The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel

This hotel is primarily recognized for its prime location, offering unparalleled access to the heart of Manhattan, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and tourists eager to explore the city's iconic landmarks. While many guests appreciate the hotel's efforts to modernize, with some rooms featuring updated decor and spacious layouts, the overall experience can be quite varied due to ongoing renovations. The hotel is particularly suited for budget travelers who prioritize location over luxury, as it often provides a more affordable option in a highly desirable area. To enhance your stay, it is highly recommended to request a newly renovated room, as these offer a significantly improved experience compared to the older accommodations. Be prepared for potential noise during the day due to the renovation work.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel is currently undergoing significant renovations, which impacts the availability and condition of its facilities. Many guests report issues with the air conditioning and heating systems, noting that they are often non-functional or provide inadequate temperature control, sometimes requiring windows to be opened even in cold weather. The elevators are frequently cited as a source of frustration, with long wait times and reports of only a few being operational. Access to ice machines is often problematic, as many are out of order, requiring guests to search multiple floors. While Wi-Fi is available, numerous reviews indicate it is often slow, unreliable, or prone to frequent disconnections. The lobby area is significantly reduced in size due to construction, lacking adequate seating or public restrooms, which can be inconvenient for guests awaiting check-in or transport.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly mixed, largely depending on whether the room has been renovated. Most guests in unrenovated rooms describe them as dated, run-down, and in poor condition, with common complaints including peeling wallpaper, dirty or stained carpets, outdated furniture, and a general musty odor. Bathrooms in these older rooms often feature rust stains, cracked sinks or tubs, and mold. Noise is a significant issue, with many guests reporting thin walls that allow for considerable sound transfer from hallways, elevators, and neighboring rooms, compounded by construction noise during the day. Conversely, guests in renovated rooms generally praise their cleanliness, comfortable beds, and modern decor, though some still note issues with bathroom doors not closing fully or lacking privacy.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options are notably limited, primarily consisting of a basic grab-and-go breakfast. Many guests express disappointment with the "breakfast included" offering, which typically comprises a single fruit, one pastry (such as a croissant or muffin), and a choice of one hot drink or juice. This minimal selection is often served from a small counter, with no seating available, requiring guests to consume their meal in their rooms or elsewhere. There is no traditional restaurant or room service available, which is a common point of contention for guests expecting more comprehensive dining facilities. The quality of the breakfast items is generally described as basic, and some guests report issues with obtaining vouchers or receiving the full advertised selection.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring New York City. Guests appreciate its proximity to major attractions such as Times Square, which is often just a few minutes' walk away. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of Broadway theaters, Central Park, and various subway stations, providing excellent access to public transportation for reaching other parts of the city. The surrounding area offers a wide array of dining options and shopping. While parking is available, it is often noted as being expensive, though some guests consider it a valuable perk given the city's high parking costs.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff receives varied feedback, with many guests praising the friendliness and helpfulness of individual team members, particularly the bellhops, housekeeping staff, and some front desk agents who go out of their way to assist. Specific mentions include staff being accommodating with early check-ins, providing local recommendations, and resolving issues promptly when approached directly. However, other guests report instances of unresponsive or rude front desk staff, long check-in queues, and frequent problems with key cards deactivating, necessitating multiple trips to the reception. Housekeeping is generally commended for maintaining cleanliness in rooms, though some guests note inconsistencies in towel provision or replenishment of in-room amenities.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing extensive renovations, which are a major theme in reviews. While some floors feature newly renovated rooms with modern amenities, many rooms remain in their original, outdated condition, leading to a significant disparity between online photos and the actual accommodations received by some guests. This ongoing work can result in construction noise during the day. An unexpected facility fee or destination fee is often charged upon check-in, which many guests find unclear or unjustified, as it covers amenities like Wi-Fi and gym access that may not always be fully functional or are already expected. The hotel's policy regarding baggage storage often involves an expectation of tipping, and some guests report issues with retrieving their luggage efficiently.