straightedge

I'm going to be in NYC over spring break but am having trouble finding bike friendly places to stay. On the two previous trips we stayed at the Cosmo Hotel (W. Broadway & Chambers in Tribeca) but they are apparently changing their rules about putting bikes in the storage closet which is what we have done before, and they don't want bikes in the room (not that we could move around them in the hallway anyways). I had reservations made for the Continental Hostel on the Upper West Side, but got confirmation that they also do not have bike storage, contrary to the website and someone I spoke with over the phone. We are trying to also find somewhere that's reasonably priced, at least by NYC standards.

We had been looking at the Super 8 near 14th & Broadway in Long Island City, Queens, but weren't sure how the area was. It seemed to be kind of in a mix of decent areas, old industrial areas being gentrified and close to the Queensbridge projects. I'm not as worried about personal safety, but rather our vehicle. Would this be an ok area to stay in and have our vehicle parked for a week? They said there is a camera in the lot and so on...

If that doesn't sound like a good idea, any other recommendations on places to stay where our bikes are welcome as well (in our rooms or in storage closet)? I don't mind staying in the outer boroughs, I just don't want to be way out by JFK or anything like that.

Thanks!

Stacy

Transportation Alternatives has a list of NYC Garages with Bicycle Parking on their website. If they can't point you towards a bike friendly hotel maybe you'll be able to find some nearby bike parking.

tomg

join the Warm Shows List, a reciprical places for touring bicyclsts. roger grovel is your contact person at wsl.org

tomg

ps: join hostels international (HI/AYH) for bunk bed in NYC

BearsPaw

I stayed at the Hotel Pennsylvania when I was up there. They let us bring our bikes up to the room. We could have checked them if we wanted. The only "rule" the guy gave us was to not ride them in the building.

This place is kind of a dive, but it's a neat building and it's in a good location.

EastCoaster2011

I didn't want to create a new thread since this one serves a good purpose still. It's dated so I wanted to ask the question again. Does anybody know of hotels that will let you bring your bike up to the room or at least keep in a storage section in the hotel? I'd prefer one that allows you to bring it up the room so there is no waiting around for somebody to let you into the storage room (or however that works).

BearsPaw

I was at the Hotel Pennsylvania again this summer, and I saw someone else bringing a bike into their room. Presumably it is still allowed there. I didn't try it myself though, I took the bus.

julesray

I know the hotel New Yorker accepts bicycles as I met my in-laws in October and rode into the city on my bicycle. When I got to the hotel entrance, I explained I wanted to visit my in-laws. They checked the hotel register and allowed me to bring my bicycle on the elevator. Very bicyle friendly, beautiful rooms located in midtown Manhattan.

EastCoaster2011

Thanks guys. I will keep those two in mind. I will call ahead of time just to make sure nothing as changed but that's good news. If anybody knows of other hotels please list them. Thanks!

mikegix

I’ve stayed at the Quin and kept my bike in the room. It was not a problem. The GFNY has a list of bike friendly hotels recommended for their event. It’s on their website.

indyfabz

Fun with zombie threads...


The Nu Hotel on Smith St. in downtown Brooklyn will let you take your bike up to your room. Funky place owned by Sofitel. The Philly bike club runs a yearly ride to Brooklyn. We rent rooms at the Nu so people can shower and change before dinner and the charter bus ride home. I often drop a car off in Brooklyn the day before the ride, stay in one of the club's rooms after the ride and then drive myself home the next morning. I have always been allowed to sleep with my bike in the room.

zacster

It is one of those things where the locals just won't know the answer. When do you ever stay in a hotel in your own city?

But here is some advice for anyone coming here: Don't bring your bike if you think that's how you'll get around for touring. Only bring it for a cycling event. The best cycling routes are not in the city, and unless you want to do those just use Citibike. A ride around Central Park? Citibike. A ride over the Brooklyn Bridge? Citibike. A ride on the West Side Greenway? Citibike. The 5 Borough Bike Tour, then you bring your own. A ride up the Hudson in NJ? Don't do it unless you want to go where the rest of the serious riders in Manhattan might go. It isn't particularly scenic on 9W, but "River Road" as we call it is pretty nice. But is it worth bringing your own bike to ride it? I don't think so. A bar hopping tour of Brooklyn? Citibike. And for just going from tour site to tour site in Manhattan or Brooklyn just take a Citibike.

Sy Reene

Citibikes are fine for what they are.. and cheap. Personally though I'd advise springing for a rental out of one of the NYC bike shops -- much better bikes.. a typical hybrid will run you $40 for a day's rental. A road bike at $60+/day, which can be used even if you do want to consider a River Road jaunt.. probably easier and cheaper than lugging your own bike.

zacster

Even with a rental you have the problem of locking it up, and taking the chance on a bike that isn't yours. Citibikes you can just dock and forget. I've traveled with a bike on a plane once and it was a royal PITA. Once you get to your destination you need a way to get around with this gigantic box and your luggage.

julesray

My In-Laws stayed at the New Yorker on 8th Avenue. I went to visit them. I brought my bicycle intot the lobby and there was no resistance from Hotel personnel. I was actually escorted to the elevator by staff.

Ferdinand NYC

I have stayed at Days Inn hotels in a couple of cities; and they have let me bring the bike to the room. One time in Baltimore they didn't; but the very next week they did. I would bet that you could get away with it here in New York.

There is a Days Inn that is located on Queens Boulevard just over the Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge) from Manhattan. A check of the prices shows that it is quite affordable. So you might want to give that a shot. I wouldn't ask about the bike beforehand; I would just show up and act as though you expect to roll your bike to your room. (Depending on the conversation at the desk, you might even assert that you had received prior approval. This you can play by ear.)

The address is 31-36 Queens Boulevard. This Queens location is near Manhattan, as mentioned; it is also near Brooklyn, as the Pulaski Bridge gets you to great bicycling in the sections of Greenpoint and Williamsburg.

zacster

When I've traveled with a bike elsewhere I've never had even a hint that it could be a problem in a hotel. Just be careful with it, don't leave any chain tattoos on the furniture or walls, don't crowd into elevators with it, use the garage entrance if there is one, etc... New Yorkers being New Yorkers, someone will find a problem with it. Put 10 NY'ers into a room and you'll get 20 opinions.

1nterceptor

Another possibility that was not available/popular when this thread started; Air BnB.

NomarsGirl

It's generally easier to ask forgiveness than ask permission.