Crowne Plaza JFK Airport New York City

With a glass facade, boxy shape, and big parking lot out front, there is nothing that makes the Crowne Plaza JFK Airport stand out among the many hotels in the area. It lacks character and isn’t particularly stylish, but serves its purpose for business travelers and those with an early flight out of JFK. Common spaces are contemporary but chain-like, with pops of red on chairs and tables, black accents throughout, and a mix of dark carpets and faux marble floors. The atmosphere is busy during the day, and past guests have complained that check-in and checkout can be terribly slow, which is surprising for a hotel where most guests are either in a hurry to get to the airport or tired after a long flight. 

Those who only need a comfortable bed and a place to grab a bite may find this to be a good pick, but rates are high for a hotel that gets many complaints about poor soundproofing and rooms being in need of some updates. In this price range, the neighboring Hilton New York JFK has an indoor pool and fewer noise problems in rooms, but Wi-Fi is only free for Hilton loyalty program members. The Holiday Inn New York JFK Airport Area is slightly cheaper and offers just about the same amenities as the Crowne Plaza, plus free breakfast. Those on a tighter budget may want to check out the Howard Johnson Jamaica Queens JFK Airport near AirTrain, which is a little bit farther away from the airport but offers easy walking access to the AirTrain, LIRR, and subway. 

The Crowne Plaza is located at the intersection of the Van Wyck Expressway and the Belt Parkway, two major roads connecting JFK airport to Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. There are a few other hotels nearby, as well as some private homes, but there is little to do and see in the area. The only restaurants and bars around are those housed in the neighboring hotels, and there aren’t any shops within walking distance. Getting to Manhattan without a car requires guests to take a bus to the subway, which puts most attractions about an hour away from the hotel. The drive to Times Square can take anywhere between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on traffic. The hotel provides free, 24-hour shuttle service to John F. Kennedy Airport, which is just a five-minute drive away. There is also free on-site parking, or valet parking for a fee. 

The hotel has 330 rooms, ranging from spacious Double Queen Rooms to a 1,600-square-foot Presidential Suite with a kitchenette and walk-in closets. Decor is contemporary, if generic, featuring dark-gray carpets with black designs, red accent walls, and small lamps with minimalist lines. Quality beds are topped with soft duvets and four pillows each, plus red-velvet bed runners and round pillows that stand out against the white linens. Dark paintings with white and red lines tie in well with the dark palette, while pale-yellow walls and strategically placed lights add warmth. 

Each room is equipped with a long list of convenient amenities, including free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and radios with MP3 hookups. Bottled water and daily newspapers are provided free of charge, and coffeemakers are stocked with free coffee, tea, and creamer. Bathrooms are clean but a tad dated, with red-and-white mosaic tiles, stone counters with sunken basins, and either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers with glass doors. Some Temple Spa toiletries are provided in all rooms.

All rooms have big windows, but these lack soundproofing, which light sleepers may find annoying, as traffic noise carries to rooms, even with the AC on.  

Idlewild is an independently run restaurant and bar open every day until late. American and continental breakfasts are provided for a fee, and a decent international menu is available for lunch and dinner. Those arriving after hours or hungry between meals can grab a bite at the 24-hour Jet Lobby Market, a self-service spot with a few sandwiches, salads, non-alcoholic drinks, and sweet and savory snacks. Room service is available 24/7 for a fee. The 24-hour fitness center features a wide array of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as a pleasant yoga room with mats and blocks. Extensive event space is on-site, including a large meeting room, three boardrooms, three breakout rooms, and two private dining spaces. The 24-hour business center offers free access to computers and printers.