The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club

My family decided to stay at SSMAClub during a Labor Day weekend 2015 visit. The hotel’s website had us envisioning something more upscale, but put us more in the mind of a hostel upon arrival. A visiting service member asked if we’d ever stayed and when we said no, he explained exactly what we should expect. We thought we’d give it a try and hung around until the 3:00 pm check-​in. The staff will store your luggage which is a nice service. Once we checked in and went to our rooms, we knew we wouldn’t stay. We called around and found a hotel more to our liking and checked out within the hour. The staff was very helpful. I don’t wish to cast a bad light on this hotel, but it’s definitely for those military, retirees, etc., who are very budget-​conscious. I am grateful to SSMAClub for the lodging services provided to members of the armed forces and do not have other lodging options. I have recommended them to friends and acquaintances who may be visiting NYC in the future as an alternate lodging option.

If your looking for the Hilton accommodations this isn’t it. If you are looking for a home to sleep and store your stuff and have the best free bagels in the morning this is the place. It looks like it’s falling apart inside but we felt safe and it’s right in downtown.

Hidden little gem in the middle of the big city. If all you need is a place to stay with bed and shower, then your veteran status gains you access to a historic treasure. I stayed two nights about 3 years back and paid $ 59 a night as a veteran, I believe active pay by rank. Opened in 1919 at the end of WWI this place could tell some stories.
The rooms are certainly nothing special, this is not a hotel but you’ve slept on these beds before. Just look where it’s located on the map.
There is a common kitchen, TV room, library and two spaces that can be used for small gatherings.
It’s just a neat old creaky place with loads of memorabilia.
Yes, it’s in need of renovation but I imagine money isn’t flowing in the coffers. Maybe a wealthy widow could leave some in her will or a fund could be started. Anyway, for the poor reviews, what did you expect, Belgium chocolates on your pillow, a doorman, valet parking?

Horrible front desk — Rude, slow and do not even wear uniforms. Dirty ac’s. Poor security on doors and front of building. Mold in bedrooms. Dirty blankets. Old computers — no security on Internet. Overpriced. 0 stars.

I am active duty military and stay here every time I visit NYC. For the price, location, and security, it can’t be beat for now.
The good:
It is blocks away from most of the touristy spots such as Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Building, Penn Station if you’re taking an Amtrak into the city, and the main subways, etc. But far enough away to get the true «local» feel. The staff is always friendly and accommodating when possible. If you arrive early they’ll either let you check in or let you lock up your luggage in a closet by the front desk so you can go out and enjoy the city and claim your bag when it’s time to check in. It really all depends on if the room is ready and how busy the receptionist is at the time. Sarge’s deli is an amazing 24 hour place to eat that is right around the corner. Perfect for a three AM pastrami sandwich to take on the go if you’ve got a super early flight out, or having a late night out. The place has surveillance cameras all over. For those that don’t know their way around the city and don’t want to burn their phone battery using the GPS or whatever they have a great map that also shows the subway systems, just ask for it when you check in.
The bad: (which is the reason for giving only three stars)
The place is in desperate need of some renovations and repairs. Each visit it seems to keep going down as far as building upkeep. The manager really needs to step up and put some money back into the place. Even if it means raising the prices by $ 5 for one calendar year to get the funds and the lower them back down. The rooms are small, very little furniture, no TV, and unless you’re traveling with someone you might get a roommate. It is more like a hostel in that the bathrooms and showers are private but communal. There is no elevator so if you get stuck with a room on the third or fourth floor it’s going to suck climbing the stairs after a day of walking around the city. Call way ahead and specifically ask for a room on the second floor. The first floor is all business related. They do keep things clean as best as they can.

A charming and hidden gem right in the centre of it all. The place is absolutely steeped with history, so fill your boots. Bedrooms are simple, but there are multiple lounges and sitting rooms throughout to hang out in so the potential for socializing exists, though it was a little on the quiet side when I was there. The space is rented for events such as toastmaster’s and military symposiums, just check the daily sign downstairs. Complementary bagels, coffee and hot choc get your day started right. I recommend this place to anybody eligibility will 100% stay again.

How do you give a hotel one star 10 times? I stayed here once with a guest and they charged me twice as much. The worst customer service I’ve ever had. In a hotel.

This place is dirty, grimy and in need of serious investment. Staff are nice and friendly and location is good. Yes it is cheap but cleanliness does not cost much. This place is more like a hostel than a hotel. Communal areas and our room were awfully dirty. Towels/​sheets are frankly a disgrace and we felt dirty after bathing-​ablutions were so desperately in need of refurb, no amount of cleaning would help (they weren’t even that clean). I wouldn’t stay here again despite the cost. I actually feel it is too expensive for the standard offered. Clean up your act (and your hotel!). The fact you disrespect the military with this offering is the most disappointing aspect. 1 star is too much…

Every time I come to New York City, I stay at the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club. After all these years, I have never been disappointed with the accommodations or service.
If you have never stayed in a hostel than you might be shocked on your first visit to the club. The accommodations are shared, so if you’re traveling alone you will have a roommate. Actually, my last visit was the first time I had to share a room and I have stayed more than 10 times.
For a hotel within 10 minutes walking of Times Square the place is a steal. I spend about $ 100 for a whole weekend. If you compare that to anywhere else in the near area you will pay triple. The fares stay the same all year round, so book early if it’s a special event.
Also don’t plan for guests. Since it’s a military hotel only card carrying member, retirees and dependents can make it past the front desk ²⁴⁄₇. The hotel also has mega fast free Wi-​Fi.
Make sure you say hi to the staff. They have been there a long time and they know what’s good in NYC!
Enjoy your vacation!

I was on my own in NYC and was happy they had abed open. I had a room with 2 beds and no roommate. Rooms were clean and designed for sleeping. no TV. beautiful décor. Bagel breakfast and coffee. Liked the TV room which also had computers. several lounges and a library. There was an informal place to dine

The room was clean and exactly as expected. The front desk staff was nice and helpful. Good value, liked the area.
I work nights so took the red eye into NYC. I spent the day up touring the city and after more than 24 hours was ready to crash, unfortunately that wasn’t in the cards. First off the pillow was huge and not in a good way. It was like trying to sleep with your head on a bean bag chair. My head was stuck at a 90 angle that my neck is still reminding me about. I tried different pillows and ended up using a folded up towel.
The other real problem I had was with the window unit. First off its December, take that thing out, put it in the closet ajar close the window! So with the window unit in, on each side of the AC unit they had cut up pieces of plastic to fill the void. Multiple strips that I could literally stick my fingers through. These gaps let in air but they also let in noise which turned out to be the true problem. Sure, they tried to aleviate the problem by covering some of these gaps with blue painters tape, after all, its known for its wind and noise cancelling properties.
This was a problem because just outside the window is a traffic light and your hear the air brakes and metal to metal grinding of delivery and garbage trucks that run ALL-​NIGHT.
So at 0500 with the cool December air seeping into the room I finally got up and turned the AC on high. Burying myself under every sheet, towel and blanket in my room I finally managed four hours of sleep before the 0900 check out time.
It was a great mugging-​free place to wait out the night before venturing back out and a great place to go if you find yourself in a jam.

What a cool little place!
My husband and I stayed here when we came to see Paul McCartney in Brooklyn (all the way from CA and totally worth it!) and really enjoyed our stay.
It’s not the Ritz, but you cannot beat the location for this price. We paid $ 70/​person per night (based on your rate/​rank) Just blocks away from the Empire State Building, we felt like we were right in the middle of the action.
The room was TINY, but it did not bother us because we did not spend much time in the hotel, anyways. The building and furnishings are old, but it was clean and the staff was incredibly friendly, even allowing us to check into our room hours before check-​in time after hearing that we had not slept in over 24 hours. The bathrooms and showers are communal, but they were spotless and I never had to wait in line for either. There is a small kitchen and a refrigerator where you can leave food, plus they provide complimentary bagels and coffee/​tea in the mornings.
Definitely recommend! We’ll be back!

If you’re in a party of one and visiting NY, then this is the place. If you’re two or more I suggest just going to priceline and you’ll find a much better place/​deal. That said… be prepared for a semi-​barracks style hotel that’s right in the middle of midtown. The showers and bathrooms are clean, but bring flip flops and be prepared to walk down the hall to use them. Also, there’s some «characters» lurking about/​working at the establishment who can either add entertainment to your stay… or a «bates motel» feeling. The rooms are dinky, and if you’re flying solo you’ll most likely have a roommate you don’t know. All said and done, not a bad place at all CONSIDERING the proximity to everything in midtown. If you want a good drink/​burger go to Rare right next door. Since you’re only spending $ 60 – 70 a night, this place is a bargain, but don’t expect for it to feel like the Ritz.

-$ 60 @ person a night in the middle of Manhattan.
–We didn’t visit NY to spend time in our room. We left early in the morning, and returned after dinner, just before shower and bed.
–My wife and I shared a room, very small, the air conditioner barely cooled the room during the oppresively hot and humid weather of July.
–Communal showers and restrooms, never saw another guest using the facilites when I wanted to use them.
–Kept a few things in the refrigerator, nothing disturbed.
–Stored our luggage for us on our last day while we visited city sights one last time.
-$ 120 @ night for the two of us rather than $ 290-​$ 329 in other venues close by.

My husband and I stayed there in December 2010. We were not happy with the stay. The place is rundown. The rate per night is per person — double occupancy. So if you are an officer, you pay officer’s rate is so does your spouse. Completely 2X the rate which is not standard. Usually double occupancy for 1 room queen is not double the rate. So we would have been better off in a hotel.
The room was not well taken care of. The sheets did not fit the bed. And the curtains were falling off the rods. Not what we expected and I would not advertise this for the military. My husband was more comfortable in a tent in Afghanistan.

I stay here every time I visit NYC, it’s clean, cheap and even though you (communal living) share a bathroom, it’s a well ran, very clean atmosphere! The only thing I don’t like is there’s no elevator and it’s a hike up the stairs, and you might have a roommate if you’re traveling alone but it’s $ 60 a night in mid-​Manhattan you can’t beat it!!! If you’re in the military you don’t mind sharing a room with a stranger, we’re use to it!!!

My initial impression was that mostly non-​military folks were occupying most of the premises. During my stay, I encountered three different hotel clerks. The first was pretty polite. The second was not overly pleasant, but actually lived up to the NY stereotype: direct and to the point. The third came across as if she meant to be nice but actually pretty condescending instead. This one reminded me of a hall monitor in grade school.
There are no elevators, as mentioned in previous reviews so it made things a little tricky after a long night to try to get up four flights of stairs… lol. The rooms are Spartan… bare bones, which is fine by me. The showers and bathrooms reminded me of Basic Training, since they were community ones, so to speak. I definitely could appreciate the military paraphernalia they had hanging throughout.
Overall, it just didn’t have the same welcoming feel that a USO center at an airport has after a 12-​hour flight. All the rules and regulations and their strict enforcement gave me some flashbacks!

Are you strong enough to be my man?
Wanted: a hero
I need a savior
I need a redeemer
I need a conqueror
I need a soldier
I need a sailor
I need a vanquisher
I seek one with physical strength
This review is based entirely on event space. The building is very conservative and traditional elements of old school charm to serve past and current soldiers, sailors, marines, coast guards, an association in addition to event space and hotel. The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club is the home base for the New York Poetry Forum where the South Lounge on the second floor is adorned with memorabilia dated to war era, which includes, a portrait of Prince Charles in military uniform. U.S. flags and U.S. military emblem flags, a massive grandfather clock, large fireplace with mantel and piano all set the era and venue space are clean. There is an escalator for those with physical limitations of this five floor building, no elevator for this pre-​war walk-​up building. Facilities are clean. The lobby comprises a portrait of U.S. President George Washington and two high speed internet desktop stations.
Are you strong enough to be my man?

When we booked at the SSMAC, we thought we would be getting a decent value on our room, expectations at rustic charm? Instead we walk into a conversation where we think non military personnel are possibly getting rooms and then we walk up a couple flights of stairs into a very sparsely furnished room. We could have paid the same amount of money for an actual hotel.
In addition, we found a bug in our sheets. We talked to management in the middle of the night and they graciously refunded us our whole amount right then and there. The great service more than made up for our experience which is why they get the stars.

Huge fan! Great value for the dollar and your in the middle of NYC!!! Amazing. Its like an old world boarding house. Dont expect frills but you can except great people working, helpful and a very clean place to stay. Very well worth it.