The Lexington Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Lexington Hotel, Autograph Collection is a historic Midtown Manhattan property that captures the spirit of the jazz age with its elegant Art Deco lobby and lively bar. However, reviewers consistently note a stark contrast between these stylish public spaces and the guest rooms, which are frequently described as cramped, dated, and poorly soundproofed. While the location is unbeatable for exploring the city, guests are often frustrated by aggressive extra fees and inconsistent service.

Best for

• Solo travellers and short-stay business guests — The compact rooms are best suited for single guests who need a convenient base for meetings or quick trips.
• Active sightseers — With a perfect walkability score and close proximity to Grand Central, this hotel is ideal for those who plan to spend their days exploring Manhattan on foot.
• Jazz and nightlife enthusiasts — Guests can enjoy the historic atmosphere and excellent cocktails with live evening music at the on-site Stayton Room.

Not ideal for

• Families and long-stay travellers — Standard rooms and bathrooms are extremely tight, lacking basic amenities like mini-fridges or coffee makers, making extended stays uncomfortable.
• Marriott Bonvoy elite members — Loyal program members frequently report a complete disregard for their tier benefits and poor recognition from the front desk.
• Budget-conscious travellers — Mandatory daily resort fees and unexpected charges, such as a fee for luggage storage, can quickly inflate the cost of a stay.

Rating breakdown

• A+Location — Superb Midtown East location just minutes from Grand Central Terminal, major sights, and multiple subway lines.
• C-Rooms — Extremely small, worn quarters with poor soundproofing, outdated bathrooms, and a lack of basic in-room amenities.
• C+Service — Individual staff members are warm and helpful, but understaffing leads to long check-in lines and indifferent management.
• BDining — Offers a good quality continental breakfast buffet, a 24-hour lobby Starbucks, and excellent cocktails at the Stayton Room.
• B+Facilities — Features an outstanding, fully equipped Crunch fitness center in the basement, though valet parking is very expensive.
• CValue — High base rates are compounded by a mandatory $35 daily resort fee and a frustrating $3 per bag luggage storage fee.

Verdict

Book this hotel if you want a prime Midtown location and a stylish historic vibe, and plan to spend most of your time out exploring. Avoid it if you require spacious rooms, modern amenities, quiet nights, or value-added loyalty recognition.