LIC Hotel (New York / Queens)

LIC Hotel Queens

4.4

Rating

4.4/5

Flyctory.com Pros

Amazing location
Comparably large, well serviced rooms
Complimentary (basic) breakfast

Flyctory.com Cons

Rather poor WiFi connection

Hotel prices in the USA are getting more and more ridiculous and this require to go for some strategy and compromise. I very often use frequent traveler points, e.g. at Hilton Hotels, to reduce my costs. For the first two nights of my spring 2024 trip with the Pittsburgh Penguins, I had a paid accommodation in New York City. As I arrived from Europe on a Saturday (due to cheaper plane tickets) and had the first ice hockey match on a Monday, the key preference for my hotel choice was having a good location for a reasonable price. The LIC Hotel in Queens felt like the perfect choice for that. Here is my review.

LIC Hotel – Location

South of the LIC Hotel is a very nice part of Queens, which features several basic restaurants, stores and services. There is also a small Target store in walking distance which felt very handy. However, the services close a bit earlier than they would do in other boroughs. The area North of the hotel is rather commercial. There are several car maintenance companies and similar kinds of business.

On really striking argument for the LIC Hotel is its great public transport connection. You reach the 23rd Court Square subway station in a few minutes. It is served by lines E, M, 7 and G. E provides a direct link to Jamaica and thus to the AirLink to JFK Airport. You have to state, though that for this connection only the Manhattan-bound platform is barrier-free. Thus, I had an easy time taking the subway from the airport, but I would have likely not used it (or first go to Manhattan and then turn around) if I went with major luggage back to the Airport. Some ten minutes walk North of the hotel is the subway station 21st-Queensbridge, which serves the F line. Among other destination, it is just one stop away from Rosevelt Island.

LIC Hotel – Room

I had a two night stay in March / April 2024, from Easter Saturday to Monday. The flexible rate for the two nights was 358.13 USD. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast to their guests. I did not expect too much from the hotel room before I checked in. Overall, the price might sound high, but it is definitely a budget stay regarding the location. However, I was really happy with what I got. The room does have a bit of a basic touch, but apart from some scars and dents, the room was really fit for purpose. You could easily store major luggage in there. The wardrobe-alike thing did not feel being in best condition, but on the other side, I really liked the large desk with a reasonable chair. Power outlets were there sufficiently and there were even USB ports for charging next to the bed. I also liked having a fridge in the room.

The bathroom was compact, but felt rather renovated. It was definitely fit for purpose. With the large walk-in shower and amenities provided in dispensers, the LIC Hotel definitely fulfilled me needs. The room was very clean and housekeeping did a very good job during my stay as well.

LIC Hotel – Breakfast

The LIC Hotel has a breakfast area next to the reception. It is a bit limited in size so that the hotel asks you to limit your time there to 30 minutes – which I feel is reasonable. During the day, you get complimentary tea, water and coffee there, which was very handy. The breakfast was served as a buffet with some scrambled eggs, bacon, pancakes, bagels and preserves, which I felt was overall reasonable. There was also some fruit (oranges and apples) as well as juice. Of course, the LIC Hotel does not give you a luxury kick-off of your day in New York City, but regarding the class of the hotel and the price, I overall feel positive about it.

LIC Hotel – Rooftop

You cannot to a review of the LIC Hotel without mentioning the rooftop the hotel is having. From the rather large space, you have a partial view of Manhattan and Queensboro Bridge. You also have an overlook of the borough you are in. I already loved to visit the rooftop in early April, but I am sure it is an absolute treat (especially if you have a cold one with you) in warmer periods.

LIC Hotel – Service

The staff was kind and helpful, even though I felt that was a bit of a distance. The hotel does run what they call an exercise room in the basement, but I unfortunately missed the opportunity of checking it out. There is complimentary WiFi in the room. I have to state, though, that despite the rather central New York City location, the internet quality was not the best. My jetlag allowed me to do some more technically demanding work items to US nighttime.

LIC Hotel – My View

The LIC Hotel is a basic stay, but the price is right. The connections are amazing. If only, there wasn’t the weak internet connection, I would have definitely loved my stay there. Nonetheless, this place is an excellent one for New York City visitors. With the G train to Brooklyn on top of the other connections, it offers amazing travel options. I really liked it