Arena Hotel

I'm heartbroken because this property, although it is in a challenging location, has the sweetest staff and has been contracted to be used by the city for a housing situation. I'm praying that the hotel will be restored after this reassignment of purpose. I've been coming here for a few years since moving out of NYC, and there are repeat guests who make this their home while we visit family or handle other business.

Apparently this hotel allows "long term" guests as the woman next to me was staying a while and had her TV up full blast all night the first night I was there. She was taking a full laundry basket to the laundromat when I left. Also, this area is sketch.....don't stay there alone. And don't go out at night.

We stayed here for 1 night as a family of 4 en route from JFK to Manhattan. Taxi from JFK was less than $50 including tip. Check in was smooth and staff friendly. I did notice a bath tap on the check-in counter....... The room was a little cramped with 2 queen beds, a tight squeeze to get into the bathroom as the door wouldn't open fully because of the bed. Otherwise the room was clean, as was the bathroom. I'd been a little worried from some of the previous reviews about the train noise, as our room was overlooking the station below, but we never really heard much although that could have been helped by the jet-lag! It took me quite a while to work out how to use the shower, that's when the tap at check-in made sense! The location was good for access to the train and the subway was only a couple of blocks away (Nostrand Ave.) Buffet breakfast was good, well-stocked and plenty of choice. Overall I'd definitely stay here again.

Great customer service and conveniently located to train stations. My family stayed for two days and we all enjoyed our stay. All staff members went out of their way to run a quality operation. Parking on site was very convenient.

The Best Western had the friendliest staff we've experienced in our extensive travels! Front desk, housekeeping, breakfast room staff - everyone greeted us with a genuine smile, was very helpful if we had questions, and wanted to be sure that we were enjoying our stay. There is an elevated railway line in front of the hotel but we had a room at the back and never heard the trains. The room was well designed - nothing is big in New York but there was plenty of space for our belongings. The fridge and microwave were useful, and the free bottles of water were much appreciated. There is secure parking next to the hotel which is very reasonably priced. There was a better breakfast selection than at similar hotels (some items were better quality than others). The hotel is a short walk from the subway if you want to go to Manhattan. The mattress could have been softer (but many people prefer very firm mattresses). The thermostat on the air conditioning needed to be set about 10 degrees higher than the desired temperature but otherwise it was effective. The area seemed to be a little run down but we were assured that it was safe. If you want take out I can highly recommend David's Brisket House and the Wholesome Food Market.

I chose to stay at this Best Western based on the 5 star recommendation from others. I received exceptional customer service from the receptionists, breakfast reps & housekeeping staff. There was a variety of freshly made, healthy breakfast options served in a clean, well-maintained breakfast room.

We stayed here to visit the Brooklyn botanical gardens which was a short mile walk away. Also to visit friends also walking distance away. This hotel is close to the subway but I wouldn’t recommend walking around late at night. Not the best block to be out at night. The hotel front desk employees are very friendly. My biggest complaint is the room felt dirty esp the rugs. Torn and dirty looking. The bathroom had lots of long hairs on the wall behind the door so maybe they didn’t check behind the door. So I think a good cleaning would do a lot for this place. But nice staff!