In need of upgrade
We had stayed at the Travel Inn 11 years ago, but unfortunately our second trip was a big disappointment. The hotel is dated and the rooms are in need of an upgrade and it look as though nothing had been done since out last visit.
We chose the Queen room which proved to be a mistake with a very small double bed (#412) which was in the annex part of the building. The design is based on the US Motel style and your window looks out onto the corridor, meaning you need to keep you curtains closed if you want any form of privacy. The furniture is old and the décor of the room is dull. The door of the room had gaps round it thus not making it soundproof.
Our room suffered from early morning noise around 3.30 am each day with lots of elevator movements and moving of what sounded like laundry cages as well as staff taking loudly.
The hotel staff seem to be disinterested although check in was quick if not welcoming. When I asked about a transfer to Newark airport they assumed I wanted a cab and were going to book until I asked what other options were available. When I asked about using they bus I was told that it was possible and cheaper but would take 2 hours to get there. This is untrue and Coach USA offer a service from the PABT 300m up the road at a cost of $16 and it took 35 minutes to Terminal C.
The location is OK with a 10 minute walk to the nearest subway and 15 minutes to Times Square. I think this hotel gets good reviews because of the free parking which is a bonus if you have a car, but when I visit NYC again in October this year I will not be staying at the Travel Inn. Spend a bit more and get a better hotel.