138 East 37th Street: A Detailed Review for Student and Long-Term Renters
Located in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan, 138 East 37th Street offers studio and two-bedroom units aimed at students and young professionals looking for flexible lease terms and a central location. With a monthly price range of USD 2,400 to USD 3,500 (indicative — confirm with the operator), this property sits well above New York City’s overall from-price of USD 850 for student housing. The following review breaks down who this residence works for, what actual guests have said, how the pricing compares, room types available, and when you might want to look into booking.
Who This Residence Suits
138 East 37th Street is suitable for individuals who prioritize location and convenience over spacious living. The property scores a perfect 5.0 out of 5 on location, getting around, safety/security, internet, and staff in its internal rating dimensions. If you are someone who spends most of your day outside — at university, work, or exploring the city — and simply needs a clean, safe place to sleep and store belongings, this could be a practical choice. The presence of personal property managers and flexible lease terms (tagged as “Flexible Lease Terms” and “Personal Property Managers”) makes it appealing for short-term stays or for tenants who need to adjust move-in and move-out dates. The property also includes Wi-Fi (though note the guest review below about fees), which reduces one recurring utility expense.
Who This Residence Does Not Suit
This residence is not suited for anyone who requires generous living space, modern amenities, or a quiet, premium hotel-like experience. Guest reviews consistently mention extremely small rooms and dated furniture. One reviewer (Miss G, 3 stars) wrote: “It was OK. The rooms were extremely small, old, and zero amenities.” If you work or study from home and need a desk that fits a full setup, or if you prefer a larger common area for entertaining, look elsewhere. The property also received a 3.5 rating for amenities, indoor spaces, and condition in internal metrics. Additionally, the unit types are limited to studio and two-bedroom — no private one-bedroom floor plans are listed. The two-bedroom option may work for roommates, but each person’s share would still be significant. The absence of a deposit mentioned in the data means you need to confirm the financial terms directly with the operator.
What Residents Actually Say
Two of the three available Google reviews are highly positive (5 stars), while one is mixed (3 stars). Here are verbatim excerpts:
Positive (hemi7251, 5 stars):
“What a great hotel. Just got back from NYC with my kid and we stayed in the Bunk room. Was small, but that was expected. I’m a big guy but fit in there just fine. Bed was super soft and comfortable. The staff were so amazing. They were always friendly and accommodating. I never felt like anything I asked or who I asked”
Positive (Peter Kiral, 5 stars):
“Everything was great. The front desk receptionist, Zac, kindly gave me a late checkout until 1 PM. Thank you! The room was clean, and when I booked it a week ago, this was probably the cheapest hotel rate in the area. I could have spent more on a hotel, but I really didn’t need to. I know this hotel brand.”
Mixed (Miss G, 3 stars):
“It was OK. The rooms were extremely small, old, and zero amenities. “Complimentary” WiFi and coffee is $20 fee added onto room stay; so NOT complimentary. Additionally, front desk was quite rude!! Immediately had a bad attitude towards me and my colleague and spoke to us as if we didn’t understand English. We asked to”
These comments illustrate a split experience. The excellent staff and location are praised, but the room size and hidden fees rankle some guests. If you are considering a booking, ask the operator explicitly about all mandatory charges, including the so-called “complimentary” Wi-Fi and coffee.
Price Positioning vs City Average
New York City’s lowest listed student-housing price across 212 properties is USD 850 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). 138 East 37th Street starts at USD 2,400 — nearly three times that floor. The top of its range reaches USD 3,500. For context, a typical studio in a student-dedicated building in outer boroughs or uptown might run USD 1,500–2,000. This property is clearly in the premium bracket, and its price reflects a prime Manhattan address near Midtown, Grand Central Terminal, and several subway lines.
However, the value-for-money rating from internal data is 5.0 out of 5, and Google’s aggregate rating is 4.2 from 4,040 reviews. This suggests many past guests felt they received adequate value for the cost, despite the small rooms. The per-night hotel comparison (Peter Kiral’s review) indicates that for short stays, this property may undercut other Midtown hotels. For monthly rentals, the price per square foot is high — you are paying for location and flexibility, not space.
Room Type Guidance
The property offers two unit types: studio and two-bedroom. According to the “unit_types” field, there is no one-bedroom or shared dormitory option.
- Studio: Best for a single occupant who wants a private kitchen and bathroom in a compact layout. Expect a combined living/sleeping area. Ideal for solo travelers or students who prefer solitude over shared living. Price will likely be at the lower end of the range (around USD 2,400–2,800).
- Two-bedroom: Suitable for two roommates. Given the overall small unit footprint in the building, each bedroom may be tight. The two-bedroom will likely be at the higher end (USD 3,000–3,500). Split between two people, each would pay roughly USD 1,500–1,750 per month — still above the city’s from-price but more manageable.
When you inquire, ask for exact floor plans and square footage. “Zero amenities” mentioned in one review indicates that in-room features like a gym, laundry, or common lounge may be absent. Confirm with the operator what is included.
Booking Timing
The property is currently tagged with “not_available,” which may mean that as of writing (2026–2027), it is either fully leased or temporarily offline for renovations. If you are looking for a move-in during 2026 or 2027, check availability directly with the operator well in advance. For a property with such a high Google review count (4,040) and a 4.2 rating, demand is likely strong. Flexible lease terms suggest that availability can change month to month. If you need specific dates — for example, a summer sublet or a fall semester start — contact the operator as early as 3–6 months prior.
Given the higher price point, you may also want to compare with other properties in the same neighborhood. Murray Hill has several older apartment buildings that might offer more square footage for a similar rent. If the “not_available” tag persists, consider expanding your search to nearby areas like Kips Bay or Midtown East.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are utilities and Wi-Fi included in the monthly rent?
One guest review indicates that a “complimentary” Wi-Fi and coffee came with a USD 20 fee added to the room stay. The property’s tags include “WIFI,” but the exact inclusion policy is ambiguous. You must confirm with the operator whether internet is truly free or carries an additional charge. Other utilities like electricity, water, and gas were not specified in the data — ask directly.
What is the minimum lease term?
The data does not list a minimum lease term (min_lease is null). Tags include “Flexible Lease Terms”, which implies short-term stays may be allowed — possibly weekly or monthly. However, you should verify with the operator whether a 1-month minimum applies, or whether they require a 3-month or semester-long commitment for student tenants.
How safe is the neighborhood and building?
Safety and security received a perfect 5.0 rating in the property’s internal dimensions, and the area — Murray Hill/Midtown East — is generally considered safe, with heavy foot traffic and good lighting. The Google review also mentions that the front desk staff were “amazing” and “accommodating,” which suggests a secure building with personnel present. As with any city, standard precautions are recommended.
Sources & Data Date
Data used in this article is sourced from the property’s public listing as of July 2026. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
Next Step
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