You’ve probably seen the Bellerose Inn Queens NY while scrolling through booking sites, looking for a place that won’t drain your savings account before you even hit Manhattan. It’s that spot on the edge. Literally. Situated right on Jericho Turnpike, it’s one of those hotels that exists in a weird jurisdictional limbo—technically Queens, but feeling very much like the Long Island suburbs.
People have a lot of opinions about this place. Honestly, if you read enough reviews, you’ll see everything from "it's a hidden gem for concert-goers" to "stay away at all costs." The truth is usually somewhere in the middle, buried under layers of expectations and the reality of New York City real estate.
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The Reality of Staying at Bellerose Inn Queens NY
Let’s get the geography straight because it actually matters. The hotel is at 249-05 Jericho Turnpike. If you walk a few blocks East, you’re in Nassau County. Walk West, and you’re heading deeper into Jamaica, Queens. This matters because your "New York experience" here is going to be dominated by the sounds of the Turnpike and the specific, quiet vibe of the Bellerose neighborhood.
The Bellerose Inn is a small operation. We’re talking about 40 to 45 rooms depending on who you ask at the front desk. It was built around 2010, which in NYC hotel years makes it a teenager—not brand new, but not a crumbling relic either. It used to be a Comfort Inn, and you can still see the bones of that franchise in the layout.
Why do people actually book here?
Most guests fall into two camps. First, there are the folks going to UBS Arena or Belmont Park. It’s basically a 5-minute Uber or a brisk (though not particularly scenic) walk to the arena. When the Islanders are playing or a big concert is in town, this place fills up with people who just want a bed that isn't $500 a night.
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Second, you have the JFK crowd. At roughly 9 miles away, it’s a "close enough" option for a layover if you have a car or don't mind a $40 taxi ride.
What the Pictures Don’t Tell You
Photos on travel sites are like dating profile pictures. They show the best angles. At the Bellerose Inn Queens NY, the rooms are functional. You get a desk, a TV with basic cable, and a coffee maker that works... most of the time.
The most common "gotcha" for guests is the breakfast situation. Back in the day, they served a full continental spread. Lately? It’s hit or miss. Some travelers report a full setup, while others find the breakfast room closed or restricted to "coffee and a muffin." If you’re banking on a massive morning feast to save money on food, call ahead. Better yet, just head down the street to a local deli. You're in New York; the bagels nearby are going to be better than hotel eggs anyway.
Parking is another sticking point. They have a lot, and it’s free. In Queens, "free parking" is a siren song. But—and this is a big but—the lot is tiny. If you roll in at 11:00 PM after a show, don't be shocked if you're circling the block or squeezing into a spot that feels suspiciously illegal.
Is It Safe? Addressing the Rumors
There was a period a few years back, around 2016, when the city used the hotel to house homeless families. This sparked a lot of local protests and some pretty nasty Yelp reviews that still haunt their search results.
As of now, the hotel has returned to "normal operations." However, that history still colors how some people view the property. Is it a luxury resort? No. Is it a dangerous "no-go" zone? Also no. It’s a budget-friendly hotel on a busy commercial strip. You’ll see people from all walks of life in the lobby. You’ll hear traffic. You’ll probably see a few delivery drivers dropping off late-night pizzas.
Transportation: The Logistics Struggle
If you’re planning to use the Bellerose Inn as a base to explore Times Square every day, you need to prepare for the commute. You aren't near a subway station. The "F" train at 179th Street is about 4 miles away. You’ll need a bus (the Q2 or Q82) or a rideshare just to get to the subway.
Your best bet for Manhattan is the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The Bellerose station is close, but the Floral Park or Elmont-UBS Arena stations often have more frequent service. It’s a 35-minute ride to Penn Station. It’s efficient, but those tickets aren't as cheap as a $2.90 subway swipe.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
If you decide to pull the trigger and book a room, keep these things in mind to avoid a headache:
- The Noise Factor: Request a room that doesn't face Jericho Turnpike. The windows are okay, but they aren't soundproof against a 2:00 AM siren or a modified exhaust pipe.
- Check the AC: These are those through-the-wall units. They work, but they can be loud. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
- Local Eats: Skip the hotel vending machines. You’re near some of the best diverse food in the world. Walk toward Hillside Avenue for incredible South Asian food or hit a classic Queens diner.
- The Deposit: Like many budget NYC hotels, they often ask for a cash or card deposit for "incidentals." It’s standard practice, but it catches people off guard. Keep a bit of extra room on your credit card for the hold.
The Bellerose Inn Queens NY isn't going to win any design awards. It’s a place to crash. If you go in expecting the Ritz, you’re going to have a bad time. But if you need a place to sleep after an Islanders game and you want to keep your budget intact, it does the job. Just make sure you check your room for basic things like towels and hot water as soon as you check in—sometimes the housekeeping staff needs a little nudge.
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Check your booking confirmation specifically for the cancellation policy. Because this is a smaller, independent-feeling spot, they can be a bit rigid with their "no-refund" windows compared to the big Marriott or Hilton chains. If your plans are even slightly shaky, pay the extra five bucks for the flexible rate.