Can you spare a share... for a hotel in Times Square?

February 25, 2024 4:30 PM

Looking for hotel recs in Times Square for a spring break trip with my teenager. I haven't been to NYC since pre-pandemic. Not considering other areas for Reasons. Websites all look alike. I would love any recent experiences either + or - with the many fine hoteliers in that area of the city. Thanks!
posted by nkknkk to Travel & Transportation around New York, NY (19 answers total)

Not sure if this is close enough for you but I had a positive experience at The New Yorker Hotel last year. It does have kind of a weird history and ownership.
posted by miratime at 4:53 PM on February 25, 2024 [1 favorite]

I've stayed at DoubleTree Times Square South and the Garden Inn Times Square South in recent years and no complaints about either. They're decently priced for NYC but not fancy. The rooms were comfortable, though.
posted by edencosmic at 5:03 PM on February 25, 2024 [1 favorite]

We always stay at the CitizenM in the Bowery, as we really like their vibe (we stay with them often overseas as well). I haven't stayed at their Times Square hotel, but they experiences hotel to hotel tend to be very similar.

Note: there is only one (big King) per room and all the rooms are the same. The vibe is rather European.
posted by chiefthe at 5:44 PM on February 25, 2024 [1 favorite]

I stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel a few months ago and it was fine. I was there for work and was hardly in the hotel at all but the room was comfortable and had good style. It’s newer than some others in the area and I liked that the rooms had been recently redone. They aren’t huge rooms but for NYC they are great - that’s the style these days. The guests were all in a good mood and happy to be there too.

I picked up any meals that weren’t at the office at Urban Hawker and they were all delicious.
posted by rdnnyc at 5:44 PM on February 25, 2024

If you really do mean "in Times Square" as opposed to "in the Times Square neighborhood" you may want to specify that, because the first few recommendations are several blocks away.

I'm just going to throw out The Knickerbocker if you absolutely have to be right in Times Square. I've not stayed there but visited for a work thing and it was pretty nice considering the location. I could also recommend the Times Square Edition (a Marriott brand). Both places have great rooftop terraces overlooking all the action.
posted by theory at 5:45 PM on February 25, 2024

I second CitizenM (stayed at Bowery and Times Square before - both are good, but obviously Times Square is probably what you're looking for) - note: rooms are super small (but the beds are large) so if that might be an issue keep it in mind. In particular though their open shared spaces would probably appeal to a teenager.
posted by Laura in Canada at 6:18 PM on February 25, 2024

Citizen M has no onsite staff and kiosk checkin, right?

We stayed at the Pearl Hotel (West 49th) recently and it was great. Half a block from Broadway, within a couple minutes walk of umpteen subway lines, and not too expensive.
posted by intermod at 6:36 PM on February 25, 2024

I usually go with the CitizenM as well and have always had good experiences. They do have kiosk check-in, but there are staff available if you have any issues. One room would probably not be sufficient space for a teenager and parent, though. (Psychologically, mostly, but probably physically too. Like, minimal bathroom or shower privacy.)

Several years ago when travelling with a friend with a teenager we opted for the Marriott Courtyard Central Park, I recall it certainly being easily walkable to Times Square, but might not be desirable depending how close in you want to be.
posted by Stacey at 7:07 PM on February 25, 2024 [1 favorite]

I haven't stayed there myself and the prices are kind of nuts, but I did recently tour the New York Marriott Marquis, which is right in the middle of Times Square. It's been recently renovated and I thought the rooms seemed very nice and were a decent size for NYC. The one I saw was a standard room and it had a pull out couch in addition to the bed, so I think one room for a parent and teen would be workable.
posted by snaw at 7:15 PM on February 25, 2024

Depends on whether you really mean literally in Times Square or "a few blocks walk," but my teen and I stayed at the very cute Staypineapple on W 36th; tiny but charming rooms, decent prices (for the middle of NYC.)
posted by escabeche at 8:18 PM on February 25, 2024

We usually stay at the Edison by times square. Absolutely nothing to write home about but also fine. Doesn't have own breakfast. Have enjoyed Staypinespple elsewhere so if they are there that's a rec, a teen might get a kick out of their very pineapplecentric vibe too, we did. I would however strongly suggest not staying as close to Times Square, there's nowhere normally priced to eat for blocks and the whole place stinks of really bad weed 24/7. A few blocks of makes s difference.
posted by Iteki at 11:51 PM on February 25, 2024

If price is at all a factor, both Hotwire and Priceline let you specify the Times Square area (check their maps for the specific border) and a star level. They are often (but but always) significantly cheaper than booking directly, and will generally put you in a decent big chain.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 4:20 AM on February 26, 2024

The Casablanca Hotel is around the corner and two blocks from Times Square. I've stayed in multiple Library Collection properties in New York City and never had a bad experience in any of them. The price is dear, but the staff and amenities have been consistently fantastic.
posted by theBigRedKittyPurrs at 4:31 AM on February 26, 2024

We stayed at the Crowne Plaza when we went to see Six with my teenager. We were happy with the price and quality.
posted by jmsta at 5:28 AM on February 26, 2024

I liked The Iroquois on Embassy Row for a quiet, elegant room at a decent size. Sometimes the rates are good and sometimes they're pricey, depending on the date, YMMV. The Moxy Times Square is a couple of blocks off the square but is very hip and fun and might please your teen.
posted by merriment at 5:41 AM on February 26, 2024

The first few times I went to New York with my parents (as a kid and a young teenager), we always stayed at The Algonquin, which isn't and wasn't cheap, but cool history and cooler lobby cat.

My parents still stay there to this day.
posted by thivaia at 6:50 AM on February 26, 2024

I suggest that you read up on current events surrounding the Hard Rock Hotel Times Square to help make an informed decision in your hotel selection. Safe travels!
posted by dancinglamb at 1:25 PM on February 26, 2024

We went last June and stayed at the Hotel Rui Plaza Manhattan Times Square. The location was great, while still being tucked away just enough to not be as intense. The service and cleanliness were excellent, and they had a family room with a bed + small fold out couch that was perfect for our family of 3. Still a small room compared to non-NYC hotels, but not unbearable. The restaurant/lounge space downstairs and out front were also nice.
posted by bizzyb at 5:18 PM on February 26, 2024

The Moxy Times Square is a couple of blocks off the square but is very hip and fun and might please your teen.

Also has rooms with sliding glass bathroom doors, six feet from the bed. Don’t do it.
posted by Hypatia at 5:25 PM on February 27, 2024