Times Square hotels sit on some of the most valuable real estate in the world, tucked into the busiest and most photographed intersection in Manhattan. Locals may joke that they avoid the area, yet plenty still find themselves wandering through at night just to take in the glowing signs, the crowds of tourists, and the endless street food stalls. Whether you’re flying in for business or booking a leisure trip, travelers based near Chicago often start their planning with a reliable ride to the airport, which is exactly why so many rely on Windy City Limousine Chicago before their flight ever leaves the ground. In this guide, we’re breaking down the very best Times Square hotels, from legendary century-old properties to sleek modern boutique stays, so you can book the right room for your next trip to the city that never sleeps.
What Makes Times Square Hotels So Popular
Few areas in Manhattan offer the same combination of convenience and energy as the neighborhood surrounding Times Square hotels. Guests are steps away from Broadway shows, some of the city’s most iconic restaurants, and a subway system that connects to virtually every borough. For first time visitors especially, staying at one of the many Times Square hotels means you never have to plan a long commute just to see a show or grab dinner after. The area has also evolved well beyond its reputation as a purely tourist destination, with boutique properties, design forward brands, and historic landmarks all competing for attention within a few short blocks of one another.
A Brief History of Times Square as a Hotel Destination
Long before it became synonymous with neon billboards and New Year’s Eve broadcasts, the intersection now known as Times Square was called Longacre Square, named for a carriage and horse trading district that once dominated the area. The name changed in 1904 after the New York Times moved its headquarters to the newly built Times Tower, and the surrounding blocks quickly transformed into an entertainment hub filled with theaters, restaurants, and hotels catering to a growing wave of visitors. Properties like The Knickerbocker and The Algonquin date back to this early era, and many of the buildings that now house modern hotels were originally constructed during that same turn of the century boom.
The neighborhood went through a rougher stretch in the mid twentieth century before a major revitalization effort in the 1990s brought new investment, cleaner streets, and a wave of family friendly attractions back to the area. That transformation set the stage for the current hotel landscape, where century old landmarks now sit comfortably alongside sleek, design driven newcomers, giving travelers an unusually wide range of styles to choose from within a single compact neighborhood.
InterContinental New York Times Square: A Hotel Hard to Beat
One of the most well regarded chain properties in the city, the InterContinental is also among the largest, with more than 600 rooms. Located just one block from the square itself, guests get panoramic views of the Hudson River and the surrounding skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows, making it a strong pick among Times Square hotels for travelers who want a dependable, upscale stay backed by a global brand.
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel: A Central Luxury Stay
Rising 51 floors above Seventh Avenue, the Sheraton remains one of the tallest hotels in New York and one of the most central Times Square hotels on this list.
The property delivers the same consistent quality travelers expect from the Sheraton brand worldwide, paired with a location that puts nearly every major attraction within easy walking distance.
The Langham, New York: The Epitome of Cool
Positioned close enough to enjoy the energy of the square but far enough to escape the chaos, The Langham offers a calmer, more collected atmosphere than many other Times Square hotels. Every room features a marble bathroom and floor-to-ceiling windows, and the property is also home to chef Michael White’s celebrated Ai Fiori restaurant.
W New York Times Square: A Hip Hotel With a Loved Lobby Bar
Bright lights, bold colors, and a nightlife driven atmosphere define this property. The lobby bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors, often featuring live DJs throughout the day and night, making the W one of the more social Times Square hotels for guests who want the city’s energy without ever stepping outside.
Moxy NYC Times Square: A Cozy, Design Forward Option
Part of Marriott’s design focused Moxy brand, this property offers a budget friendly way to stay among the city’s top Times Square hotels. Rooms are intentionally compact but well equipped, with rain showers, HD televisions, and high thread count linens, alongside communal workspaces and five Tao Group operated restaurants and bars, including a rooftop lounge.
Paramount Hotel: A Pick for Musical Theater Fans
As the official host of the Tony Awards, the Paramount Hotel holds a special place among Times Square hotels for theater lovers.
The property sits atop a legendary ballroom that once operated as a comedy club before undergoing a significant multimillion dollar renovation in recent years.
Night Hotel Times Square: A Cool, Compact Stay
Much like its sister property, Night Hotel Theater District, this hotel proves that smaller rooms do not have to mean smaller style. With a strong sense of atmosphere and thoughtful amenities, it fills a real need among Times Square hotels for travelers who want personality over sheer square footage.
Row NYC: Smart Design in the Heart of the Action
Located on Eighth Avenue between 44th and 45th Streets, Row NYC combines smart design with an excellent lineup of food and drink options. It captures the quintessential New York vibe that draws so many travelers to Times Square hotels in the first place.
Westin New York at Times Square: A Heavenly Stay
The Westin brand’s signature Heavenly Beds and Heavenly Baths are on full display here, along with creative, health conscious dining and a WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio equipped with modern technology. It stands out among Times Square hotels for travelers who prioritize wellness while on the road.
Bryant Park Hotel: A Great Stay Near Times Square
Offering a classic New York atmosphere built around minimalist design with a touch of romance, the Bryant Park Hotel sits just steps from Bryant Park itself and a short walk from the square.
It gives guests some breathing room from the busier Times Square hotels while still keeping everything within easy reach.
AKA Times Square: A Luxury Option for Extended Stays
Welcoming both business travelers and extended stay guests, AKA’s Times Square property occupies a historic building dating back to 1893. Guests get access to a striking 3,000 square foot lounge along with panoramic views, making it a strong choice among Times Square hotels for anyone planning a longer trip to the city.
The Time New York: An Ode to Time and Space
Design and luxury come together in a genuinely artful way at The Time New York, where even the elevators are treated as an installation rather than an afterthought. It is one of the more conceptually driven Times Square hotels, appealing to travelers who appreciate design as part of the experience.
The Knickerbocker: A Legendary Hotel in the Center of It All
Sitting directly on 42nd Street and Broadway, The Knickerbocker was built in 1906 by John Jacob Astor and carries a storied history that includes the Rockefellers and Fitzgeralds among its past guests. Legend even credits the hotel as the birthplace of the martini, cementing its place among the most storied Times Square hotels in the city.
The Algonquin: An Art Deco Icon in Manhattan
Home to the city’s literary and cultural elite since the early 1900s, The Algonquin underwent a full transformation in 2012 under designer Alexandra Champalimaud, who brought a sleek, art deco inspired look to the property. It remains one of the most historically rich Times Square hotels on this list.
The Chatwal, New York City: A Luxury Collection Hotel
Built in 1905 and restored in 2010, The Chatwal sits on 44th Street just steps from the city’s best entertainment, dining, and shopping, as well as its media and financial hubs. As part of the Marriott Hotels collection, it blends landmark architecture with modern luxury service.
Distrikt Hotel: Where Scandinavian Design Thrives
Since opening in 2010, Distrikt Hotel has offered a comfortable, design forward option just blocks from the square.
The interior highlights the city’s various neighborhoods, including a striking Manhattan grid display behind the front desk and a living wall meant to evoke Central Park.
Royalton New York: An Icon Among Times Square Hotels
This historic property on 44th Street features a dramatic floor-to-ceiling bronze fireplace paired with rich leather and velvet accents that recall a bygone era. Inside, guests can visit two standout restaurants, Forty Four and Ozoku Sushi and Sashimi Bar, along with the well known late night spot, Bar 44.
The Michelangelo Hotel New York: Italian Flair Near the Square
Part of Starhotels, a family owned, Florence based hotel group, The Michelangelo brings distinctly Italian, cosmopolitan style to the list of top Times Square hotels. It represents one of the premier properties within Starhotels’ broader collection of 29 hotels around the world.
Hilton Times Square: Upscale Living in the Thick of It
Built in 2000 and rising 44 stories above Manhattan, Hilton Times Square sits directly between 7th and 8th Avenues on 42nd Street. The property offers 478 oversized rooms with panoramic views, along with Restaurant Above, perched 21 stories over the square and serving American cuisine throughout the day.
Choosing the Right Times Square Hotel for Your Trip
With so many strong options, picking the right property among all these Times Square hotels often comes down to what kind of trip you’re planning. Business travelers tend to prefer properties like the InterContinental or Sheraton, which offer dependable service and central access to meetings across the city. Couples and design conscious travelers often gravitate toward boutique options like The Time New York or Distrikt Hotel, where the room itself becomes part of the experience. Theater lovers naturally lean toward the Paramount, given its deep ties to Broadway and the Tony Awards, while history buffs looking for a story behind their stay usually choose The Knickerbocker or The Algonquin. Budget conscious travelers who still want a design forward stay often find that Moxy NYC Times Square hits the sweet spot between price and personality.
According to the Times Square Alliance, the district draws millions of visitors every year, which explains why competition among Times Square hotels has pushed so many properties to sharpen their design, service, and dining offerings well beyond a standard place to sleep.
Planning Your Trip Around Times Square Hotels
Once you’ve settled on one of these Times Square hotels, a little extra planning goes a long way toward making the trip feel smooth from start to finish. Booking well in advance is especially important during peak seasons like the holidays, when Broadway shows sell out and hotel rates climb quickly. It also helps to check whether your chosen property is within walking distance of the specific shows or restaurants on your itinerary, since traffic around the square can be heavy at almost any hour. Packing comfortable walking shoes is another simple upgrade, given how much of the neighborhood is best explored on foot rather than by car.
For travelers coming from Chicago, tying together the full trip means thinking beyond just the hotel itself. Booking a dependable O’Hare airport transportation service ahead of time ensures you reach the airport for your flight to New York without any last minute stress. Business travelers heading to meetings before or after their stay at one of these Times Square hotels often prefer a corporate transportation service in Chicago to keep the local side of their trip just as polished as their time in Manhattan.
Rounding Out the Trip With the Right Ground Transportation
Booking one of these Times Square hotels is only part of building a genuinely smooth trip. Travelers heading out for an early flight or returning home late at night often prefer a private driver in Chicago to handle the local leg of the journey without worrying about parking or rideshare wait times. Groups traveling together for a family trip or milestone celebration frequently choose a luxury SUV chauffeur service in Chicago, which comfortably fits extra passengers and luggage in one vehicle.
For guests who want their entire trip, from the moment they leave home to the moment they check into one of these Times Square hotels, to feel like a five star experience, a VIP transportation Chicago package adds that same polish to the ride itself. And travelers who want to explore Chicago’s own skyline and lakefront before their New York trip often add on a Chicago city tour service for a relaxed afternoon of sightseeing closer to home.
Getting Around Manhattan Once You’ve Checked In
One of the biggest advantages of staying in this part of Manhattan is how easy it becomes to explore the rest of the city on foot or by subway. The 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, and S lines all converge within a short walk of the square, putting neighborhoods like SoHo, the Upper West Side, and the Financial District within a quick, affordable ride. Many guests also find that walking is the fastest option during peak hours, since traffic around 42nd Street can move slower than the subway during the busiest parts of the day.
For evening plans, ride share pickup zones near the busiest hotels can get crowded, so building in a few extra minutes before a dinner reservation or a show is always a smart move. Guests who plan to explore Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art, or the Theater District’s smaller off Broadway venues will find nearly everything reachable within twenty minutes from most properties on this list, which is part of why this small stretch of Manhattan remains one of the most convenient home bases for a New York trip.
What to Pack for a Times Square Trip
Comfortable walking shoes should top the packing list for almost any New York itinerary centered around this neighborhood, since most days involve far more walking than visitors expect. Layers are also worth packing regardless of season, given how quickly temperatures can shift between a warm subway platform and a breezy evening walk to a show. Travelers attending a Broadway performance should note that most theaters enforce a smart casual dress code, so it is worth packing at least one slightly dressier outfit even for an otherwise casual trip. Finally, a portable phone charger comes in handy for a neighborhood built around near constant photo opportunities, from the giant billboards overhead to the crowds gathered at the red steps above the TKTS booth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Times Square Hotels
What are the best Times Square hotels for first time visitors?
The InterContinental New York Times Square and the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel are both strong choices for first time visitors, thanks to their central locations and dependable, globally recognized service.
Which Times Square hotels are best for a romantic getaway?
The Langham, New York and The Time New York both offer a more design forward, intimate atmosphere that suits couples looking for a memorable stay among the city’s Times Square hotels.
Are there budget friendly Times Square hotels?
Yes, Moxy NYC Times Square is one of the more budget friendly options, offering compact but well equipped rooms along with a lively social atmosphere and rooftop lounge.
Which Times Square hotels have the most history?
The Knickerbocker, built in 1906, and The Algonquin, which has hosted the city’s literary elite since the early 1900s, are two of the most historically significant Times Square hotels on this list.
What Times Square hotels are close to Broadway theaters?
Nearly every hotel on this list sits within a short walk of Broadway, though the Paramount Hotel stands out specifically for its deep ties to musical theater and the Tony Awards.
Are Times Square hotels good for business travelers?
Yes, properties like the InterContinental, Sheraton, and AKA Times Square are especially popular among business travelers thanks to their central locations, extended stay options, and reliable service standards.
How far in advance should I book one of these Times Square hotels?
Booking at least a few months ahead is recommended for peak travel periods, since rooms at popular Times Square hotels tend to sell out quickly around holidays and major Broadway openings.
Which Times Square hotels have the best rooftop or lounge spaces?
Moxy NYC Times Square offers a well known rooftop lounge, while AKA Times Square features a spacious 3,000 square foot lounge with panoramic views of the surrounding skyline.
What should I arrange before flying to New York to stay at a Times Square hotel?
Booking reliable airport transportation in Chicago ahead of time ensures a smooth, stress free start to your trip before you even board your flight to New York.
Are Times Square hotels walkable to other parts of Manhattan?
Many Times Square hotels are within walking distance of Bryant Park, Hell’s Kitchen, and the theater district, and the area also connects easily to the subway system for trips to other boroughs.
Final Thoughts
Manhattan has no shortage of places to stay, but few neighborhoods pack in as much history, energy, and variety within a few short blocks as the one surrounding this list. From centuries old landmarks like The Knickerbocker to design forward newcomers like The Time New York, the city’s best Times Square hotels offer something for every type of traveler, whether you’re chasing Broadway lights, a quiet design retreat, or a dependable stay for a business trip. Planning the rest of your journey with the same care, starting with a smooth ride to the airport, helps set the tone for the entire trip. Ready to book your ride before your next New York getaway? Reserve your ride today at Windy City Limousine Chicago or message the team directly on WhatsApp to book your airport or event transportation in advance.
