.
Long Island City is weird. It’s this industrial-turned-luxury-glass-tower hybrid that feels like a construction site one minute and a high-end film set the next. But here’s the thing: this specific Courtyard by Marriott isn't just another cookie-cutter box. It’s situated in a sweet spot near Queens Plaza that makes getting into the city easier than finding a decent bagel in Midtown. But does it live up to the name? Let's get into the weeds of what it’s actually like to stay there.
The Reality of the Manhattan View
Let’s be honest. You aren't booking this place for the lobby decor or the bistro breakfast. You’re booking it for the view.
The Courtyard Long Island City New York Manhattan View delivers on its promise, but with a caveat. Not every room is a winner. If you end up on a lower floor facing the wrong way, you’re looking at a brick wall or a subway track. You have to be specific. The "Manhattan View" rooms are the premium tier for a reason. When you’re up on the 10th floor or higher, looking west, the skyline is legitimately stunning. You see the Queensboro Bridge—which, honestly, is more photogenic than the Brooklyn Bridge if you’re into that industrial aesthetic—and the Chrysler Building poking up like a silver needle.
It’s quiet. Or at least, as quiet as NYC gets.
The glass is thick enough to muffle the screech of the N/W trains nearby. Watching the sunset hit the glass towers of Manhattan from the comfort of a Marriott bed while eating takeout from a local LIC spot? That’s the dream. It’s basically the "Main Character" experience without paying $700 a night for a shoebox in Chelsea.
🔗 Read more: Why Presidio La Bahia Goliad Is The Most Intense History Trip In Texas
Why the Location is Kind of a Cheat Code
Most tourists make the mistake of staying in Times Square. Don't do that. It’s loud, it smells like roasted nuts and despair, and you can’t move through the sidewalks.
The Courtyard in LIC is a logistics dream. You are steps—literally a three-minute walk—from the Queens Plaza station. From there, you have the E, M, and R trains. One stop. That’s all it takes. One stop and you are at Lexington Avenue-53rd Street in Manhattan. You can be at MoMA or Rockefeller Center in fifteen minutes flat.
Then there’s the 7 train at Courthouse Square. The 7 is the "International Express." It’s your ticket to the best food in the world in Flushing or Jackson Heights. Staying here means you’re positioned between the polished madness of Manhattan and the actual soul of Queens.
The Room Situation: What to Expect
It’s a Courtyard. Let’s manage expectations. It isn't the Ritz, and it isn't trying to be.
The rooms are bigger than what you’d get across the river. Fact. You actually have space to open a suitcase without tripping over it. The beds are the standard Marriott fare—firm but decently plush. You get the desk, the ergonomic chair, and the mini-fridge. It’s functional.
But here is where people get annoyed: the elevators.
💡 You might also like: London to Canterbury Train: What Most People Get Wrong About the Trip
During peak checkout times or when a large tour group is staying, the wait for an elevator can feel like an eternity. I’ve seen people give up and take the stairs from the fourth floor. It’s a minor gripe until you’re running late for a Broadway show. Also, the "Bistro" in the lobby is fine for a quick coffee, but don’t expect a five-star brunch. You’re better off walking two blocks to a local cafe.
Nuance Matters: The "Industrial" Vibe
Long Island City is still transitioning.
Walking around the hotel at night might feel a little "gritty" to some. There are warehouses and empty lots mixed in with the luxury condos. It’s safe—I’ve walked these streets at 2:00 AM without a second thought—but it doesn't have that manicured Park Avenue feel. If you want doormen in white gloves and flower arrangements on every corner, this isn't your neighborhood. If you want craft breweries like Fifth Hammer or ICONYC within walking distance, you’re in the right place.
Avoiding the "Tourist Trap" Mistakes
Many people stay at the Courtyard Long Island City New York Manhattan View and never actually explore Queens. That is a massive mistake.
- Gantry Plaza State Park: Walk down to the waterfront. It’s about a 15-20 minute stroll or a quick Citi Bike ride. This is arguably the best park in New York City. The iconic Pepsi-Cola sign is there, along with wooden piers where you can sit and watch the ferries go by.
- The Food Scene: Skip the hotel breakfast. Go to M. Wells if you want something experimental and cool. Go to John Brown BBQ for some of the best burnt ends you’ll ever eat.
- The Culture: PS1 MoMA is right there. It’s a contemporary art museum in an old schoolhouse. It’s gritty, it’s weird, and it’s way less crowded than the main MoMA.
Is the Price Differential Real?
Usually, yes.
On a random Tuesday in October, a room at the Courtyard Long Island City New York Manhattan View might run you $280. A comparable Marriott in Midtown could easily be $450 plus a $40 "Destination Fee" (which is just a fancy word for a hidden tax).
📖 Related: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
By staying in LIC, you are essentially saving $150+ a night for the "inconvenience" of a five-minute subway ride. To me, that’s a no-brainer. You take that extra cash and spend it on a better dinner or a second-row seat at a show.
The Lowdown on Amenities
- The Gym: It’s small. It has the basics. If you’re a powerlifter, you’ll be disappointed. If you just want to run off a slice of Joe’s Pizza on a treadmill, you’re golden.
- The WiFi: Generally reliable. It’s built for business travelers, so it doesn't usually flake out during Zoom calls.
- The Staff: Surprisingly helpful for a high-volume hotel. They know the subway system inside out—ask them which entrance to use for the E train so you don't end up on the wrong platform.
What Most People Get Wrong About LIC Hotels
The biggest misconception is that you’re "stuck" in Queens.
I’ve had friends stay here who were terrified they’d spend their whole trip in transit. The reality? You can often get to Times Square faster from this hotel than someone staying in Lower Manhattan or the Upper West Side. The subway connections at Queens Plaza are legendary.
Another thing: people think the "Manhattan View" is a gimmick. It’s not. But you have to pay for it. If you book the cheapest "Standard King" room, don’t be surprised if your window looks out at a parking garage. If the view is the goal, check your reservation three times to ensure it says "Manhattan View."
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re pulling the trigger on a booking, do these three things to ensure you don’t end up frustrated:
- Email the front desk 48 hours before arrival. Ask specifically for a room on a high floor away from the elevator bank. The noise from the hallway can be a bit much if you’re right next to the lift.
- Get a MetroCard or use OMNY. Don’t bother with Ubers or Lyfts into Manhattan. The bridge traffic is a nightmare. The subway is your best friend here.
- Check the "Queensboro Bridge" traffic. If you absolutely must take a car, check Google Maps first. Sometimes the bridge is backed up for an hour, and you’re better off taking the midtown tunnel.
- Visit the rooftop. Even if your room doesn't have the view, the hotel has public spaces where you can soak it in. Take the photo, post it, and let people think you paid double what you actually did.
The Courtyard Long Island City New York Manhattan View is a strategic choice. It’s for the traveler who is too smart to pay Manhattan prices but too tired to stay an hour away in the deep suburbs. It’s the middle ground that actually works. Just remember to look up when the sun goes down—the skyline doesn't look real from that angle. It looks like a postcard, and for a few nights, it’s your backyard.