12 Best Hotels In Times Square NYC

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

12 best hotels in Times Square NYC by Best Hotels Anywhere

Are you looking for the best hotels in Times Square NYC? Perfect! We are going to show you the 12 top rated hotels available to you, including cheap, mid range and luxury Times Square hotel options in the heart of New York City.

Instead of trawling through randomly listed hotel search engine results, use our research and data driven guide to find the best NYC hotels in Times Square for your visit based on location, value, previous guest ratings and our own experiences.

Not only have we personally lived in NYC, but we also visit several times every year. Our popular where to stay in New York City guide on our sister site has helped over 85,000 visitors (and counting!) find the perfect NY hotel. But in this guide we are focusing solely on Times Square.

Here’s how we will help you find the best Times Square hotel for your travel plans and budget:

  • Breakdown of the Times Square area in NYC
  • Who should stay in Times Square
  • Times Square hotels map
  • 12 featured top rated hotels in Times Square
  • Bonus cheap and luxury hotel options

Let’s get started!

*Please note this guide contains affiliate links. If you click on one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the free content we provide! Read more in our disclosure policy.*

Table of Contents show

Best Times Square Hotels By Category

Are you in a hurry and just want to know the very best Times Square hotels in specific travel categories?

Here are our top recommendations:

We have personally stayed at CitizenM and Renaissance. Both were fantastic experiences and we would definitely stay again.

Next time we are booking a hotel in Times Square it will be LUMA Hotel to see if it lives up to the considerable hype and excellent guest ratings.

We will take a much closer look at each of these Times Square hotels and more in this guide.

Crowds gathering on a cold night in Times Square NYC
Crowds gathering on a cold night in Times Square

Where Is Times Square In NYC?

New York’s most iconic neighborhood Times Square technically only covers a very small area of Midtown Manhattan between 42nd Street and 47th Street from 7th Avenue to Broadway. This is the area you will be drawn to like a gravitational force by day or night.

However, when it comes to hotels in Times Square, we can broaden the area to include 38th Street all the way up to 53rd Street, between 6th Avenue and 9th Avenue.

In this guide we are going to break up Times Square into 3 separate areas to help narrow down your hotel search:

  • 1. South Times Square – 38th St to 42nd St
  • 2. Central Times Square – 42nd St to 48th St
  • 3. North Times Square – 48th St to 53rd St

Times Square borders with the neighborhoods of Central Park, Midtown East, Midtown South and Midtown West.

Taxi blurred with long exposure photo taken in New York City at night with flashing bilboards
Cars and people passing through Times Square

Where To Stay In Times Square

Each of the three areas making up the Times Square neighborhood has its own distinct vibe and will be better suited to certain visitors.

Let’s take a look at what you can expect from south, central and north Times Square.

1. South Times Square

South Times Square can be split into two very different subsections:

Southwest – The area known as Garment District is the grittier and least safe part of Times Square. However, it is also the area you will find the most cheap hotels in Times Square and all of Manhattan.

Families with younger kids might want to stay clear of Garment District, but everyone else who needs a cheap place to stay in NYC should be fine. Just be aware that it is not the prettiest part of New York and use common sense.

Southeast – You will find Bryant Park and Midtown South, both of which are fantastic places to stay in New York City. We typically book hotels near Bryant Park when we visit NYC.

Stick close to Broadway or east of Broadway if you want a classier and more upscale place to stay in South Times Square.

2. Central Times Square

Central Times Square is where the action happens. Almost all of the Broadway shows, tourist attractions, bright lights and chaos unfolds in this central area along Broadway and 7th Avenue.

If your top priority is prime time location in the heart of Times Square, you should look for hotels in this area. You will be close to everything, including transport links and endless places to eat.

3. North Times Square

North Times Square is quieter, safer and more sophisticated. Things begin to calm down the further from Times Square and the closer you get to Central Park.

You will find more high end dining, plus you will be closer to some the best NYC museums and the major shopping area of Fifth Avenue.

Times Square in NYC empty at dawn with bright lights and road markings clear
Times Square empty at dawn

Where To Avoid Staying Around Times Square

Now you know the best places to stay around Times Square, what about the places you should not book a hotel in the area?

Well, as mentioned above, Garment District between Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal is certainly the ugliest and grittiest part of Times Square. With that said, we have stayed in 2 different hotels in Garment District and no issues.

We wouldn’t choose to stay there again, but sometimes the hotel prices in Garment District are so much cheaper compared to the rest of NYC that it becomes about compromising.

All other parts of Times Square are better, but in truth we would personally either head north towards Central Park hotels or further southeast to Midtown Manhattan hotels.

Mark and Kristen Morgan from Best Hotels Anywhere in Times Square completely alone at dawn
Mark and Kristen completely alone in Times Square at dawn in winter

Our Times Square Hotel Experience

Which Times Square hotels have we stayed at?

So far we have spent a night at 4 different hotels around the Times Square neighborhood of NYC; Renaissance Times Square, CitizenM Times Square, AC Hotel Times Square and Arlo Midtown.

Renaissance is a bit older but it has one of the best views over Times Square from the R Lounge. CitizenM has the complete package from location to quality and price point.

Arlo was excellent and the cheapest of the 4 because it is in the heart of Garment District. AC Hotel was good but we think we paid over the odds based on its better location close to 42 Street subway station.

Overall, we have never had any issues staying in Times Square.

Our favorite hotel so far is CitizenM because of the price vs quality vs location ratio. But there are still many more for us to try, including every other hotel in this guide!

Outside a theater show with huge crowds gathering
Crowds gathering for a theater show in Times Square New York

Who Should Stay In Times Square?

Times Square is the most popular place to book a hotel for first time visitors to New York City.

Why?

Because Times Square is affordable, it is central within Manhattan and it has excellent subway links to the rest of NYC.

So who is best suited to booking a hotel in Times Square?

  • Low budget travelers to NYC
  • Families with older kids who want the lively atmosphere
  • Anyone visiting NYC for Broadway shows
  • Those with central Manhattan location as a top priority
  • Anyone who wants all of the best NYC observation decks within walking distance
  • Those who like to have a diverse selection of places to eat and drink nearby

Times Square is a great place to stay in NYC for first timers because it is has everything from attractions to restaurants and subway lines right on the doorstep.

If you want to stay in Times Square first, our advice is to spend time exploring other neighborhoods so you can stay in a different place better suited to your personality next time you are in NYC.

Pros + Cons

Let’s take a quick look at the major pros and cons to booking a hotel in Times Square in NYC.

Pros

  • Cheaper hotels on average
  • Excellent transport links to NYC and airports
  • Endless things to do on the doorstep

Cons

  • Louder, more chaotic and touristy than any other part of NYC
  • Hard to relax
  • Very gimmicky area
Person enjoying the view over NYC from Top of the Rock in late afternoon
Kristen enjoying the view over NYC from Top of the Rock

Things To Do Near Times Square

So what can you do in the immediate area if you book a hotel in Times Square New York?

Here are the top NYC attractions around Times Square:

Times Square is a top tourist attraction within itself and it is completely free to wander around the area soaking up the madness.

But one of the best parts about basing yourself in Times Square is ease of access by walking or subway to most top attractions in New York.

NYC Passes

If you plan to visit the top tourist attractions in NYC, we highly recommend you read our popular comparison of the 4 New York Passes.

Our personal favorite is the New York Sightseeing Pass because it has the most flexibility and attractions at an excellent price point.

Want to save money on NYC attractions? Take advantage of our exclusive 10% discount on any New York Sightseeing Pass via our sister site Where Are Those Morgans!

Radio City NYC exterior photo at night with purple and pink neon lights
Radio City NYC near Times Square

Are Times Square Hotels Expensive?

No, Times Square hotels are on the cheaper end of the budget range compared to most other areas of New York City.

Most 5 star hotels in NYC are closer to Central Park. There are just a handful of truly luxurious hotels in Times Square New York City.

But on the other end of the spectrum, Times Square is overflowing with low budget hotels at cheaper nightly prices. More supply and higher competition to fill rooms helps drive prices down for us, the consumer.

Let’s take a look at hotel tax and seasonality.

1. Tax On Hotels Near Times Square NYC

The first thing you should bear in mind when booking hotels in Times Square is “Hotel Tax“, which is officially known as Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).

All New York City hotels levy a 14.75% hotel tax on all stays, no matter how you book your room.

So let’s say a room costs $100 for one night at a Times Square hotel, your total cost is going to be $114.75.

  • When booking your hotel using Booking.com look under the price for “includes taxes and fees“. This means the price you see is final and will not be subject to further add ons.
  • Conversely, if you see text reading something like “+$30 for taxes and fees“, that means you will pay the hotel room cost + the additional 14.75% fee for bed tax and other fees.

You will also see a “city tax” fee of around $3.50 / night added to every room and some hotels might even try to throw in a “resort fee“.

This will come as no surprise to Americans who are used to paying tax on pretty much everything. But for international visitors this is something to be aware of so you avoid any nasty surprises when you go to pay.

2. Seasonality In NYC

New York City is a year round bucket list travel destination but it does have a peak season and a slightly lower season.

  • 1. Peak season in New York City is from May through October
  • 2. Low season in New York City is from November through April

What does this mean for booking hotels in Times Square?

Well, it means seasonality can potentially play a huge role in hotel availability and affordability for your visit to NYC.

You stand a much better chance of picking up a lower nightly rate if you book a Times Square hotel during a visit to NYC in winter. We have noticed hotel prices are especially cheap in January and February.

Prices at the best hotels in Times Square naturally inflate in the summer months when tourism peaks.

Times Square Hotels Map

Let’s take a quick look at an interactive Google Map showing the locations of the 12 best hotels in NYC Times Square featured in this guide.

Hotels key:

  • Green icons – Cheap featured hotels
  • Red icons – Mid range featured budget hotels
  • Blue icons – Luxury featured hotels
  • Yellow icons – Alternate cheap hotels
  • Purple icons – Alternate luxury hotels

Neighborhoods key:

  • Blue shade – South Times Square
  • Green shade – Central Times Square
  • Purple shade – North Times Square

Click or touch the map of Times Square hotels to activate.

Zoom in and out, move around the Times Square area and see exactly where each hotel option is located.

We have included all 12 featured hotels listed below, as well as all alternate cheap and luxury hotels you will find at the end of this guide.

Pedestrians crossing the road in Times Square with flashing billboards behind
Pedestrians crossing in Times Square on a cold night

12 Best Hotels In Times Square NYC

OK, let’s take a look at each of our featured best Times Square hotels.

We have hand picked the top 12 hotels in Times Square by compiling and comparing previous guest ratings, location and value for money.

There are of course more hotels than just the 12 we are featuring as top choices. Therefore, we will cover bonus cheap and luxury hotel options later in the guide.

Hotels are listed in order of average nightly cost within three price range categories; cheap, mid range and luxury.

You will find 4 x cheap hotels, 4 x mid range hotels and 4 x luxury hotels. Each represents a top rated Times Square hotel within its price category.

Let’s kick things off with the best cheap hotels in Times Square!

1. CitizenM Times Square

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
  • Google – 4.6 / 5
Exterior photo of CitizenM Times Square hotel building with other buildings to each side
Photo courtesy of CitizenM
  • Price: Cheap $
  • Area: North Times Square
  • Subway: 50 Street
  • Parking: N/A (nearby lot $55 / day)
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, on site restaurant and bar, breakfast available, outdoor terraces, rooftop bar

CitizenM Times Square is a modern and chic boutique hotel in Times Square NYC. It has the complete package with a superb location and quality amenities at affordable rates. All things considered, CitizenM is our top choice for the best hotel in Times Square.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort, facilities and location the highest at CitizenM Times Square. Guests can enjoy drinks from the rooftop bar, use the polished gym and even cast personal streaming services onto the TV.

This hotel will grab your attention with its low price, but its quality will mean you come back next time you are in NYC.

>> Book Hotel: CitizenM Times Square

2. Hampton Inn Times Square Central

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 8.2 / 10
  • Google – 4.3 / 5
Hampton Inn building with white paint next to a brick building in New York City
Photo courtesy of Hampton Inn
  • Price: Cheap $
  • Area: South Times Square
  • Subway: Times Square 42 Street
  • Parking: N/A (nearby lot $55 / day)
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, laundry, complimentary breakfast

Hampton Inn is a very popular and highly regarded hotel with magnificent location directly next to all Times Square subway lines, theaters and Times Square proper. You can quite literally roll out of bed and be in the thick of the action in seconds.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort and location the highest at Hampton Inn. Having bottomless continental breakfast included is a huge perk not many other hotels in the area offer. But it is all about the unrivaled location at affordable rates at Hampton Inn.

>> Book Hotel: Hampton Inn Times Square Central

3. The Belvedere Hotel Times Square

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 8.0 / 10
  • Google – 4.1 / 5
Brick building exterior with entrance and flag flying
Photo courtesy of Belvedere Hotel
  • Price: Cheap $
  • Area: North Times Square
  • Subway: 50 St
  • Parking: (nearby lot $55 / day)
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, on site restaurant, laundry

The Belvedere Hotel is a hidden gem low budget hotel tucked away on a quiet part of 48th Street but just 2 blocks from the heart of Broadway and Times Square. It is affordable, has thousands of guest ratings and almost all have positive comments about location.

Reviewers location the highest at The Belvedere Hotel. It really is in a ‘best of both worlds’ spot, quiet and secluded but close to the action. Don’t expect luxury, but at this point point you can’t go wrong for a place to crash near Times Square.

>> Book Hotel: The Belvedere Hotel Times Square

4. Pestana CR7 Times Square

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 8.0 / 10
  • Google – 4.0 / 5
Guest bedroom with bed table chair umbrella and tv
Photo courtesy of Pestana
  • Price: Cheap $
  • Area: South Times Square
  • Subway: 42 St Port Authority
  • Parking: $50 / day
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, shared lounge, bar, breakfast available

Pestana CR7 is a brand new but extremely popular Times Square hotel part owned by Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo. The location is set back on the outskirts of Garment District but comments are very positive about this modern and unpretentious hotel.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort and location the highest at Pestana CR7. This is a solid low budget hotel that will surprise you with excellent amenities and service. Just be aware there is a $20 / night ‘facility fee’ added on top of the total price.

>> Book Hotel: Pestana CR7 Times Square

5. Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 8.6 / 10
  • Google – 4.4 / 5
Exterior photo of Riu Plaza in Times Square looking up at the tall building from below as it bursts into the sky
Photo courtesy of Riu Plaza
  • Price: Mid range $$
  • Area: Central Times Square
  • Subway: 50 St
  • Parking: N/A (nearby lot $55 / day)
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, on site restaurant and bar, breakfast available, fitness center,

Riu Plaza is among the very best hotels in Times Square for families. There are 2 separate Riu Plaza hotel options called Manhattan and New York. Both are top rated and close to Broadway, but the newer and more modern Manhattan hotel is where you should start first.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort, facilities and location the highest at Riu Plaza. This is a high quality, affordably priced hotel with a trendy and cool vibe perfect for couples or families who want a location just steps from the center of Times Square in New York City. Top pick.

>> Book Hotel: Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square | Riu Plaza New York Times Square

6. Arlo Midtown

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
  • Google – 4.4 / 5
Classy guest bedroom at a boutique lodging in New York City bed with sofa leading to balcony
Photo courtesy of Arlo
  • Price: Mid range $$
  • Area: South Times Square
  • Subway: 42 St Port Authority
  • Parking: N/A (nearby lot $55 / day)
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, fitness center, breakfast available, on site restaurants, rooftop bar, laundry

Arlo Midtown is one of the best hidden gem boutique hotels in Times Square. The new, modern and sleek Arlo has a rooftop bar, it is pet friendly and it is very affordable because it is in the less desirable Garment District area. However, the location is perfect for Madison Square Garden, Penn Station and Edge NYC.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort, facilities and location the highest at Arlo Midtown. This is a fantastic hotel with thousands of excellent reviews despite being new. If you want the location close to MSG or Hudson Yards, this might be your top choice.

>> Book Hotel: Arlo Midtown New York

7. M Social Times Square

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 8.4 / 10
  • Google – 4.1 / 5
Outdoor terrace with chairs and tables looking over Times Square from M Social Hotel in NYC
Photo courtesy of Millennium Hotels
  • Price: Mid range $$
  • Area: North Times Square
  • Subway: 7 Avenue
  • Parking: N/A (nearby lot $55 / day)
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, fitness center, laundry, pet friendly, on site restaurant and bar, terrace with Broadway views

M Social Times Square is one of the most popular hotels in Times Square thanks to a stellar Broadway view from its terrace bar and international vibe. Couples and families with teen kids and older will love the direct view into Times Square from the terrace, or you can book a Times Square view room.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort, facilities and location the highest at M Social Times Square. You are also just 7 blocks from Central Park in this quieter Manhattan location, with classy restaurants and bars all around the hotel. Great NYC weekend break hotel choice.

>> Book Hotel: M Social Times Square

8. Renaissance Times Square

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 8.5 / 10
  • Google – 4.4 / 5
R Lounge overlooking Times Square at night with deep blue colors and dark shadows
Photo courtesy of Marriott
  • Price: Mid range $$
  • Area: Central Times Square
  • Subway: 49 St
  • Parking: $45 / day
  • Amenities: WiFi, pet friendly, fitness center, on site restaurant and bar, terrace rooms with Times Square view available

Renaissance Times Square is a unique Times Square hotel because it has a ‘destination fee’ of $35 / night which includes tickets to certain NYC attractions, WiFi and breakfast. The R Lounge restaurant and bar has a front-on view into Times Square, which makes it prime real estate for New Years Eve.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort and location the highest at Renaissance. This hotel has the best possible location for Times Square and offers more expensive terrace rooms with balcony views directly into the action. Higher cost and older hotel but it has an unbeatable location.

>> Book Hotel: Renaissance Times Square

9. LUMA Hotel Times Square

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
  • Google – 4.6 / 5
Guest bedroom with bed sofa desk and large window
Photo courtesy of LUMA Hotels
  • Price: Luxury $$$
  • Area: South Times Square
  • Subway: 42 St Times Square
  • Parking: $85 / day
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, on site restaurant and bar, complimentary access to nearby gym, breakfast available

LUMA Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Times Square thanks to affordable prices, a sensational location just steps from Bryant Square and clean, comfortable rooms. It isn’t your typical 5 star hotel, but it has a 5 star experience and thousands of positive comments from previous guests back that up.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort, facilities, value for money and location the highest at LUMA Hotel Times Square. We rarely see such a high value for money score in the luxury hotel category, and we will definitely be staying here on our next visit to NYC. Top pick for location, price and quality.

>> Book Hotel: LUMA Hotel Times Square

10. The Michelangelo

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 8.4 / 10
  • Google – 4.5 / 5
Exterior photo of The Michelangelo Hotel in New York at night with flags flying
Photo courtesy of The Michelangelo
  • Price: Luxury $$$
  • Area: North Times Square
  • Subway: 49 St
  • Parking: N/A (nearby lot $35 / day)
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, fitness center, on site restaurant, lounge and bar, access to athletic club with gym and sauna,

The Michelangelo is an Italian inspired affordable luxury hotel in Times Square New York, located just 1 block from Radio City and Top of the Rock. The classic and elegant hotel is a little older but it is more sophisticated and excellently located on the north side of Times Square.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort and location the highest at The Michelangelo. Families, couples and in particular business visitors to NYC rate this hotel highly because it is close to the action but far enough away for a slightly calmer experience. Note there is a ‘destination fee’ covering amenities.

>> Book Hotel: The Michelangelo

11. Times Square Edition

Guest ratings:

  • Hotels.com – 8.5 / 10
  • Google – 4.5 / 5
Small and dark terrace with chairs and tables at elevation overlooking the city below
Photo courtesy of Edition Hotels
  • Price: Luxury $$$
  • Area: Central Times Square
  • Subway: 49 St
  • Parking: N/A (nearby lot $55 / day)
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, excellent fitness center, performing center, 6 on site dining experiences, bar, terrace with view, breakfast available

Times Square Edition is a luxury boutique hotel in Times Square with excellent reviews. The location directly next to Times Square is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action, while staying at a classy and chic hotel. The gym is far better than most others at similar price points for the area.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort, facilities and location the highest at Times Square Edition. There is a resort fee but it is credited back in food vouchers. Comments about breakfast are positive, plus you have the choice between several on site restaurants and the polished bar looks great.

>> Book Hotel: Times Square Edition

12. Hotel Scherman New York

Guest ratings:

  • Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
  • Google – 4.5 / 5
Cozy and luxurious guest bedroom with bed soft chairs and desk
Photo courtesy of Hotel Scherman
  • Price: Luxury $$$
  • Area: Central Times Square
  • Subway: 50 St
  • Parking: N/A (nearby lot $50+ / day)
  • Amenities: Free WiFi, breakfast included, terrace

Hotel Scherman is the top rated boutique hotel in Times Square with positive comments about the low key Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, excellent breakfast and location right on the famous Restaurant Row.

Reviewers rate staff, cleanliness, comfort, facilities, value for money and location the highest at Hotel Scherman. This is not your typical 5 star luxury hotel with bells and whistles, but at this affordable price point for such a highly regarded boutique hotel we think it has to be on your shortlist.

>> Book Hotel: Hotel Scherman New York

New York neighborhood at night with bright lights and huge crowds
Tourists enjoying the buzz around Times Square at night

What Are The Best Cheap Hotels In Times Square?

Are you visiting New York on a budget and want to book a cheap hotel in Times Square?

Well you have plenty of choice!

Here are the best cheap Times Square hotels including our featured top rated hotels above and other hotels with lower ratings:

South Times Square

Central Times Square

North Times Square

The New Years Eve ball drop in New York City
The legendary New Years Eve Ball Drop in New York City

What Are The Best 5 Star Hotels In Times Square?

Are you looking for the most high end luxury hotels in Times Square for your visit to New York?

Most 5 star NYC hotels are located around the more upscale Central Park. However, there are a handful of luxury and boutique hotels available for you in the Times Square neighborhood.

Here are the most luxurious places you can stay around Times Square:

South Times Square

Central Times Square

North Times Square

Best Hotels In Times Square FAQ’s

Let’s take a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions about where to stay in Times Square, New York.

What is the best cheap hotel in Times Square?

CitizenM Times Square is the best cheap hotel in Times Square New York because it has excellent guest ratings, the perfect location and quality amenities at affordable rates.

What is the best luxury hotel in Times Square?

LUMA Hotel between Broadway and Bryant Park is the best luxury hotel in Times Square thanks to a superb location, near perfect guest reviews and top quality service at affordable luxury prices.

Hotel Guides Near Times Square
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We hope this guide to the best hotels in Times Square helps you book the perfect hotel for your visit to NYC!

Please let us know if you have any questions about any of the hotels in our list of best places to stay in Times Square by commenting below.

Happy Booking,

Mark and Kristen
Best Hotels Anywhere

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