The Ridge Hotel

“the most fully automated check-in hotel I’ve experienced”

The hotel has a beautiful rooftop. It’s the most fully automated check-in hotel I’ve experienced—you’re required to register online before arrival to receive your entry code and stay details. While they do have front desk staff, they don’t seem to handle check-ins directly. If you arrive late witho… more

The hotel has a beautiful rooftop. It’s the most fully automated check-in hotel I’ve experienced—you’re required to register online before arrival to receive your entry code and stay details. While they do have front desk staff, they don’t seem to handle check-ins directly. If you arrive late without registering online, you may run into some issues since the front desk isn’t staffed 24/7. The rooms are small but come with a fridge and microwave, facing a view of the East Village. The TV isn’t able to stream, so it’s more of a classic “movie night” experience with limited options. However, the real highlight is the rooftop, where you can get a distant view of the Empire State Building. The flooring is made of old wooden planks—somewhat decayed, creaky underfoot, and adding a unique charm. That said, be cautious with kids; my child was playing with a toy car on the floor and accidentally got scratched by an exposed nail from the old wood, leaving a mark that lasted about a week. The first floor has 24-hour K-cup coffee available, and the hotel is close to iconic spots like Katz’s Deli and Russ & Daughters. But what I enjoyed the most was the rooftop—it adds a lot of value to the overall experience, making this a very cost-effective hotel choice.

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