Trying to find a place to crash in New York City without draining your entire savings account is a nightmare. Honestly. You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through booking sites, looking at shiny Manhattan hotels that cost $400 a night for a room the size of a closet, before eventually widening your search to the outer boroughs. That’s usually when the Haven Motel in Queens New York pops up on the radar. It looks affordable. It’s in Woodhaven. But if you’re like most travelers, you’re wondering if it’s a "hidden gem" or the kind of place you’ll regret booking the second you step through the door.
Let's be real. Queens is massive. It’s a patchwork of neighborhoods that feel like different countries, and Woodhaven—where this motel sits—is a quintessential working-class slice of the city. The Haven Motel isn't trying to be the Ritz. It isn't even trying to be a trendy boutique spot in Long Island City. It’s a budget-oriented motel located at 82-70 Woodhaven Blvd.
Location and the Woodhaven Vibe
Location is everything in NYC. If you stay here, you’re basically positioned right on Woodhaven Boulevard, which is a major artery for the borough. It’s loud. It’s busy. You’ve got the sprawling Forest Park just a few blocks away, which is actually one of the coolest parts of Queens—over 500 acres of trails and even a carousel.
But here is the catch.
If your goal is to spend every waking second in Times Square, staying at the Haven Motel in Queens New York requires a bit of a strategy. You aren't just "hopping" into Manhattan. You’re looking at a commute. The J and Z trains at the Woodhaven Blvd station are your primary lifelines. Depending on the MTA’s mood—which, let’s face it, varies wildly—you’re looking at a 40-minute to an hour trip to get into Lower Manhattan.
Is it convenient? Sorta. If you have a car, it’s actually more accessible to the Belt Parkway and Jackie Robinson Parkway than many other spots, but parking in Queens is its own circle of hell. The motel does offer some parking, which is a massive plus because trying to find a street spot in Woodhaven at 8:00 PM is basically impossible.
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What the Rooms Are Actually Like
Don't expect luxury. Just don't.
The Haven Motel is a standard, no-frills budget accommodation. When you walk in, you’re going to see the classic motel setup: functional furniture, a TV, and a bed that is hopefully more comfortable than a plywood sheet. People often complain about the aesthetics—it’s a bit dated. The carpets might remind you of a 90s office building, and the lighting isn't exactly "mood-setting."
However, for a lot of travelers, the priority is cleanliness. According to various guest reviews across platforms like TripAdvisor and Expedia, the experience is hit or miss. Some guests praise the staff for being straightforward and keeping the rooms tidy, while others have pointed out that maintenance can be a bit slow. It's the kind of place where you check the corners of the room when you walk in.
One thing that surprises people is the size. Unlike those tiny Manhattan "pod" hotels, motel rooms in Queens tend to give you a little more breathing room. You can actually open your suitcase without hitting the wall. That matters if you’re staying for more than a night.
The Noise Factor
You’re on Woodhaven Boulevard. I cannot emphasize this enough.
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Woodhaven Blvd is a six-lane road. It’s a path for buses, sirens, and people who think their mufflers should sound like a jet engine. If you are a light sleeper, the Haven Motel in Queens New York might be a challenge. You’ll hear the city. You’ll hear the rumble of the overground subway nearby. It’s the "city that never sleeps" vibe, but in a very literal, "I can hear that truck" kind of way. Bringing earplugs isn't just a suggestion; it’s a survival tactic.
Safety and the Surrounding Area
Is Woodhaven safe? Generally, yeah. It’s a residential neighborhood filled with families and small businesses. It’s not a tourist trap, which is actually kind of nice. You’ll find authentic food—think great Dominican spots, authentic Italian bakeries, and those classic NYC delis where you can get a bacon, egg, and cheese at 3:00 AM.
That said, like any city environment, you’ve got to keep your wits about you. The area around the motel is well-lit, but it’s a high-traffic area. Walking back from the subway late at night is usually fine, but it’s a bit of a trek.
Why People Choose the Haven Motel
Price. That’s the answer.
When a Marriott in Midtown is charging $500 because there’s a random convention in town, the Haven Motel stays relatively consistent. It’s a refuge for:
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- People visiting family in Queens or Brooklyn.
- Travelers on a strict budget who don't mind a commute.
- People who need a place to stay near JFK or LaGuardia (though it’s not "airport close," it’s closer than Manhattan).
- Road trippers who need a place with a parking lot.
It’s a utilitarian choice. You aren't staying here for the Instagram photos. You’re staying here because you need a bed and a shower and you want to keep $200 in your pocket to spend on actual food and experiences.
Common Misconceptions About Queens Motels
There’s a stigma. People hear "motel in Queens" and they think of gritty movies from the 70s. While some spots in the city are definitely "by the hour" establishments, the Haven Motel functions as a standard lodging option. It’s not trying to be a destination; it’s a pit stop.
Another misconception is that it’s "right by the airport." Look at a map. You’re roughly 6-8 miles from JFK. In NYC traffic, that could be 15 minutes or 50 minutes. Don't book this 2 hours before your flight thinking you can just stroll over. Give yourself time.
Navigating the Essentials
If you do decide to book, here’s the lowdown on the immediate vicinity. There’s a 7-Eleven nearby for your basic snacks. For actual food, walk down towards Jamaica Avenue. You’ll find a ton of local eats there. The A train and the J/Z trains are your main connectors.
One thing most people get wrong is the "Forest Park" proximity. They think it's just a small park. It's actually a massive forest with hilly terrain. If you need a break from the concrete, go there. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the borough and it's right in the Haven Motel's backyard.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
If you are planning to book a room at the Haven Motel in Queens New York, do yourself a favor and call them directly after booking online. Third-party sites sometimes glitch, and there’s nothing worse than showing up at midnight in Queens only to find out your reservation didn't port over.
- Verify the Parking: If you’re bringing a car, confirm they have a spot for you. Space is limited and it’s first-come, first-served.
- Request a Room Away from the Boulevard: If you want any hope of a quiet night, ask for a room in the back of the building. The street-facing rooms get the full brunt of Woodhaven Blvd traffic.
- Check the MTA Schedule: Use the MYmta app. Weekend construction in NYC is notorious for shutting down the very train lines you need to get back to Woodhaven.
- Inspect the Room Immediately: Check the AC/heater and the water pressure. If something’s broken, tell the front desk right away. It’s much easier to switch rooms at 4:00 PM than at 11:00 PM.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Remember what you paid. This is a budget stay. Focus on the money you’re saving for the rest of your trip.
Budget travel in New York City is all about trade-offs. You trade convenience for cash. You trade silence for a parking spot. The Haven Motel isn't a luxury retreat, but it provides a roof over your head in a city that is increasingly unaffordable. As long as you know exactly what you’re getting—a basic, noisy, but functional room—you won't be disappointed. Focus on exploring the food in Queens; it’s way better than anything you’ll find in the tourist zones anyway.