The Essence Hotel at JFK

The staff were incredibly helpful and it was in a great location, very convenient for the airport and restaurants.

Location of hotel to JFK Airport and the train to the city Good Value basic hotel

Rooms a bit too basic

The location

The doors slam loudly every time someone enters or leaves, which can be quite disturbing. The sound insulation is also very poor—you can hear almost everything from the neighboring rooms, including their AC, vents, and even conversations. Unfortunately, this made it difficult to have a quiet and relaxing stay.

This hotel is suitable only for those who need an inexpensive place to spend a single night between flights at JFK Airport. I strongly advise everyone else against staying here. The hotel's main advantage is its location. You can easily get there from JFK via the AirTrain (Red Line) to Jamaica Station, followed by a 5-minute walk to the hotel. Payment is made upon exiting the station using a contactless card or Apple Pay; the fare is $8.75. It is a simple and convenient option. I lived in New York for many years and know the area well. For the average tourist, however, it might come as a shock. The streets are very dirty, and the area looks unsafe. In reality, it isn't as bad as it seems; police officers are on duty in the evenings. The hotel itself is very basic, and the rooms are small. Surprisingly, the mattress was comfortable which is basically all you need after a long flight. Other hotels near the airport are significantly more expensive, and the "free" shuttles often turn out to be quite a hassle.