Axel's take: 6.4/10
A great downtown base, but tired rooms make this a compromise. a no-frills 2-star apartment-style walk-up near Chelsea Market, scored for what it is.
Hotel 309 is a no-frills 2-star apartment-style walk-up whose strongest selling point is its location: the subway is practically outside, with Chelsea Market and the West Village nearby. We'd consider it for a sightseeing-heavy trip when keeping costs down matters more than polish. Kitchenettes add practical value, and recent Expedia and Tripadvisor guests often praise helpful staff and clean rooms.
The catch is consistency. Other guests describe poor cleaning, worn furnishings and street noise; even positive reviews mention broken futons and rooms needing attention. Economy rooms share hallway bathrooms, while standard rooms have private bathrooms. There is no elevator in this five-story building. We'd skip it for a quiet retreat, reliable hotel-chain standards or anyone who cannot manage stairs.
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Best for: budget-minded downtown explorers; travelers who want a kitchenette
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Watch out for: five-story walk-up without an elevator; shared bathrooms in economy rooms; uneven cleanliness and worn furnishings
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Location: Excellent subway access, with Chelsea Market, the High Line and West Village within walking distance.
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Rooms: Basic rooms with kitchenettes; private bathrooms require the right category, and furnishings can be worn.
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Cleanliness: Many recent guests report clean rooms, but contrary reports and modest aggregate scores suggest uneven standards.
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Service: Recent reviews frequently praise helpful staff and luggage assistance; reception operates around the clock.
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Amenities: Kitchenettes, seasonal air conditioning, a patio and table tennis; no elevator or parking.
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Fees and surprises: Expedia lists a deposit; the official site lists paid post-checkout luggage storage and Wi-Fi charges, although booking sites advertise free Wi-Fi—confirm directly.
Axel's opinion of Hotel 309, from the hotel's website and recent guest reviews. Sources: Hotel website · Expedia · Tripadvisor · Booking.com. Reviewed Oct 15, 2026.