Check‑in is after 3:00 pm, check‑out at 11:00 am. Tell us your arrival time and we will do what availability allows for an early check‑in. If the suite is not ready, we will keep your luggage safe until it is. Late check‑out often runs until noon, depending on who is arriving behind you.
What's the electricity supply and do you have adaptors?
110V, 60Hz, on the same wall plug as the rest of the US and Canada. Ask at the desk if you need an adaptor. We keep a few, subject to availability.
Should I get an international mobile phone plan?
Call your network provider before you fly and set one up, or switch off mobile data, roaming, and push notifications to keep the charges down. WhatsApp works well here if you would rather stay in touch that way.
What’s the building like and how do I get around?
A Beaux‑Arts brownstone that was a Williams College social club in the 1920s. Six floors, reached by lift or by the stairs. Each suite was designed with the Chelsea artist William Engel, and no two are the same.
Where are you located and how do I get from the airport?
24 E 39th Street, between Park and Madison. Bryant Park is a short walk away and Grand Central a few minutes' walk. LaGuardia is about a 30‑minute journey, JFK a little further. We can arrange a flat‑rate car service, so ask the front desk and we will set it up.
What payment methods do you accept and what are the taxes?
Visa, Mastercard and American Express. No cheques. Prices are in GBP, with 14.75% hospitality taxes added. Questions about a bill go to reservations@thewilliamnyc.com.
What do I need to bring for check-in?
Bring the credit card you booked with and a government-issued ID. We scan the card for our records. If you no longer have that card, you will need to give us another one to pay with. A pre-authorization of $100 per night is held for incidentals and released within 24 hours of check-out.
Is the bar open to the public?
Yes. The Raines Law Room is downstairs and anyone can walk in. Guest areas are for guests. Our team is on‑site until 23:00 if you need something.
Are children and pets allowed?
Children of any age are welcome. Pets are not, much as we like them, so they will need to stay home. Service animals are welcome, and it helps to tell us in advance if you are travelling with one.
Is smoking allowed?
No, nowhere on the premises. Smoking in a non‑smoking space carries a £250 deep cleaning fee.
What's your cancellation policy?
We are a small privately owned house and the policy is strict. Cancellations must be sent by email to reservations@thewilliamnyc.com. We do not accept them by phone, SMS, or WhatsApp. A penalty fee applies depending on your rate. Early departures and no‑shows are charged in full, with no refund or credit. If you shorten your stay after the cancellation period has closed, you are charged for the nights you originally booked.
How do non‑refundable rates work?
They are charged in full at the time of booking and cannot be modified or cancelled. Completing the booking authorises us to charge your card. If the charge fails we will email you for updated payment details. The rate you booked holds even if our prices change before you arrive.
Are there fees on refunds?
Yes. A 10% credit‑card fee is retained from any refund. Refunds by bank transfer carry a 5% merchant fee plus $50 in bank charges. Read the policy before you book so none of this arrives as a surprise.
Can I book through third‑party sites?
Book on www.thewilliamnyc.com or through one of our verified OTA profiles. If a listing looks unfamiliar, write to reservations@thewilliamnyc.com and we will tell you whether it is ours. Reservations made through unauthorised third‑party sources cannot be guaranteed, we may not be able to honour them, and we are not responsible for any loss arising from them. If you booked elsewhere and need to change something, go back to that agent.