Queens is a massive, sprawling jigsaw puzzle of neighborhoods, and Kew Gardens is one of those spots that feels like a quiet secret tucked between the chaos of JFK and the energy of Forest Hills. If you’ve been scouring the internet for a place to crash that doesn't cost four hundred bucks a night, you’ve probably stumbled across the Kew Gardens Inn Motor Inn. Honestly, choosing a motor inn in NYC is usually a gamble. You're either getting a retro gem or a total headache.
Locals usually just call it the Kew Motor Inn. It’s sitting right there on Union Turnpike. If you've driven past it, you know the vibe. It’s got that classic, slightly weathered New York look that screams "no frills." But in a city where even a broom closet in Manhattan goes for a premium, people want to know if these older spots are worth the savings.
Let's be real. Travelers today are obsessed with "boutique" experiences and rooftop bars. The Kew Gardens Inn Motor Inn isn't that. It’s a functional piece of the neighborhood’s infrastructure. It serves a very specific purpose for a very specific type of traveler, and trying to pretend it’s a five-star resort is how people end up writing angry reviews. It’s a motor inn. The name literally tells you what to expect: a place to park your car and sleep.
Location, Logistics, and the Union Turnpike Reality
Location is everything. If you are flying into JFK, you are basically a stone's throw away. It’s about a fifteen-minute drive depending on how much the Van Wyck Expressway decides to hate you that day. For people doing a quick layover or those who have a crack-of-dawn flight, this is the main draw.
The Kew Gardens Inn Motor Inn sits at a busy intersection. You’ve got the Jackie Robinson Parkway nearby and Grand Central Parkway just a bit further out. This is great for drivers. It’s less great for people who want total silence. New York isn't silent, though. If you want silence, go to Vermont. Here, you get the hum of the city.
Getting into Manhattan from here is a bit of a trek but totally doable. You’ve got the E and F trains at the Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike station. It’s a bit of a walk—maybe ten to fifteen minutes depending on your pace—but those lines are express. You can be in Midtown in about thirty minutes. That’s the trade-off. You save money on the room, you spend a little extra time on the subway.
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Why People Actually Choose This Spot
- The Price Point: Most hotels in Long Island City or Brooklyn have seen prices skyrocket. Kew Gardens stays relatively grounded.
- Parking: This is the big one. Finding a hotel in NYC with a parking lot that doesn't charge $60 a day is like finding a unicorn. Here, it’s included or very cheap.
- Proximity to Hospitals: Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Queens Hospital Center are nearby. You often see families staying here to be close to loved ones.
- No-Nonsense Access: It’s simple. You check in, you go to your room, you leave.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
If you’re expecting minimalist Scandinavian design, you’re in the wrong place. The Kew Gardens Inn Motor Inn is unapologetically old-school. Think floral bedspreads, heavy curtains, and furniture that has lived through a few decades. It’s sturdy.
Some people find it charming in a "Time Capsule" kind of way. Others find it dated. Both are right. The rooms are generally larger than what you’d find in a modern "micro-hotel" in the city. You actually have space to put a suitcase down without tripping over it. That’s a win.
Cleanliness is the make-or-break factor for any motor inn. Most reports suggest the staff tries hard, but the age of the building means things show wear. It’s the kind of place where you check the corners and notice the wallpaper might be peeling a bit, but the sheets are tucked tight. It’s a budget stay. Keep your expectations aligned with the price tag and you won't be disappointed.
Navigating the Neighborhood Like a Local
Kew Gardens is actually a beautiful place if you walk away from the main turnpikes. It’s known for "Crew's Hill" and the unique architecture of the apartment buildings. If you're staying at the Kew Gardens Inn Motor Inn, don't just sit in your room.
Go find Austin Street. It’s nearby in Forest Hills and it’s packed with food. You’ve got everything from high-end Italian to greasy spoons. If you want something closer, there are plenty of small delis and pizza spots right around the inn.
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Forest Park is another huge plus. It’s one of the best parks in Queens. You can go for a run, see the carousel, or just escape the exhaust fumes for an hour. Most tourists never see Forest Park, which is a shame. It’s got actual hiking trails. In the middle of Queens. It’s wild.
Safety and Common Misconceptions
People hear "Motor Inn" and sometimes get nervous. In NYC, these spots have a reputation for being "by-the-hour" places. Does that happen? Yeah, probably. It’s a city of 8 million people. But for the average traveler, it’s mostly just a quiet place where people mind their own business.
The area is generally safe. It’s a residential neighborhood with a lot of families and professionals. You’ll see people walking dogs at midnight. Just use your normal city smarts—don't leave a laptop sitting on your car seat and keep your eyes up.
Comparing Kew Gardens Inn to Other Queens Options
If you look at the Kew Gardens Inn Motor Inn versus the big chains near JFK, you’re looking at a different experience. The airport hotels are sterile. They feel like airports. The Kew Motor Inn feels like Queens.
There’s a certain grit to it that feels authentic. Some people hate that. They want the shiny glass and the "free breakfast" that consists of a soggy bagel and a yogurt cup. Here, you're better off walking to a local bodega and getting a bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll. It’ll be the best five dollars you spend in New York.
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Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book a room at the Kew Gardens Inn Motor Inn, there are a few things you should do to make the trip smoother. Don't just wing it.
- Request a room away from the street: If you’re a light sleeper, the Union Turnpike side can be loud. Ask for something in the back.
- Check the LIRR schedule: The Kew Gardens Long Island Rail Road station is close. It’s faster than the subway for getting to Penn Station or Grand Central, though it costs a few bucks more. It’s worth it for the comfort.
- Bring your own toiletries: Budget spots usually have that "all-in-one" soap that feels like dish detergent. Treat yourself to a travel-size shampoo from the CVS down the road.
- Use the parking: If you have a car, use the lot. Street parking in this part of Queens is a nightmare of alternate-side regulations and aggressive tow trucks.
The Final Take on the Kew Motor Inn
Is it a luxury destination? No. Is it a reliable, affordable place to put your head down? Absolutely. The Kew Gardens Inn Motor Inn represents a dying breed of New York lodging—the independent, slightly rough-around-the-edges motel that hasn't been turned into a glass tower yet.
It works for the contractor in town for a week, the family visiting a student at St. John’s University, and the traveler who would rather spend their money on pastrami sandwiches and Broadway tickets than a fancy lobby. It is what it is. And in a city that’s constantly trying to be something else, there’s something respectable about that.
Next Steps for Your Trip
Before you book, check the latest rates directly or through a major aggregator to see if they are running any mid-week specials. Map out your route from the airport—if you’re taking an Uber, use the "Union Turnpike" entrance for the easiest drop-off. Finally, download the MTA TrainTime app if you plan on using the LIRR; it's the most accurate way to track the trains heading into Manhattan from the nearby station.