Hotel Belleclaire, New York Review
Nonstop Dan rating
Hotel Belleclaire
Great value in a great location, if you can skip the extras
What to expect at Hotel Belleclaire, New York?
I was excited for this stay. Besides the Mandarin Oriental New York, Hotel Belleclaire was my most anticipated New York hotel, purely because of the location.
Most of my family lives on the Upper West Side, and it’s my favourite part of the city, so I wanted to see whether this hotel could become our go-to place when we visit. We checked in for one night in a Deluxe 1 King Bed room, advertised at 20 m².
The total price was $273, but keep in mind we stayed in mid-August, when New York hotels are cheap. Most other times of the year, expect $300 to $500 a night. One of the best things about Hotel Belleclaire is that it offers perks when you book through a travel advisor. Booking through us gets you:
Waived daily destination fee (breakfast not included)
Access to Triumph Wine Hours and historic walking tours
Room upgrade based on availability
15% off best available rates
Complimentary WiFi
Want free breakfast, a room upgrade, and $100+ in credit?
Book through our travel advisor link and get the same rate as booking direct, plus meaningful extras at no additional cost.
- $100+ property credit
- Complimentary breakfast for 2
- Room upgrade, subject to availability
- Early check-in & late checkout, subject to availability
* More benefits may apply at select properties
Hotel Belleclaire signage
Hotel Belleclaire historical plaque
Hotel Belleclaire Lobby and Check-in Experience
Hotel Belleclaire entrance
We arrived after our stay at the Hyatt Centric Times Square, taking the express subway up to 72nd Street. From there it’s a few blocks’ walk to the entrance and lobby. The hotel was designed by architect Emery Roth and is a New York City landmark.
Hotel Belleclaire lobby
Hotel Belleclaire lobby
Hotel Belleclaire lobby
At check-in you can use the self-check-in machines or be helped by the staff, who were friendly, and in no time we were on our way to room 719.
Hotel Belleclaire self check-in machine
Hotel Belleclaire front desk check-in lobby
Hotel Belleclaire welcome beverage station
Hotel Belleclaire lobby
The hotel has three main elevators and they are all tiny. Luckily the stairs aren’t bad when you don’t have luggage in tow.
Hotel Belleclaire elevator
The hallways give me serious Fawlty Towers vibes, and although the hotel was recently renovated, that doesn’t come across in the corridors. What matters is the room, and ours was lovely.
Hotel Belleclaire hallways
Hotel Belleclaire hallways
Hotel Belleclaire hallways
Hotel Belleclaire evacuation map
Hotel Belleclaire Room Features and Amenities
This is a Deluxe 1 King Bedroom, a few categories above the base room. In many ways it feels more like staying in someone’s apartment than in a typical US hotel.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom
We were also welcomed with a plate of assorted fresh fruit, which was a nice touch.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom welcome amenity
Along the wall there’s a charming desk and chair with a large TV mounted above it, and the side a luggage stand with two storage drawers.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom desk and storage
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom drawers
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom desk and storage
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom TV
In welcome contrast to most US hotels, the room isn’t fully carpeted, which makes it feel more hygienic. The two nightstands each have two charging ports and two USB-A ports. There are no reading lights, but the bedside lamps are cosy.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom nightstand
There’s a full-length mirror on the wall. It’s a sparsely decorated room overall, and I appreciate that.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom
The view was lovely, with glimpses of the Hudson River and a classic Upper West Side outlook. Every room in the hotel is a little different, and that shows in the design, so plenty of guests end up with a favourite room they request on return visits.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom window
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom window view
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom window view
Turning right, a small hallway leads to a closet with an hairdryer, iron and ironing board, hangers, and a safe.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom closet
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom hair dryer
Beyond that is the recently renovated bathroom, which is stunning, with marble walls and high-quality materials throughout. I have two complaints:
1. There aren’t many surfaces for toiletries, which is a challenge if you travel with a lot of products, as we do.
2. There’s only one showerhead, so if you’d rather not get your hair wet, you’ll need a shower cap.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bathroom
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bathroom
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bathroom
The bathroom products are from Five Wits, a brand I hadn’t come across before but enjoyed.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bathroom sink
A note on cleanliness: the room felt clean overall, but there was noticeable dust in places, such as the window ledge. Had we been staying more than one night, I would have called down to have it sorted.
Hotel Belleclaire window dust
One final point on the room: the bed is exceptional. The location is also much quieter and calmer than Midtown, which made for a great night’s sleep.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe one king bedroom
On check-out day I was given a tour of the property to see a few other categories. Hopefully this helps you decide which one suits you best.
Standard 1 Full Bedroom: The smallest room type. Given how small the price difference between categories is here, this is one I’d steer away from.
Hotel Belleclaire standard one full bedroom
It tends to be in the darker parts of the building, and the bed is on the small side for two people. That said, it’s still far preferable to the base rooms at the Kimpton Era or the CIVILIAN Hotel.
Hotel Belleclaire standard one full bedroom
Hotel Belleclaire standard one full bedroom
Hotel Belleclaire standard one full bedroom
Hotel Belleclaire standard one full bathroom
Hotel Belleclaire standard one full bathroom
Deluxe 2 Queen Bedroom: Remarkably spacious and a great option for families.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe two queen bedroom
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe two queen bedroom
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe two queen bedroom
The bathroom isn’t the largest, which is a drawback, but it’s a solid choice.
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe two queen bathroom
Hotel Belleclaire deluxe two queen bathroom
Hudson Loft: This one is special. It sleeps four to eight, has a much larger bathroom with a soaking tub, and beautiful views in two directions.
Hotel Belleclaire hudson loft room
Hotel Belleclaire hudson loft room
Hotel Belleclaire hudson loft room
I’m not in love with every design choice, but it has a lot of personality and I’d happily stay here at the right price. On our dates it came in at around $750 per night. Not cheap, but by New York standards that’s reasonable for a room this size.
Hotel Belleclaire hudson loft living room
Hotel Belleclaire hudson loft living room
Hotel Belleclaire hudson loft living room
Hotel Belleclaire hudson loft TV
Hotel Belleclaire hudson bathroom
Hotel Belleclaire hudson bathroom tub
Hotel Belleclaire hudson loft window view
Presidential Suite. This configuration has two bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a huge apartment-style living room, a full-size refrigerator, and a kitchenette, plus one of the most characterful entrance hallways I’ve seen in a hotel room.
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite two bedrooms
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite bedroom
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite bedroom
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite living room
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite living room
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite living room
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite living room
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite living room
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite living room
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite room entryway
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite bathroom
Hotel Belleclaire presidential suite bathroom
It isn’t cheap, but by presidential suite standards it’s remarkably affordable at around $2,000 a night. For a group of six to ten, it can be a fantastic deal if the style and location appeal.
Hotel Belleclaire Dining Experience
Breakfast wasn’t included in our stay, but the hotel still provided two $10 vouchers, the same credit guests with breakfast included receive. The voucher can also be used as $10 off dinner.
Hotel Belleclaire vouchers
The lobby bakery is Mille-Feuille, a French bakery that’s reportedly very popular.
Hotel Belleclaire Mille-Feuille bakery
True to its name, it has a good selection of pastries, sandwiches, and quiches, along with fresh juices. Unlike most spots in New York, the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
Hotel Belleclaire Mille-Feuille bakery seating area
Hotel Belleclaire Mille-Feuille bakery
Hotel Belleclaire Mille-Feuille bread and pastries
Hotel Belleclaire Mille-Feuille bread and pastries
Hotel Belleclaire Mille-Feuille bread and pastries
Hotel Belleclaire Gym
We’ve seen the full spectrum in New York, from the lows of the Kimpton Theta to the highs of the gym partnership at the CIVILIAN Hotel. Hotel Belleclaire sits toward the lower end, with no spa or sauna and a fairly small gym: three cardio machines, two benches with dumbbells up to 35 lbs., and a cable machine. Better than nothing, but don’t count on serious workouts during a longer stay.
Hotel Belleclaire gym towel station
Hotel Belleclaire gym equipment
Hotel Belleclaire gym equipment
Hotel Belleclaire gym equipment
Hotel Belleclaire gym equipment
Where is Hotel Belleclaire Located?
This is hard to beat for me in New York. The area around 72nd Street, and especially further north, is charming and full of character.
Hotel Belleclaire street view
It’s a great base for first-time visitors and seasoned New York travellers alike. You’re a few blocks from three subway lines, with Central Park in one direction and the Hudson River in the other, well clear of the tourist crowds but only a five-minute subway ride from them.
Hotel Belleclaire street view
Hotel Belleclaire street view
Is the Hotel Belleclaire Worth it?
Hotel Belleclaire isn’t perfect, but we had a lovely stay and would happily return. It’s a property with real personality, good value, and a wonderful location. If the style appeals to you, it’s well worth a try.
Hotel Belleclaire Scoring Breakdown
Room: 7/10
Bathroom: 6/10
Night’s Sleep: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Breakfast: 4/10
Condition: 8/10
Service: 3/5
Dining: 2/5
Location: 5/5
Amenities: 2/5
Wellness: 2/5
Pools: 0/5
Overall Feeling: 9/10
Total: 66/100 See how it compares to other properties in our full luxury hotel rankings.
Positives of Hotel Belleclaire
Beloved, character-filled location on the Upper West Side near 72nd Street — quieter, calmer than Midtown, a few blocks from three subway lines, close to Central Park and the Hudson, and only a five-minute ride from the tourist crowds
Strong travel advisor perks: waived daily destination fee, Triumph Wine Hours and historic walking tour access, availability-based upgrades, 15% off best available rates, complimentary WiFi
Friendly staff and quick check-in, with self-check-in machines also available
Room feels more like a stylish apartment than a typical US hotel — charming desk/chair, luggage stand with drawers, non-carpeted flooring for a more hygienic feel
Thoughtful in-room details: nightstands with both charging and USB-A ports on each side, cozy bedside lamps, full-length mirror
Lovely views (Hudson River glimpses, classic Upper West Side outlook), with every room individually designed so guests can develop a favorite
Closet includes an iron/ironing board, hangers, and a safe
Recently renovated bathroom is a highlight — marble walls, high-quality materials, and enjoyable Five Wits toiletries
Bed is exceptional, contributing to a great night's sleep
Even without breakfast included, guests get $10 vouchers (usable at dinner too), and the on-site Mille-Feuille bakery offers good pastries/sandwiches/juices at reasonable prices
Strong range of room types for different needs: spacious Deluxe 2 Queen for families, characterful Hudson Loft for larger groups (~$750/night), and a surprisingly affordable Presidential Suite (~$2,000/night) for 6–10 guests with two bathrooms, a full living room, and kitchenette
Overall a property with real personality and good value; reviewer would happily return
Areas of Improvement of Hotel Belleclaire
Elevators are tiny (though stairs are a fine alternative without luggage)
Hallways feel dated and give "serious Fawlty Towers vibes" despite the recent renovation
Limited toiletry surface space in the bathroom
Only one showerhead — no rainfall option, so a shower cap is needed to keep hair dry
Some noticeable dust in spots like the window ledge
No reading lights at the bed
Smallest room type (Standard 1 Full Bedroom) is in darker parts of the building with a bed on the small side for two
Deluxe 2 Queen's bathroom is on the smaller side despite the spacious bedroom
No spa or sauna, and the gym is modest — three cardio machines, two benches with dumbbells up to 35 lbs, one cable machine
Want free breakfast, a room upgrade, and $100+ in credit?
Book through our travel advisor link and get the same rate as booking direct, plus meaningful extras at no additional cost.
- $100+ property credit
- Complimentary breakfast for 2
- Room upgrade, subject to availability
- Early check-in & late checkout, subject to availability
* More benefits may apply at select properties
