The Best Hotels in the Times Square Area

Where should you stay in Times Square? These are some of the best hotels in the Times Square area.

Many people who visit NYC prefer to stay in this bustling Midtown district because it’s convenient to Broadway theaters and most New York attractions. Plus, it’s easy to get to most any place in the city from the 42nd St-Times Square subway station, so it makes perfect sense to book a room in one of the many Times Square Hotels.  That said, I’ve tried out quite a few properties in this part of town, so I’m going to leave you with my top picks. These are some of the best hotels in the Times Square area, so I am giving these properties my personal stamp of approval. Book early!

citizenM Times Square, 218 W 50th St

I’ve stayed in this location and the citizenM on Bowery, and I can’t say enough good things about this brand. You won’t get the fluff that you will at some other New York hotels (no bathrobes or slippers; no bellhop or room service), but you will stay in affordable rooms with some luxurious touches.

The beds are extra large and super comfy, and rain showers, bath amenities, and digitally controlled temp and TV are some of the pluses. The negative is the room size––it’s cozy and not always the best choice for two people. But you’ll have everything you need, in this Euro-style hotel room.

There’s no formal restaurant, but citizenM puts out one heck of a breakfast buffet––one of the best I’ve seen in the U.S. And you can pick up grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and other snacks as well as drinks in the lobby. There’s also a rooftop lounge.

If I were traveling alone and on a budget, I’d easily put citizenM at the top of my list. I especially liked the lobby or “living room,” a fantastic concept for working, eating, drinking, relaxing. Catch a peek below.

AC Hotel Times Square, 260 W 40th St

Sleek and design-centric from the moment you enter, this Marriott hotel offers a huge lobby. You’ll feel chic even after an exhausting day of travel and have plenty of space to hang out if you’re waiting to check in. The rooms at AC Hotel Times Square are straightforward (and spotless) and average in size but have all the essentials, plus those dreamy Marriott beds. Staff here is wonderful, from the front desk to the Castell Rooftop Bar (you must check this out!), the people are friendly and make you feel welcome.

The on-site restaurant, Boqueria, is excellent and serves up yummy Spanish tapas. I recommend selecting several from the menu and sharing the plates. For dinner, try the blistered shishito peppers, crispy potatoes with salsa brava, baby squid with white beans and artichokes and the Serrano ham. Breakfast is wonderful as well. You can order a la carte, but if  you’re a hearty eater, the breakfast bar provides hot and cold items including seasonal scrambles.

The Iroquois New York, 49 W 44th St

What I love about this historic hotel is the personalized service and the location between Fifth and Sixth. It’s close to Times Square and Grand Central Terminal yet a bit off the beaten path. The Iroquois New York is a family-owned, boutique hotel – the 114 rooms were renovated in recent years to reflect the Art Deco style of the building. Basic rooms are on the smaller side, but still large enough for two, but suites provide tons of space. You’ll have perks like Frette bedding and robes along with nightly turndown service.

There’s a cute library alongside the restaurant where wine hour takes place on weekdays. And if you walk all the way through the lobby, you find a speakeasy-type drinking den called Lantern’s Keep. Mixing up prohibition-style cocktails, it’s one of the best bars in Midtown. The snacks are also delicious.

The staff in this hotel is well-trained and down to earth. Nothing is too much trouble, so don’t be afraid to ask.

LUMA Hotel Times Square, 120 W 41st St

If you want to see the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, this is the place to do it. You can’t get much better than this location–– LUMA Times Square has guest rooms with stellar views of the festivities and it’s just slightly removed from the madness of Times Square (yet close enough). Plus, this hotel is just down the street from Bryant Park, so you’ll score there too.

Slick and modern, the rooms feature plenty of spots for plugging in your tech, and you’ll be able to spoil yourself a bit with luxury amenities like Etro toiletries. While the lobby is tiny with just a petite check-in desk and only a few chairs, it does have a spacious bar, and I recommend relaxing there with a cocktail in hand. 🙂 LUMA offered a welcome drink when I stayed in the hotel, so maybe you’ll be just as lucky.

Sofitel New York, 45 W 44th St

I’ve stayed at this hotel several times and it’s a favorite of mine. I’ve attended an upscale art event here, and I’ve dined in the restaurant a few times as well. If you want to imagine that you’re in Paris but be in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on a fairly calm block, this is the hotel.

The interior is timeless with a touch of glam and you’ll probably be swept away by the elegant decor. Rooms are a bit larger than some other New York hotels, and the beds….the” SoBed” as it’s called, is one of my all-time favorite beds anywhere. When you crawl in, it’s like a giant cocoon of down is swaddling your body. It’s so fabulous you will not want to leave the bed, but the greatest city in the world is outside your door, so you must.  The luxe bath products, sumptuous robes, and pin-drop quiet rooms are also a draw.

While you will find countless spots to eat and drink within a quick walk of Sofitel New York, Gaby is a solid choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the atmosphere is lovely and reminiscent of a Parisian brasserie. For entrees, the burger, and steaks are frontrunners for sure. Be sure to sip a pre-theatre cocktail in the bar area before your night out on the town.

All of these hotels are close to transportation and within a 15 or 20-minute walk of Central Park.

Do you have any favorite hotels in the Times Square area? What’s your go-to hotel when you visit NYC? I’d love to know your top picks.

Not too far from Times Square and close to Central Park,  The St. Regis may be the very best hotel in New York.

Also, the High Line. And Little Island. Plus, walking over the Brooklyn Bridge.

And a great day trip from the city.

Plus, the perfect city tote bag. And a smaller version here.