photo: Pixabay
Long Island City, in Queens, New York is just one subway stop from Manhattan. It was a somewhat run down industrial area, but recently has become a hot spot in terms of development and construction.
Hotels are springing up like crazy in Long Island City. In fact, nearly every major hotel chain already has at least one hotel there or on the way.
Club Carlson, now Radisson Rewards, was early to the game. They had a Country Inn and Suites by Carlson right there for a long time. Though not a favorite hotel to many, it was a bargain and a decent choice when there was very little choice of hotels in Long Island City.
Recently, I looked on the Radisson Rewards website and could not find the Country Inn and Suites listed. I did however see that there was a Radisson hotel “coming soon.”
I figured that the Country Inn and Suites was being spruced up and rebranded for a re-opening as a Radisson Hotel in the future. I sent some emails to Radisson Rewards media team, but I have not heard back yet.
I realized my theory about a Radisson being built in the same place as the Country Inn and Suites was wrong because I saw guest reports on Tripadvisor for very recent stays (and I note that the reports have gotten increasingly horrific).
I finally looked up the number and called the hotel. After waiting on hold, someone answered. I asked if the hotel was open, and he said yes. I then asked if it was still Country Inn and Suites and Radisson Rewards. He said it hadn’t been part of the chain for about 3 months. He told me the name of the hotel is now COUNTY Inn and Suites (rather than COUNTRY Inn and Suites).
Alright, how is that for confusing?
I looked on Flyertalk – because those people always seem to have information before anyone, but I couldn’t find a clue there either.
Finally, I called Radisson Reward’s 800 line. I spoke to a very nice agent and she said this was the first she’d heard of it, other than the fact that a Radisson was coming soon. She was able to find one piece of information I didn’t have yet – an address – – 12-02 37th Avenue, Long Island City, New York.
I looked the address up on Google Maps – this is what the new Long Island Radisson Hotel looks like at the moment:
Something tells me the hotel isn’t going to be opening anytime soon. I’ll report back when I hear more!
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
Kathy:
I live in LA and visit NYC frequently. The Country Inn and Suites was my go-to hotel. From my understanding Radisson is building a new Hotel on 8th Avenue in Manhattan not in LIC.
Although not great, for my needs it was a blessing. With the Club Carlson discounts I have paid as low as $56 a night during Winter, received about 10 free nights with the former Last Night Free using a Club Carlson reward redemption. In the beginning the hotel was one of the top Country Inn and Suites in the country and then became gradually run down over the years. I think this was on purpose, as management saw better profit potential without the Club Carlson affiliation. Yet because many Club Carlson properties are run down and corporate doesn’t care it still took several years and countless complaints for Club Carlson to finally dump them.
It still exists as the County Inn and Suites and is no worse than it was a Club Carlson. Booked it on Priceline for $93 a night last month as a hidden hotel. Complimentary Breakfast is minimal, bagels, donuts and coffee. Gone are the fruits, yogurts and juices. Still a relative bargain.
With that in mind do you have another suggestions in Long Island City for a cheapskate? Thanks
Steve T
P.S. you can respond to my email below.
All of the major chains have hotels in Long Island City, and there are many more under construction. I would follow the promotions each brand is having, etc.
As for Radisson – there is a new Radisson being built in Long Island City. I included the address in this post. In addition, there is a new flagship Radisson under construction in Manhattan.