Yes, There Is A Hip Hotel In Times Square: The W New York

Updated Oct 02, 2015

Times Square can be maddening for the discerning traveler. The streets are flooded with hordes of tourists not knowing where they’re going, just moving with the ebb-and-flow of the revolving tourist trap. Their paths illuminated by the bright lights of the M&Ms Store, H&M, and Hard Rock Cafe – all businesses that can be found in any big city. Yet, its central location is hard to pass up even with the chaos Times Square is known for.

For those still wanting the convenience of a hotel in Times Square but without the cliché that the tourist center has become, the W New York Times Square is a perfect option.

Some of the coolest digs in New York City

From the moment you arrive, you’ll know that the W Times Square is unique. After the bellhop checks your bags, you’ll pass under a glass enclosed ceiling to floor waterfall. You’ll then be greeted with either a good morning, good afternoon, or good evening floor mat in the elevator that transports guests to the seventh floor lobby.

The lobby doubles as the W New York Times Square’s bar, the Living Room Bar. The hotel maintains the hip, lounge feel throughout the day with dim lighting and club music that is playing slightly louder than necessary. It all adds to the hotel’s chic atmosphere, drawing a clientele equally as cool. Stumble into the lobby at night and partygoers from throughout New York City occupy the dance floor making the hotel more than just a place to rest your head.

Cool and comfortable rooms

Like most hotel rooms in New York City, the rooms at the W New York Times Square do fall on the small side. Even though space is limited, it is well appointed with all the amenities one would find in larger hotel room like a flat screen TV, iPod docking station, desk, and lounge chair. The lounge chair is ideally suited for kicking back after a long day of sightseeing. Turn the room’s mood lights on and pour a glass of wine while you enjoy a view of the city.

The one thing that is annoyingly missing from the rooms is an in-room coffee maker. The closest coffee is available for purchase in the hotel’s restaurant, the Blue Finn, on the ground floor. To reach the Blue Finn actually involves two elevator rides. One from your floor to the seventh floor lobby where you have to switch elevators to reach the ground floor.

Rooms perfect for a solo or couples stay in Times Square

While the size of a standard room makes them perfect for one to two people, I do not recommend them for friends looking to share a room to save money. The wall partitioning the bathroom from the hotel is made of smoked glass. It’s a fun, modern look, but the transparency makes for some awkward moments when someone is using the toilet. However, like all W hotels, there are plenty of options to upgrade to a larger room with eight different room categories available.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised that even though the hotel is located in the craziness of Times Square and the lobby seems to bump beats around the clock, that the rooms are quiet. Sure, there’s a little noise from the streets, but nothing that will keep you awake at night. The comforts continue with rainfall shower to wash away the day and blackout curtains and hypoallergenic bedding (upon request) to guarantee a good sleep.

One of the most centrally located hotels in New York City

You really can’t find a hotel with a more central location than the W New York Times Square. It’s located in the heart of Times Square at the intersection of West 47th Street and Broadway. Many of New York City’s main attractions like Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue are just a few blocks away along with over 30 Broadway theatres. For those looking to explore beyond Times Square, several subway lines run near the hotel.

If you tire of the expensive food and drink offerings in the hotel itself, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes within a few blocks of the hotel. Yes, even some non-chain options. Danny’s Gourmet, located right next to the hotel is a great spot for a quick coffee and breakfast sandwich.

Don’t overlook Times Square

While Times Square may easily fit every stereotype thrown at it, it shouldn’t be overlooked when booking a city break to New York City. Its location is too perfect. Thankfully, the W New York Times Square offers an option that is chic, trendy, and designed for the discerning traveler.

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