It can be tricky to find a hotel in the heart of Times Square that balances convenience with a truly pleasant stay. I’ve been looking into hotels there, and I was happy to discover that even large hotels can offer a great experience. One such place is the New York Marriott Marquis, which I found to be a really good option for travelers heading to this iconic New York City spot.
Best Times Square Hotel Location
I found that the location of the New York Marriott Marquis is one of its biggest strengths. The hotel entrance takes up an entire city block, which means you can easily get out onto either 45th or 46th Street. This is super helpful for saving time when you dart out for a quick errand or to grab a snack. You’re literally just a few steps away from the energy of Times Square itself, with endless choices for food and shopping right on your doorstep.
Getting around the city is also very convenient from here. The hotel is a short walk from the 42nd Street/Port Authority subway station. This station is a major hub, with lots of different subway lines stopping there, making it easy to reach many parts of New York City quickly and efficiently.
Smooth Hotel Check-In Experience
When I arrived at the hotel, I was slightly unsure at first because the ground floor doesn’t have much other than the elevators. The main reception and check-in area is actually located on the 8th floor. Even though this is a massive hotel, with 1966 rooms, I was impressed by how efficient its elevator system is. It directs you to a specific elevator, so I never had to wait long to go up.
Even though it’s the largest hotel in Manhattan by room count, I didn’t see any long queues for check-in when I arrived in the afternoon. There were many desks available, and I was checked in without any wait. The staff were friendly, and they added my loyalty program number to the booking and welcomed me. They also took the time to explain about the hotel’s lounge and its main restaurant and bar, which was very helpful.
Comfortable and Well-Equipped Rooms
I looked at a “Renovated Superior” room with a King bed that had a Times Square view. This type of room is a step up from the basic entry-level rooms, but I understand that most rooms are quite similar, so many guests might be perfectly happy with a standard room if the view isn’t a top priority.
My room was on a higher floor, offering a fantastic view right from the floor-to-ceiling windows – a real highlight. The room felt quite spacious compared to what I typically expect in New York. It was also very well-equipped. I particularly liked a large, round piece of furniture that could function as a table or a place to put a suitcase. It was perfect for modern suitcases, which often don’t fit well on standard stands in hotels. For work, there was a large desk with plenty of power outlets and a comfortable chair. A useful feature was the well-stocked bathroom, which included a portable magnifying mirror, and toiletries from the brand This Works. The shower had good water pressure, which is always a plus.
Dining Options and Lounge Access
While I didn’t personally try the main restaurants, I know they are popular. The Revel & Rye Bar and Restaurant serves breakfast, and it looked like a nice spot. For drinks with a view, the Broadway lounge, which overlooks Times Square, is a real draw. It even has an outdoor terrace called The Perch, which must be amazing in the summer.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the M Club Lounge offered a full range of food and refreshments. While US hotel lounges often don’t include free alcohol, this one provided substantial “canapes” which were more like small meals, featuring meats, cheeses, and dips. During the day, you could help yourself to soft drinks, coffee, tea, and various snacks like crisps and biscuits. In the mornings, a large area opened up for breakfast, offering hot items like eggs, bacon, and sausage, alongside cold options including smoked salmon, fruit, and pastries. It was a good spread and easily accessible.
Hotel Facilities for Guests
The hotel also boasts a large gym on the 23rd floor. It’s bright and airy, thanks to a glass roof, and offers great views of Times Square from the treadmills – perfect for staying active while enjoying the city scenery. For practical needs, there’s also a Fed Office for mailing or receiving packages, and a general shop on the lobby level selling souvenirs and essentials.
For parents like myself, thinking about family trips, I always look for places that make things easier. I found that having seating areas around the lobby with charging points would be incredibly useful, especially if you have an early check-out but a late flight. It means you can relax and recharge electronics without needing to be in your room. I would consider this for my own trips with Emma and Sofia.
Understanding Hotel Fees and Value
Like many hotels in New York City, the New York Marriott Marquis has a daily destination fee. This fee, currently USD 30 plus tax, includes a USD 30 food and beverage credit, which is a nice perk as it can offset the cost of a couple of drinks or snacks. I found this to be a reasonable way to get some value back from the fee. Prices for a room can start around £270 per night or 53,000 loyalty points, which is pretty standard for New York at the moment given the high hotel rates in the city.
When planning a visit to New York in 2026, it’s always wise to check current when to visit and accommodation prices. I think for a central hotel in Times Square, this property offers a lot of value and convenience for travelers.
Overall, I was really impressed with the New York Marriott Marquis, especially considering its location in Times Square. It managed to feel less overwhelming than I expected, offering a central base with comfortable and well-equipped rooms, plus a decent lounge. It certainly seems like a solid choice if you’re looking for a convenient and comfortable stay in this busy part of Manhattan.
