The hotel

Back in May of 2008 I wrote about my adventure to Southbend, Indiana. In the post I commented on the motel room we stayed in. The weird carpet, broken cups, etc. It was the Econolodge for the record; I couldn't remember the name at the time of writing the blog.

That motel room had nothing on Hotel Alexander in the upper east side of Manhatten only a few feet away from the 1,2, and 3 subway lines. Perfect. The cost for the Alexander was about $130 a night... not bad for a clean, well reviewed, Manhattan room. We were looking for cheaper, but either everything was booked or they had complaints of bugs, smells, uncleanliness, etc. When we, as in I, found Hotel Alexander one problem that we ran into was there were three of us going to the city. For the $100 range rooms we had a choice of two twin beds or one double bed. Someone was sleeping on the floor! (and it would not be me since I found the hotel.)

Two days after booking the hotel we arrived in NYC. Because we booked everything so late I had a different flight then my other friends; Tia and Leah. I arrived at LaGaurdia airport, successfully got to the correct subway stop and knew where I was headed. Get off at 96th street and walk a block down or so. I walked down 96th street. Where's the hotel? A stop into a apartment complex cleared that up. The hotel was actually on 95th street. Alrighty then. I move over to 95th. Ok seriously, where's the hotel?! A stop into another apartment complex and a call to my sister and learn the hotel is actually on 94th. For the love of... It's a good thing I packed light or there would be some cursing going on here.

I finally arrive at the hotel, get checked in and unenthusiastically drag my luggage up to the room. Um. Ok, did they steal hotel room pictures from another site? Here's a discription of the room, next to which was a nice picture.

"Twin beds, a bedside table with a telephone and lamp. Ample closet space and a dressing mirror. All rooms have a work desk with chair, internet access (at a fee) and Cable TV."

I was quite amused with the room and couldn't wait to show it off to my friends. We'll get back to that. Since it took forever to actually find the hotel, by the time I got there I had to turn back around to go pick them up. This was their first trip to NYC so I thought I'd serve as a tour guide. :)

Friends picked up, back to the hotel, and now for the tour of the room. I tell you what. This is not what was in the picture or the description. Twin beds - check. Bedside table, telephone and lamp - check. Ample closet space - where? Oh, is that the aptly name "scary room"? Seriously, why is this "room" here? It can't be the closet space as there are no rods or hangers or shelves. So what is it? You could fit an entire bathroom in this room; or at least a toilet and sink. Or knock out the wall and give a little more walking space maybe? Anyhoo. Next - work desk with chair. Say what? Where on earth would they even find room for that. Except for in the scary room maybe. That might work.

So on to our three day living arrangements. We had a hard time voting on who was sleeping on the floor and, although good friends, I had a hard time accepting the idea of spooning with another girl in a twin bed for three nights. Taking a closer look at the room this problem was soon remedied! In nicer hotels I believe the beds are usually permanently fixed to either the wall or floor. I think. I could be wrong. I've never really tested it as I've always slept in a double bed with no need to be moved. This was a special circumstance though and upon taking a closer look at the beds it was clear that these were not fixed to anything. Problem solved and rearranging the furniture became number one priority. As there was no desk or chair it made it even easier. Slide the night table to side, bed over a couple feet, and *poof* One large bed. Some quick thinking on Tia's part and no one had to sleep in the middle either. As opposed to sleeping vertical we were going to start a trend, or not, of sleeping horizontal. Simple enough!

Ok, easier said then done, but none the less it was done. We had the perfect $130 a night hotel in NYC. At least if you don't mind a shared bathroom, creepy stairwell, and an elevator that fit about one person and one suitcase.

ETA: This blog was started a couple weeks ago after my trip if you were confused about why I'm randoming writing about a hotel room. :)