Surfside 3 Motel

For local users and travelers searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in the Howard Beach, NY area, the Surfside 3 Motel, located at 164-33 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA, and reachable via phone at (718) 641-8400 or mobile at +1 718-641-8400, presents itself as a budget-conscious accommodation option. This objective introduction will detail its environment, services, features, and relevant promotional aspects, drawing from available customer reviews to provide a balanced perspective.

The environment of Surfside 3 Motel is characterized by its location on Cross Bay Boulevard, right on the waterfront, specifically overlooking Shellbank Basin and offering views of Jamaica Bay. This "on the water" aspect is highlighted as a positive, described as "cute" by one reviewer. Despite its waterfront setting, the overall impression of the motel's physical environment is that it is "VERY OUTDATED." While some describe it as "old school but very nice" and "clean," others point to pervasive issues. A significant concern noted by guests is the strong smell of marijuana "reeked throughout the halls" and even in "non-smoking" rooms, which some guests experienced as smelling "like smokers slept here." This can be a major deterrent for those sensitive to odors or seeking a fresh environment. The motel's design includes two floors in one building, and it's important to note that access to upper floors is by stairs only, as there are no elevators. This is a crucial detail for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. The immediate surroundings on Cross Bay Boulevard offer "a lot of places to eat," providing convenient dining options within the vicinity. Its location in Howard Beach places it within reasonable proximity to JFK Airport, and attractions like Resorts World Casino and Aqueduct Racetrack are also within a short drive. The area is generally considered suburban, and while the motel itself is described as "old school," its waterfront position offers a unique environmental characteristic.

In terms of services, Surfside 3 Motel provides a somewhat limited but functional set of offerings, typical of a budget motel. The motel features a 24-hour front desk, ensuring that guests can check in or receive assistance at any time. Express check-out and ATM/banking services are also available on-site, contributing to convenience. Complimentary self-parking is a valuable service, especially for guests arriving by car, as is the free WiFi available in both rooms and public areas, with some guests appreciating that it has "no passcodes." A notable service, particularly for travelers, is the availability of an airport shuttle service, although its frequency or specific details are not elaborated upon in the provided reviews. Housekeeping is provided daily, but guest experiences with this service vary, with one severe complaint noting that "the person who cleaned the room took our toothbrushes and our toothpaste," and provided "two cheap toothbrushes and the toothpaste was as small as my pinky finger" in response to the complaint. This highlights a significant lapse in housekeeping professionalism and guest property security. The motel explicitly states that they "don't offer breakfast," advising guests to find places to eat outside the hotel, which is a key piece of information for those expecting this common amenity. While some sources mention "limousine and town car service" and "car rentals" as amenities, these are typically third-party services that the hotel can facilitate rather than direct offerings. The motel is generally described as not "kid friendly," and some sources also specify that it is an adults-only property, meaning guests under 21 are not permitted, and pets are not allowed (only service animals are welcome).

The features of the rooms at Surfside 3 Motel are geared towards providing basic necessities, though with some notable omissions as pointed out by guests. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning for climate control, TVs (some indicating 55-inch LCDs with premium satellite channels and first-run movies), and free in-room WiFi. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and towels are provided. Some rooms may feature a jetted tub, adding a touch of luxury. Guests have found beds to be "comfortable" and pillows to "do the job," indicating satisfactory sleep comfort. A common positive note is the presence of "nice big mirrors." However, the lack of several standard amenities is a significant complaint: "no closet," "no plastic cups," "no coffee pot," and "no bucket for ice." This minimal provision of in-room features is a critical point for guests to consider, especially given the reported price points. Some rooms also feature a dressing area and clothes rack. While some online descriptions mention kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves in certain rooms, the direct customer reviews do not mention these specific features, focusing instead on the lack of basic amenities. It's important to note that room types include both non-smoking and smoking options, which could contribute to the smoke odor issues in "non-smoking" rooms if not managed properly. The property was built in 1966, indicating an older structure, and adheres to a "Tuscan architecture" style. Blackout drapes/curtains are listed as a room feature, aiding in light control for sleep.

From a promotional standpoint, Surfside 3 Motel appears to market itself as a practical and affordable option, particularly for travelers using JFK Airport or those seeking short stays. Its key promotional strengths include its convenient location "right on the waterfront" in Howard Beach, offering a distinct view, and its direct access to major roadways like Cross Bay Boulevard and proximity to JFK Airport. The provision of free self-parking and free WiFi are also significant selling points in the highly competitive New York City accommodation market. While specific promotional campaigns are not detailed, the motel likely emphasizes its "affordable rates" and its history of "serving the beautiful community of Howard Beach for over 40 years," suggesting longevity and familiarity. The fact that it caters to "short stays" (e.g., for quick turnarounds before onward travel) could also be a niche promotional angle. However, the promotional efforts would need to contend with the significant negative feedback regarding outdated facilities, lack of amenities, the pervasive smoke/marijuana smell, and specific service issues (like the toothbrush incident). While the website might highlight features like "comfortable and cozy rooms" and its "boutique hotel" designation, potential guests would be wise to weigh these claims against the real-world experiences shared in reviews. For users searching "Hotels Near Of Me" with a strong emphasis on basic functionality and a budget price point, Surfside 3 Motel might fit the bill, but it's essential to manage expectations regarding amenities and overall hotel experience, especially given the contrasting nature of its online descriptions versus actual guest feedback.