Verve Hotel, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member

They seem to talk to you as if you are doing them a favor staying there.
I went to pick up my mother that was staying there and I got her in my car. I then went to the front desk to ask the concierge for directions to the bathroom and he denied me.
Are you serious?
I went to Motel 8 down the street to use the bathroom.

My company booked me a room here for three nights, and I would request to stay there again. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive, as the lobby was less than inviting. The frayed, worn brown pleather furniture and the whole florescent/​linoleum thing isn’t usually what you want in your hotel lobby.,
However, I was much happier by the time I got to my room. It was clean and inviting, with a king-​size bed outfitted with 6 plush pillows and crisp linens. Bathroom was small and dated, but clean and fresh. There was some trouble connecting to the Wi-​Fi the entire time I was there, but the concierge in the lobby tried his best and was apologetic.
The staff were really kind and helpful, even giving me breakfast at 5:30 a.m. — well before they were set up.
Considering the reasonable rates; the clean, quiet, and nice rooms; and the proximity to so many major subway lines, I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for a good deal just outside of Manhattan. Don’t let the lobby deter you =)

I want to stay in NYC but the rates are way too high for a hotel not bedbug ridden or sketchy. This is a superb option. Two subway stops from NYC. As a local we met told us,“since you have to take the subway anyway we love living in LIC.” She is correct. I was surprised how nice the room was. Last time we stayed at a hotel in Columbus Circle which costs more and was pretty dumpy. Verve is new and very nice. It even has two rooms with a sofa. You will not find a nicer hotel at the price plus bkfst. All was well. Staff is great.
I would familiarize yourself with the walk from the subway and write it down or GPS since it could be a bit confusing for new comers. If you leave the station at a different exit the bridge can turn you around. By the third day I had it down pat and you will learn it quicker with GPS. (Mine was not working) Besides that this location is ideal. You will not find anything cheaper that is not bedbugs ridden which NYC has major problems with in many areas. My only advice is that they should have thicker, better, light infusion/​blocking curtains in the bedrooms though.
I have some tips if it helps. Look alert when walking. It a safe neighborhood. Kind of up and coming and a nice area that many people are moving to in The NYC area. I never felt unsafe. However a weirdo followed me to the hotel one night on my walk back from the station. Not sure what his intent was but he stood out as not belonging in that area. I do not scare easily and he was not even deterred when I arrived back to the hotel and entered the lobby. Besides that the subway is fine and folks are great! I never felt unsafe and I traveled all over NYC, Rockaway, and Brooklyn.
Another tip if it applies. If you are handicap or disabled this is not a good option for you. (Do not go to Queensboro Plaza station instead go to Queens plaza across the street) I wish I had that tip beforehand so I give it to you. The former is a high rise with three levels of stairs and no elevators. Fun times with luggage for sure. lol. I have no idea how NYC gets away with honoring handicap laws but it is an awful city for getting around if you can not walk well. We want to thank the kindness of many strangers that helped my friend get all her luggage and medical equipment down all those steps. Sadly, she had to leave halfway though our trip to go home because it was too much walking for her and NYC is not a handicap friendly city.
Also, another tip if you fly into Newark. Take the bus from Newark that goes to Port Authority or Grand Central Station and then the subway. It is a great deal for sure. It is only 30 bucks or less RT and even a very cheap senior discount if you qualify.

This hotel is your best best for a budget hotel in New York City — don’t be afraid of the fact that it’s located in LIC. I often head to NYC from San Francisco 3 – 4 times year and split my trip between a luxy hotel in midtown and The Verve, it’s a good way to get the best of both worlds.
The N and Q lines are right down the street, and Queensboro Plaza has more access to direct lines to Brooklyn, etc. It’s 5 minutes to get back in NYC from the 39^th Ave station, which is great.
Rooms are REALLY big, and well cleaned. They come with mini-​fridges, coffee machines, new TVs, and other basics. Are they the most luxurious? No, but for the price there is truly no better option.
If you want to spend more than 2 weeks in NYC, The Verve is a fantastic option for making that happen.

Great hotel in a great location for exploring NYC. Large, clean and comfortable rooms, helpful and friendly staff, free WiFi and laundry, free daily breakfast and 24 hour brewed coffee available. Location close to several different subway stations and very safe/​walkable neighborhood. Parking garage available under the hotel for $ 25/​night but we lucked out with free street parking on the same block as the hotel. All this for ~$ 150/​night midweek. What more could you ask for?
We’ll be back, thanks for a great stay!

This is a great hotel. I was sent here for by my Company but this spot is as good if not better than any big brand hotel I’ve ever been to. GREAT price decent breakfast, and as quiet as you need it to be.

After an initially rough first impression, my wife and I ended up thoroughly enjoying our stay at this hotel.
We arrived at the hotel four or five hours before the 3pm check-​in time, hoping to check our luggage so we could head down town to kill time. Upon reaching the front desk, I did not have two words out of my mouth before the young woman behind the counter immediately interrupted me, chastising us for arriving so early. She launched into a tirade about not being able to check us in early, as if we were already complaining and arguing. I had to ask her to wait three times before she gave us the opportunity to even ask about checking the bags (they agreed to hold the bags for $ 1.00 each). Luckily, we did not see this young woman again for the duration of our stay.
The lobby itself is also probably one of the most rundown places I’ve seen. I would honestly be embarrassed to be a manager of this business. Of the two entrances, one was broken and locked the entire duration of our stay, blocked off by a dirty public trashcan. Even worse, the carpeting in the lobby doorway was actually the welcome mat from a Family Dollar. I know this because it boldly stated ‘FAMILY DOLLAR’ right across the front.
The hotel is not exactly in a bustling area — it is literally one of three or four active businesses in the center of a mostly-​abandoned industrial neighborhood. So, while the casual tourist may struggle to find local entertainment or food, it is actually much quieter than hotels that are closer to downtown. Downside: you will be extremely lucky to spot a cab in this area.
The hotel is only a few blocks from two large subway stations, so if you are headed into Manhattan, you are in luck. However, if you want to enjoy some of the great local restaurants and shopping of Astoria and Queens, you’re looking at a minimum 30 minute walk — not a great option for people that aren’t used to that kind of travel.
All of this makes for a very bad first impression, but things improved after that.
The hotel itself was nice, and other than one or two staff members, every employee we dealt with was incredibly helpful and polite. The free breakfast was top notch, and the room was very comfortable. Furniture in the room had seen better days, and there was significant cosmetic damage to several room features (Door trim was cracked and broken off, and the desk was so wobbly I had to prop it up with a suitcase). However, despite the age and apparent disrepair, the room was very clean, and hospitality staff were very polite and efficient.
For the price, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better location in the area, just be warned that the room you’ll end up in is probably not quite as modern and chic as the website implies. All of the photos online show a brand new ultra-​modern hotel, but the rooms I saw were straight out of 1980.
It was also apparent that your treatment in the hotel lobby is a direct correlation with the shade of your skin. My wife and I, both white, were treated like celebrity guests, even when we showed up to breakfast in our pajamas. Two black guests staying in the room next to ours were required to show their room key when they came in for breakfast from outside.

This is an excellent hotel to stay at and to get information from.
Their service is Top Of The Line.
I was Most Impressed with the First Class Service that I had received yesterday from Emily who went out of her way to HELP me out by providing me with Very Good Directions to visit the many attractions that her borough of Queens, New York has to offer!
Thank you for the Fantastic Service!

Paid $ 200 a night for a hotel
To feel like a prisoner and a child. As I was walking in the manager stopped me and told me not to have parties cause I was a young black female. Also he stopped my elevator to take a copy of my id and when I told him I lost it he said cut the crap. The. Another manager came to my room trying to fight me because my friend was getting her bag and he said I had extra guests. It was only 4 females in the room. Then he threaten me with a call and said don’t be surprised if u see extra charges. So after they left he said I’m charging u for having people over after 10 pm. No where in Verve hotel policy it says this and I did not sign off anywhere about this. The staff is extremely disrespectful and racist. Everyone I spoke to was rude and they allows the cops on me cause they claim I was harassing then by asking for answers. But I was harassed the entire night. Didn’t make a noise or peep and even asked my neighbors. They Intentionally targeted us because we were young and black and obviously we had to be doing something wrong .no one has yet to help me or assist me.

This is just an average hotel in NYC. It is pretty cheap compared to a lot of hotels, but in Long Island City there isn’t a lot to do. It is pretty close to midtown though. Some of the pillow cases did seem a little stained, but the room looked clean. They serve breakfast and give free wifi.

Long story short, Their website when it was up had a list of free amenities: Wifi, breakfast, and on premises handicap parking. I drove from Washington State around the whole country because I had survived cancer and the hour I had to deal with this hotel was the worst experience of the trip, I’m glad other people have had good luck, because I wish no one would have to go through what I did with them, they tried to then charge me 25 dollars per night because they had an illegal parking lot on top of false advertising.

Beware their 48-​hour cancellation policy! Unlike every other hotel, you have to cancel more than 2 days before. I called 36 hours before and they wouldn’t cancel; they’re very serious about this policy and «can’t do anything to help.» Beware!

Amazing hotel with even more amazing prices. First off the hotel itself is located in Long Island City, close to the subway, with parking and ten minutes from manhattan. The location is so convenient and it is in the amazing area of long island city and astoria. The rooms are clean, the jacuzzi one is my favorite, well stocked, comfortable, there is free breakfast in the morning, free wifi and computers and printers for everyone’s use.
NOw what makes the experience here unforgettable and magnificent are the people. FRom the Manager Pete, to the attendants at the front like Jahaira and the people who work there like Alan, everyone goes above and beyond the expected and necessary to make you feel comfortable, at home and ensure that your stay is great. HAve stayed here a few times and plan to stay again!
Truly a home away from home with all the luxuries of a hotel.

The day I was to arrive at Verve, my husband had to be hospitalized. By the time that happened it was too late to cancel so I was charged for one night, which was clearly outlined when I booked. I e-​mailed the hotel and faxed over a copy of his hospital paperwork and the manager offered to credit me the charge for use at a later time. Awesome. That is what I call great customer service.
When we were able to re-​book, they honored their promise, with no hassle whatsoever.
The hotel was very clean, rooms were large and the front desk staff were amazingly helpful. There’s also free breakfast.
I would definitely stay here again.

What you need to know:
— Rooms are way larger than your standard NYC area hotel room at a significant amount less.
— 6 – 7 minute walk to #7 train
— Not a lot of entertainment options in the area. Don’t stay here if that’s your priority.
— Quiet street corner
— No hotel bar
— Breakfast is pedestrian. I passed all three days.
What was really not to my liking:
Little details really get under my skin. Stayed three nights spending well over $ 500 and they charge $ 1 per bag to be held for two hours while I go get lunch before departing for the airport. Really? How about building in the charge and not pissing people off. First time this has happened to me in NYC. Happy to tip a staff member $ 2 – 3 for taking and returning a bag. Don’t like being charged up front for the same. That’s not service, that’s petty. Runs off more customers than worth the profit. Hotel is a hospitality industry.
Few outlets in the rooms. Come on, it’s 2013. People have laptops, phones, portable devices needing to be charged. The desk has not a single additional outlet so you’re forced to unplug a lamp.
Occupancy was down on my stay during the week with a few NYC marathon runners still hanging around. Hall can get noisy but overall my stay was pretty quiet.
Bed was comfortable and clean, bathroom was good, nice hot water with plenty of pressure.
I’m falling in the 3.5 range but will go with a three. This is nice hotel. It’s OK, it’s not bad, it’s just what it is. Always a trade off for a reduced price.
And for the front desk person this a.m. that checked me out, how about «thanks for staying with us and a smile» instead of looking like I interrupted your leisure time. I always try to be polite and friendly when interacting with staff members. Expect the same in return.

Stayed here because it was close to a friend’s house whom we were visiting. Super convenient and *very* well priced. Was given free Wi-​Fi, a free bottle of water, and early check-​in. Uhhhhh… can we say *awesome*?
Thank you Verve hotel!
We enjoyed our stay very very much!!!
(They also offer free breakfast!)

Summary: good location and nice rooms don’t make up for sketchy business practices.
We reserved a room for 2 adults. Their website does not explain that each additional guest is $ 35 per night. After explaining to the front desk management that the miscommunication (or dishonesty, depending on how cynical you are) is their issue and they should be paying the consequences, they refused to own up. Their website does not even allow you to enter in 3 guests – how are we supposed to figure out the true costs?
We also weren’t very happy with the fake/​decorative «curtains» that don’t close. Got blinded at 6 am by the eastern sun.

First, I thought this was a three star hotel then found out it was possibly only a two star according to Trip Advisor. I don’t usually stay in anything below a three star so I’m not sure what to expect or compare it to. But, I think it is probably decent compared to many other two star hotels out there.
Big Con: I found yellow stains on my sheet. When I called the front desk for a fresh set he said I would have to come down and get them. I was already in my PJs… plus I was upset over the yellow stains. Now I’m really disenchanted that I have to get dressed and make my way to the lobby for sheets. (They lost a lot of my Unilocal stars for that horrible incident)
Our king room was spacious and comfortable in many ways. We had a separate living room with mini fridge, microwave, sofa, chair, coffee table and flat screen TV. Also, robes and a safe were available in the closet.
The walls were paper thin, I could hear the people next door talk. But for the space, price that day and level of comfort and location we are willing to overlook a few minor things. The room could have been a little cleaner but it wasn’t horrible. The lighting was bad and inconsistent which made the room feel dark and old.
Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries. Decent size bathroom away from the bedroom so you have some privacy if your traveling with someone.
The four best attributes this hotel has is the size of the spacious king room we were in, the easy walk to the subway, the quick subway ride to Manhattan and the price on that particular day. (Note about price: the hotels in manhattan and surrounding areas had jacked up the prices that week for an event taking place in the city. The Verve had raised their prices as well but they were still cheaper than others at that time.)

Is this your first trip to NYC or first trip NOT staying in Manhattan? Then, there are a few things you need to understand about NYC. First, hotel rooms are overpriced. Second, hotel rooms are smaller than average. Third, people here walk a lot. I spend a lot of time in NYC for auditions, but this was my first «vacation» trip. I always stay with friends and family in the city and EVERYONE said to check out the hotels in Long Island City.
Times Square, while ultra convenient, is SO expensive. The Verve is a fifteen minute train ride away from Times Square, a half hour M60 and N/​Q ride from LGA, and within a block of the N, Q, R, J, and E trains. It also has a complimentary hot breakfast, and the staff was SO friendly [Tom deserves a shout out! He was always willing to help out or give a recommendation]. The location is quiet since Long Island City is starting to develop more housing and less businesses so you don’t need to worry about it being too loud. Very very clean rooms and lobby. IT DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN THIS at these prices! Where else in the city can you stay for less than $ 200 (including tax) a night? Only a hostel where you are sharing a room with twelve other people and a bathroom with fifty.
Were the rooms lacking natural light? Yes, welcome to New York. But we had a nice window. Was it hard to find places to eat late at night? Yes. But are you planning on sitting in the hotel at night? Jump on the train and find somewhere to eat [Check out my other reviews if you need some recommendations.]. Explore. Enjoy. This hotel is awesome. You won’t regret staying here.

Very clean, nice hotel. No frills. Decent breakfast.
Neighborhood was a bit strange (commercial?), but safe. Short subway ride to Manhattan.
If you want to save some cash, go for it.