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2-star hotel Check-in 13:00 · Check-out 10:00

Carlton Arms Hotel

Stay at Carlton Arms Hotel in NYC’s Midtown Manhattan. Enjoy vibrant art, free Wi-Fi, kid-friendly rooms, and easy access to Empire State Building and MoMA.

160 E 25th St, New York, NY 10010, United States View on map
8/10
Very Good Based on 562 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Air-conditioned Business center Kid-friendly Smoke-free
What recent guests emphasize

Insights from Guest Reviews at Carlton Arms Hotel

Recent visitors highlight the hotel’s vibrant atmosphere and unbeatable location, while noting practical considerations related to its no-frills, historic nature.

Guests often praise

  • The lively, artistic decor adding a unique and colorful character throughout the property.
  • Convenient Midtown Manhattan location close to major attractions like the Empire State Building and MoMA.
  • Comfortable beds and clean rooms, with attentive and friendly staff service.
  • Affordability and value for the price paid in a costly city.
  • The welcoming, spirited atmosphere making stays memorable and authentic.

Worth knowing

  • The building is historic, dating back to 1860, with some signs of age such as uneven floors and no elevator access.
  • Some rooms have shared bathrooms, which may not appeal to all travelers.
  • Rooms tend to be small and minimally furnished, reflecting a budget, no-frills approach.
  • Noise can be an issue, especially in corner rooms or those near busy streets.
  • No onsite breakfast, restaurant, parking, or fitness facilities are available—amenities are basic but include free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

Best for

  • Guests seeking an affordable, artistic, and authentic New York City experience.
  • Visitors who prioritize location and atmosphere over luxury.
  • Travelers comfortable with shared bathroom arrangements or budget accommodations.
  • Guests who value a lively, funky environment and appreciate original art.
  • Those wanting easy access to Midtown Manhattan’s landmarks and cultural venues.
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About this property

Welcome to Carlton Arms Hotel

Located in the vibrant Midtown Manhattan area at 160 E 25th St, the Carlton Arms Hotel offers a unique, no-frills accommodation experience. Housed in a building dating back to 1860, the hotel features small rooms that may include shared bathrooms, adorned with colorful and original artwork throughout the property. This artistic and somewhat eclectic style attracts guests looking for a distinctive stay rather than conventional luxury.

Facilities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a business center, though there is no breakfast service, parking, restaurant, or fitness center on-site. The hotel is smoke-free and kid-friendly but does not accommodate pets. Check-in begins at 1 PM with check-out by 10 AM. Guests should note the absence of an elevator, which is typical for this historic building.

The location is well-suited for visitors interested in exploring nearby attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Empire State Building, and Times Square—all within easy reach. The neighborhood is described as buzzy and culturally rich, providing a genuine New York City atmosphere. Public transit and three major airports are accessible within a reasonable timeframe, making it convenient for travelers.

Guest reviews reflect a mix of enthusiasm for the hotel's character, affordability, and spirited ambiance, balanced by honest notes on aging facilities and shared bathroom arrangements. Many appreciate the welcoming staff, cleanliness, and artistic vibe, but some caution that the hotel may not meet those expecting modern amenities or quiet luxury. This property is ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those seeking an authentic, artsy downtown experience rather than a traditional hotel stay.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioned
Business center
Kid-friendly
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Parking
Accessible
Pool
Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

DD
Digit Digits Apr 17, 2026
10

My two partners and I recently won a contest and were in new york for a single day and we stayed in onw of the rooms, c14 was our room! Bullet points The hotels location was perfect the price was the best in New york city The art in the building was breathtaking The atmosphere was spirited The bed was very comfortable and the pillows just the right amount of firm. The room and bathrooms were all clean. Beds big enough for 3 people to fit in! I want to return and stay longer, it is now my favorite hotel in the whole world and let me make this clear: I am a cancer survivor who was in the make a wish group, I have been in some of the finest hotels florida could offer including a Hilton. This is the place I want to return to I wasn't able to eat there as we had to rush home but there is a wonderful sounding pup connected to the Carlton arms as if it wasn't already amazing enough. I

TGJ
Thomas Gordon Jr. Apr 11, 2026
8.0

This hotel definitely isn't perfect- It was built in 1860, and it shows in places. The floor is uneven, your room will be pretty baren, it was slightly uncomfortably hot (it was mid November), there's no elevator, it's very loud (granted, I was on a corner room) and in the cheapest rooms you are sharing a bathroom with 15 of your neighbors (you do have a sink in the room, for hygiene reasons). However, as long as you keep the expectations in check, this truly is “the hotel you'll never forget!”. The staff is nice, my room and bed was clean, the location is amazing (middle of Manhattan, close to bars, subway stop, ect), I had a little bit of a view and only paid $141 for a night here. The art is *everywhere*, and is definitely eccentric, but isn't like anywhere else. If you just need a good jumping off point to explore NYC and don't mind something being rough around the edges, I can't recommend the Carlton Arms hotel enough!

A
Ashley Apr 09, 2026
10

The hotel staff is gracious and friendly and the reception area is very welcoming. My room was clean and spacious, and the whole establishment, from the hallways to the bathrooms, was always clean as well. I saw not one single bug in the four days I stayed. Patrons should definitely take time to admire the artwork throughout the hotel. I would definitely stay here again.

SB
Sara Bateman Mar 29, 2026
10

Funky, fun, authentic New York. Wall are all painted differently, some rooms do not have a bathroom, but ot works out so well. Don't come looking for perfection, look for an experience. And dont forget to say hi to Ned, the famous hotel cat!

WB
WILL B. Mar 27, 2026
10

A very special hotel: The Carlton Arms Hotel. The first time I stayed there was with my girlfriend and son, about two decades ago. It's still etched in my memory. All those colors are wonderful. This atmospere is the Big Apple for me. I remember 'climbing' the Twin Towers afterwards (well, we used the elevator in the 2-Towers).

D(B
Duvi0 (Duvi Bondarchuk) Mar 24, 2026
8.0

Small rooms and shared bathrooms hide a true passion and love for the location. Fun and funky murals everywhere, kindness from the staff, and a relatively cheap price for the city makes the place worth it!

AS
Andrew Scott Feb 17, 2026
10

This is a budget hotel so you get what you pay for. It's location is ideal for me, uptown or downtown are easy to get to either way, no elevator but not a problem for me, coffee machine in reception as is a microwave, you are free to come and go as you please, the door has a key code lock which is perfect, I have no complaints

CH
colby heidke Feb 16, 2026
10

Rooms were sufficient, staff were relatively nice, and the location and price were excellent. The cat was very friendly but the bathrooms were a tad disgusting. One of the rooms had soundproofing and a directors chair which was… an interesting artistic choice. I would totally stay here again, provided I could stay in one of the more normal rooms.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Carlton Arms Hotel

New York, USA

Buzzy Midtown Manhattan includes live music venues, grand architecture & the Museum of Modern Art.

  • 33 St 19 min Walk
  • Penn Station 24 min Walk
  • Grand Central Terminal 27 min Walk
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport 33 min Car · 1 hr Transit
  • Newark Liberty International Airport 37 min Car · 1 hr 3 Transit
  • LaGuardia Airport 20 min Car · 45 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in New York. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

The Museum of Modern Art 59,342 reviews

The Museum of Modern Art

11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, United States

4.6 · Modern Art Museum
Empire State Building 126,919 reviews

Empire State Building

20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States

4.7 · Historical Landmark
Times Square 242,376 reviews

Times Square

Manhattan, NY 10036, United States

4.7 · Plaza
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