When traveling in New York, choosing the right place to stay often means a leap in the quality of the entire trip. Especially in Times Square, the core of Manhattan, it is a world-renowned intersection of culture and business. Whether it is day or night, huge LED billboards illuminate the crowded streets, forming the most iconic urban landscape in New York.
As a gathering place for Broadway theater district, world-class brand flagship stores, restaurants and entertainment activities, Times Square can be called the heart of New York.
1. The Knickerbocker Hotel: Low-key luxury in a century-old landmark
History and Overview
The Knickerbocker Hotel, built in 1906, was once a gathering place for celebrities. This century-old hotel was once transformed into an office building, and then reborn as a luxury boutique hotel in 2015, becoming one of the most historic accommodations in Times Square. The hotel’s interior is low-key and elegant, combining classical and modern styles, showing a subtle New York-style high-end feeling everywhere.
Location and transportation
The hotel is located at the intersection of 42nd Street and Broadway, just a few steps away from Times Square, and only a few minutes’ walk to Bryant Park and Fifth Avenue shopping district. Subway lines 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, and E all have stations nearby, making it very convenient to go to the Upper East Side, Central Park, the World Trade Center, and other places.
Cost
The price of a standard double room ranges from US$420 to US$580 per night, and can reach more than US$700 during peak seasons (such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve). The hotel occasionally offers advance booking and multi-night stay discounts.
Surrounding attractions
The New York Public Library, Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station and other places can be reached on foot from the hotel. The Broadway Theater District is only a five-minute walk away, making it a great choice for drama lovers.
Booking platform and suitable population
It is recommended to book through Booking.com, Expedia and Hotels.com. All three platforms offer flexible cancellation policies and member discounts. Suitable for mid- to high-end couples and business travelers who prefer classic luxury, privacy and comfort.
2. Marriott Marquis Times Square: Overlooking the sea of lights and crowds on high floors
History and Overview
Marriott Marquis Times Square has been an iconic high-rise hotel in Times Square since its opening in 1985. The hotel has more than 1,900 rooms and is one of the largest hotels in New York. The architectural design has a strong postmodern feel, and the most famous one is its revolving restaurant on the 45th floor, which allows guests to overlook the entire Manhattan while dining.
Location and Transportation Conditions
The front of the hotel faces the center of Times Square and is one of the “C positions” for watching the countdown on New Year’s Eve. The entrance to the 7th Line subway is right outside the door, and the transfer line is convenient. It is no more than 15 minutes away from Central Park, MOMA Museum and other places.
Expenses
The price of standard rooms is maintained between US$370 and US$520 per night all year round, and the high-rise view rooms and suites are more than US$600. The platform often has joint credit card promotions, and you can get points cashback by using the Marriott Bonvoy membership program.
Surrounding attractions
The hotel is directly connected to many Broadway theaters, and it only takes ten minutes to walk to Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue shopping district. At night, you can experience the urban vitality of the surrounding bars, nightclubs and talk show clubs.
Booking platform and suitable people
It is recommended to compare prices and book on Agoda and Priceline. Some channels provide breakfast packages and room upgrade options. Recommended for family tourists who love high-angle views, travelers who come to New York for the first time, or drama fans who want to explore Broadway culture in depth.
3. citizenM Times Square: The first choice for technology and design control
History and overview
citizenM is a trendy hotel brand from the Netherlands, focusing on the core concept of “high design, high technology, and good experience”. Since its completion in New York in 2014, it has quickly become a check-in hotel for young travelers, backpackers and digital nomads. Although the room is small, it is fully functional and full of technology. All lighting and curtains can be controlled by tablets.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located between 50th Street and 7th Avenue, and it only takes three minutes to walk to Times Square. There are dense subway lines nearby, including N, Q, R, W, E, B, D, F, etc., which are very convenient to go to Brooklyn or Queens.
Cost
Rates are maintained between US$200 and US$300 per night all year round, which is very cost-effective in the Times Square area. Direct booking on the official website often offers additional breakfast, membership discounts, etc.
Surrounding attractions
It is within a ten-minute walk from MoMA, Radio City Music Hall and Columbus Circle. Suitable for light travelers who love city walks and cultural attractions.
Booking platform and suitable population
It is recommended to book through Expedia and Kayak. Suitable for young travelers, couples, small groups or digital nomads traveling alone.
4. The Times Square EDITION: Minimalist luxury in an urban oasis
History and overview
As a high-end lifestyle hotel brand under Marriott, EDITION Times Square is known for its minimalist design and personalized service. The hotel has several bars and sky-high restaurants with different styles. The guest rooms are quiet and comfortable. It is a rare “quiet in the bustling” choice in the Times Square area.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located at the intersection of 47th Street and 7th Avenue. It is in the heart of the city but has excellent sound insulation. The N, R, and W subway lines can be entered from the hotel entrance. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to Grand Central Station, and it takes about 40 minutes to take a taxi to JFK or LGA Airport.
Cost
Rates range from US$430 to US$600 per night, and breakfast or high-floor rooms often require additional fees. Use EDITION official channels to book to enjoy exclusive benefits.
Surrounding attractions
Close to the Times Square Theater District, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Times Square TKTS Ticket Booth, etc. At night, you can overlook the neon street scene in the hotel bar.
Booking platform and suitable population
Recommended booking through Booking.com and HotelsCombined, suitable for mid-to-high-end couples, short-term vacationers and design enthusiasts who like quiet accommodation experience.
5. Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square: A fully functional family base
History and Overview
Riu Plaza is one of the flagship stores of the Spanish hotel chain Riu in New York. Since its opening, it has been favored by tourists around the world for its “comfort, practicality and reasonable price”. The hotel has a bright and simple style and spacious public spaces, suitable for family travel.
Location and transportation conditions
The hotel is located between 47th Street and 7th Avenue, a two-minute walk from Times Square. It is close to the E, B, and D subway stations and has a great location. It only takes ten minutes to walk to Rockefeller Center and NBC Studios.
Cost
Rates range from US$290 to US$410 per night, including breakfast and WiFi. The price-performance ratio is in the upper middle level in the same area.
Surrounding attractions
It is within walking distance of Madame Tussauds New York, the Red House Theater in New York and many Broadway theaters. It has a rich nightlife and is suitable for a variety of customers such as parents and children and three generations traveling together.
Booking platform and suitable groups
It is recommended to book through Orbitz and Travelocity, which support multiple nights of consecutive stay discounts and free room options for children. Recommended for families with children, first-time travelers to the United States and group tour users.
Choosing to live near Times Square in New York not only means that you can integrate into the rhythm of this city at the first time, but also save commuting and sightseeing time to the maximum extent. Whether you are a traveler who prefers historical atmosphere, a solo traveler who loves modern technology, a couple who pursues luxury experience, or a family tourist who wants the whole family to share a comfortable space, you can find a suitable hotel in New York.
Remember to book through a regular platform before departure, and compare prices and discount information on multiple platforms in advance to get the best stay experience. After all, in a fast-paced and surprising city like New York, choosing a suitable “place to stay” is the first step to a successful journey.
