Belleclaire Hotel

Me and my boyfriend stayed at the Hotel Belleclaire from February 3rd to February 6th (2006). We found that the Hotel entrance was round the corner of a side road and that some scaffolding was constructed on one part of the building. One we had got into the lobby, it was very pleasant and the reception area looked very nice. They had a gift shop on site that you could log on to the internet. it was $3 for 15 mins.
They sold all kinds of New York gifts and merchandise. They also sold tickets to tours, and can book the transfers to from JFK airport for you. Talk to the guy in the shop and he can give you Macys passes and can give you friendly advice about clubs, bars, pubs to go to etc...
Apparently the 3rd floor had fire damage to it, that is why the scaffolding is there. They are refurbishing the hotel. We checked in with ease, and the staff were quite helpful. You have to sign an agreement and give over your credit or debit card to cover any events or charges that may occur (phone, extra nights etc...) and it says you must check out by 12.00pm otherwise you get charged for an extra nights stay. The Hotel had three lifts that you could use to go up to your floor. Sometimes the workmen would use them so we had to wait for another one, or use one of the others. We stayed on the 8th floor (the hotel had 10 floors). The room number was 814 and it was a double room with en suite bathroom. (toilet, bath, shower).
Quite small though, and it took quite a while for the hot water to come through. Some of the tiles on the floor were a bit grubby but nothing to bad. It had a nice double bed and a TV with satellite. (MTV, Comedy, Children’s etc...) at no extra charge. The view was a bit constricted, but the room itself was pleasant and spacious. It had a dressing table, Wall mirror and a wardrobe with an iron, and a hair dryer. Also the room had a fridge in it (full sized). You could order room service if you wanted to.
As for the location of the Hotel we found that it wasn’t bad, but was quite some trek from all the main attractions. Most of the time we walked, but we got the yellow cabs sometimes. Central park is a short walk away down West 77th Street. The Restaurants we recommend in close proximity to the Hotel are the Manhattan Diner (Directly opposite), and the Cafe 52 which is just a short walk down from the Manhattan Diner. It was actually my 21st Birthday whilst we were in New York, so we went to the Tavern on the Green which was at 66th street, West Central park. Beautiful Restaurant! Nice surroundings. And the food was delicious.
Some things not to miss whilst in New York are:- A Horse and carriage ride around Central Park (Try to find the Horse named Billie, he was a saint!) And do a deluxe ride for about $75. Also you have to try Ice skating. We skated at the Wollman Rink and it cost about $24. A Helicopter tour (we had one pre-booked) With Liberty Helicopters on 30th street. This was about £33 each for a 10 minute ride taking in the statue of liberty, the bronx, Central park, the empire state building, Manhattan and the Stadiums!
Take a City Sites tour starting at Times Square its a hop on hop off bus tour that takes in everything! It was Brilliant. The company we went with were City Sights. Jose was our guide and he was very funny! And factual of New York. Of course there is the Staue of Liberty, Times Square, Empire State Building, Bloomingdales, Macys, The Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, The UN head quarters, The Rockefeller Centre and Central Park to name but a few. Plus the thousands upon thousands of shops.
In all a great trip! Just make sure all your transfers are sorted before you leave! They have a room to store luggage in that is quite secure. Time for last minute shopping!
PS- If you have time pop to Tribeca Bubby's pie company is a great Restaurant! and also the Hotel has a safety deposit service at reception.