If you’ve ever flown into LGA, you know the drill. You’re tired. You’re probably hungry. You definitely don’t want to spend two hours sitting in a yellow cab crawling toward Midtown while the meter eats your dinner budget. This is exactly why people end up looking at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel.
It’s an interesting spot. Honestly, it’s one of those hotels that sits at a weird crossroads of "airport convenience" and "deep-dive cultural immersion." Most airport hotels are boring. They’re beige boxes in the middle of a parking lot where the only food option is a sad club sandwich from room service. But the Sheraton in Flushing? It's different. It’s right in the middle of one of the most vibrant, chaotic, and delicious neighborhoods in New York City. You aren't just staying near the planes; you're staying in the heart of Chinatown’s massive Queens counterpart.
What Most Travelers Get Wrong About the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel
People see "LaGuardia" in the name and assume they’re going to be looking at a runway from their window. You won’t. Well, you might see a plane in the distance, but you’re actually a couple of miles away from the terminals.
The hotel is located at 135-20 39th Avenue. That’s downtown Flushing. If you’re expecting a quiet, suburban street, you’re in for a shock. It is loud. It is busy. It is packed with people 24/7. But that’s the charm. The Sheraton acts as this weirdly calm sanctuary right above the madness of Main Street.
The Location Logistics
Let’s talk about the shuttle. Everyone asks about the shuttle. Yes, the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel runs a complimentary shuttle to and from LGA. It’s usually reliable, but—and this is a big "but"—traffic in Flushing is a nightmare. It’s some of the worst in the city.
- Don't time your trip to the airport down to the last minute.
- If the van is full, you might wait twenty minutes for the next one.
- If you’re in a rush, just grab a Lyft; it’ll cost you maybe fifteen bucks, and you won’t be stressing about the schedule.
The real secret weapon of this location isn't the airport access, though. It’s the 7 train. You can walk out the front door, stroll two blocks to the Main St. station, and be at Grand Central in about 40 minutes for the price of a subway swipe. It’s actually faster than staying in some parts of Brooklyn or the Upper West Side.
The Room Situation: What to Expect
Let’s be real. This isn't a brand-new ultra-boutique hotel with Edison bulbs and exposed brick. It’s a Sheraton. It’s owned by Marriott. You know exactly what the bed is going to feel like—the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience is legitimately comfortable. It’s that crisp, white, heavy-duvet vibe that most business travelers live for.
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The rooms are surprisingly large for New York standards. We’re talking enough space to actually open two suitcases without having to jump over them to get to the bathroom. Many of the rooms were renovated recently, so they have that sleek, corporate-modern look. Think dark woods, neutral carpets, and plenty of outlets near the bed.
One thing to watch out for? The views. If you get a room on a high floor facing west, you can actually see the Manhattan skyline in the distance. At night, with all the lights of Queens below you, it’s actually kind of beautiful. If you’re on a lower floor, you’re mostly looking at the rooftops of bubble tea shops and malls.
Club Lounge and Perks
If you have Marriott Bonvoy status (Platinum or higher), the Club Lounge here is actually worth visiting. In a lot of US hotels, the lounges have become pretty stingy lately. Here, because of the heavy international business travel, they usually keep it well-stocked. The breakfast spread is decent, and they often have evening hors d'oeuvres that lean into the local flavors of Flushing.
Why Foodies Choose This Over Midtown
This is the part that gets people excited. If you stay at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel, you are within a five-minute walk of some of the best food in the United States. Period.
You don't eat in the hotel. I mean, the hotel restaurant, Deluge, is fine. It’s totally serviceable for a business breakfast. But why would you eat a $22 omelet when you can walk across the street to the New World Mall food court?
- Joe’s Steam Rice Rolls: Get the one with pork and dried shrimp.
- Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao: Just a few blocks away. Their soup dumplings are legendary.
- White Bear: Go for the "Number 6"—wontons with hot chili oil.
Most people staying here for work end up stumbling into these places and having a religious experience over a $9 bowl of noodles. It’s a stark contrast to the sterile environment of a typical airport stay.
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Business and Events: The Corporate Side
The Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel is a massive player in the local events scene. They have over 15,000 square feet of meeting space. If you’re attending a wedding or a conference here, the ballroom is actually quite impressive. It’s got that classic "grand" feel with high ceilings and no pillars blocking the view.
For business travelers, the "Link@Sheraton" in the lobby is a lifesaver. It’s basically a high-end communal workspace with decent Wi-Fi and printing services. If you’ve checked out but your flight isn't until 6:00 PM, you can park yourself there with a laptop and actually get work done without feeling like you're loitering.
The Nuance of the Neighborhood
Flushing is not "touristy" New York. It’s "real" New York.
It’s crowded. People will bump into you on the sidewalk. There’s a lot of noise. If you’re looking for the quiet, tree-lined streets of the West Village, you are in the wrong place. However, if you want to see the energy of a neighborhood that is constantly moving, this is it.
Safety-wise, it’s generally fine. It’s a high-traffic area. Just use the same common sense you’d use anywhere else in NYC. The area around the hotel stays busy late into the night because of all the restaurants, so you’re rarely walking on empty streets.
Common Complaints and How to Avoid Them
No hotel is perfect. The Sheraton has its quirks.
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The elevators can be slow. During peak check-out times (around 11:00 AM), you might be waiting a while. If you’re on a lower floor, sometimes it’s just faster to take the stairs if you’re able.
Parking is another sticking point. It’s New York. Parking is expensive. The hotel has a garage, but it’s pricey. If you can avoid bringing a car, do it. The LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) also has a stop nearby at Flushing-Main Street, which can get you to Penn Station or out to Long Island even faster than the subway.
The Verdict: Who Should Stay Here?
It’s simple.
Stay here if you have an early morning flight out of LGA and want a stress-free morning. Stay here if you’re a foodie who wants to spend 48 hours eating your way through Queens. Stay here if you’re doing business in Long Island City, Great Neck, or Flushing itself.
Don’t stay here if you want a quiet, romantic retreat. Don't stay here if you’re terrified of crowds.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
To make the most of your time at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel, keep these specific tips in mind:
- Request a high floor: Ask for a room above the 10th floor facing west for the best noise reduction and potential Manhattan views.
- Skip the hotel breakfast: Walk to any of the nearby bakeries (like Fay Da or Paris Baguette) for a much cheaper and more interesting start to the day.
- Check the Mets schedule: If you’re staying during baseball season, Citi Field is just one subway stop away (or a longish walk). This hotel is a prime spot for fans who don't want to pay Manhattan prices during a home stand.
- Use the LIRR for Midtown: While the 7 train is iconic, the Long Island Rail Road is much cleaner, faster, and more comfortable. It costs more, but it’s worth it if you’re hauling luggage.
- The Shuttle Secret: Call the hotel as soon as you land and have your bags. Don't just wait at the curb assuming it's on a 15-minute loop; sometimes they need a heads-up.
Flushing is a sensory overload in the best way possible. The Sheraton provides a reliable, comfortable home base to experience that intensity without feeling overwhelmed. It’s predictable in its quality, which is exactly what you want when the world outside the lobby doors is anything but.
Plan your arrival for midday if possible. This allows you to drop your bags and hit the lunch rush at the nearby malls before the evening commuter chaos peaks. You'll get a better sense of the neighborhood's rhythm and a much shorter line for those soup dumplings.