The Essence Hotel at JFK

Hotels
6.5 (447 reviews)
9701 Waltham Street , Jamaica , us

listing image 1
Show all photos

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Non-smoking throughout
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Front desk (limited hours)

Review Highlights

Pros:
Location
Friendly staff
Spacious rooms
Good transport access
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Limited amenities
High prices
Poor service experiences

Categories

Cleanliness
4
Reviews mentioned unclean sheets and towels, and rooms that had unpleasant smells.
Service
8
Mixed sentiments; generally positive experiences with some staff, but one negative interaction.
Location
9.5
Great proximity to JFK Airport and public transport, praised in multiple reviews.
Room Quality
6
General comments about spaciousness, but some negative notes about cleanliness and functionality.
Amenities
6
Lack of basic amenities like microwave and vegetarian breakfast options left room for improvement.
Value for Money
5
Many felt the hotel was overpriced given the conditions described in the reviews.
Food and Beverage
6
Limited breakfast options; not accommodating to dietary preferences noted.
Overall Experience
7.5
Overall, an average experience was reported with notable positives and some marked negatives.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-11 11:47

Property Description

Convenient Location: The Essence Hotel at JFK is strategically located near major attractions like Arthur Ashe Stadium and Belmont Park Race Track.
Comfortable Accommodation: Air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free toiletries ensure a comfortable stay for guests.
Exceptional Service: Enjoy round-the-clock assistance from our multilingual staff, along with a continental breakfast for a great start to your day.

Book now at The Essence Hotel at JFK for a memorable and comfortable stay during your visit to Jamaica!

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

6.5
Based on 447 reviews
Cleanliness: 4
Service: 8
Location: 9.5
Room Quality: 6
Amenities: 6
Value for Money: 5
Food and Beverage: 6
Overall Experience: 7.5
R
Rennessa • solo_traveller • us
7
2026-04-10 • via Nuitee
E
Elisha • couple • us
1
2026-04-09 • via Nuitee
C
Charlette • solo_traveller • us
1
Pros:

Nothing at all this is a shelter no a hotel for visitors from out of state or anyone.

Cons:

I didn't like that the room are in the basement more of all of the dislike.

2026-04-08 • via Nuitee
M
Matika • couple • us
10
The location was very convenient. The train from JFK airport stops right by the hotel. Only had to take one train into m
Pros:

Location was great.

Cons:

No do not disturb signs for the rooms.

2026-04-06 • via Nuitee
E
Elisha • couple • us
8
2026-04-03 • via Nuitee
D
Donald • couple • us
8
2026-04-03 • via Nuitee
O
ORIBABOR • solo_traveller • us
9
Pros:

I like the environment and the rooms aren't bad

Cons:

Some of the towels were dirty. I had to call them to come and replace it for me, which they did.

2026-04-02 • via Nuitee
I
Idelka • couple • us
7
2026-04-02 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • gb
1
Unsafe environment and more
Pros:

little to nothing

Cons:

I reported mold, broken vents, broken bath tubs, there was paint on fire sprinklers which is a hazard as they might work improperly, staff was knocking at my door at 2-3 am at night, was charged even tho I stayed 1 night and completely not as described, no free breakfast as advertised, room looks like it was tampered with or robbed, place looks like it was flooded, very unclean

2026-04-02 • via Nuitee
E
EVANS • couple • us
10
2026-03-31 • via Nuitee
E
EVANS • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
J
Jaleel • couple • us
10
2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
A
ARNOLD • solo_traveller • us
8
2026-03-27 • via Nuitee
L
Lance • couple • us
10
2026-03-27 • via Nuitee
I
Imad • solo_traveller • bd
5
2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
E
Elisha • couple • us
7
2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
C
Clifton • couple • us
6
Pros:

Great location and room.

Cons:

Rooms can be cold, housekeeping is Horrible. Either they are talking loudly outside your room, ignoring 'do not disturb' sign and knocking asking silly questions, offering to clean room and I just arrived hours ago, very personal and rude. They can ruin a stay.

2026-03-24 • via Nuitee
E
Elisha • couple • us
5
Pros:

No ice machine

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • solo_traveller • it
7
2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
M
millsaps • couple • us
10
2026-03-21 • via Nuitee