Is it Stupid to Stay in Times Square? Edition Times Square review

Times Square is the most popular destination in New York City — but is it really a smart choice to stay near it? We stayed at The Times Square Edition to find out.

1. Check-In Experience

Check-in was nothing special. I’m not sure how I feel about having to switch elevators — it does improve security, but it adds hassle. To get from the first floor to your room, you have to change elevators, which definitely takes extra time. You tell me: do you like this setup?

2. Room Quality

The cleanliness of the room was outstanding — major credit to the housekeeping team. However, the room size was disappointing. For a “Times Square view” room, the view was underwhelming; you could barely see anything. That said, I liked the calming room decor, which helped me overlook the small size. Noise wasn’t too bad, though you’ll hear sirens pretty often (which is expected in Times Square). Still, it was quieter than other New York hotels I’ve stayed at.

The furnishings, bed, and amenities like the TV and toiletries were all up to standard. There were no major issues with the air conditioning or plumbing.

3. Amenities and Facilities

The amenities were solid, though really only the gym stood out. It had high ceilings, a real view of Times Square, clean equipment, and was well-maintained. There’s no pool or spa, but the gym is definitely a highlight.

4. Dining Experience

I tried the hotel’s breakfast, but since the $40 daily credit (included with the destination fee) doesn’t go far, I couldn’t order much. The quality and portion sizes were underwhelming, and prices per item were high. I also visited the bar at night — neither the mocktail nor the dessert impressed me.

If you’re staying here, I highly recommend skipping the hotel dining and grabbing food from Adele’s or Shawarma Bay nearby — way better value. For drinks, Hey Tea (also nearby) offers some unique specialty beverages you won’t find elsewhere.

That said, the hotel’s dining spaces had an amazing vibe: relaxing, soothing, yet somehow lively. A great place to hang out, even if the food didn’t match.

5. Staff and Service

Overall, only the bell staff (the greeter on the first floor) and housekeeping stood out — they were kind and helpful. The rest of the service was just okay. Unfortunately, dining service was the weakest part of the experience.

6. Location and Accessibility

As a tourist, you're in Times Square — so location-wise, it’s fantastic! Multiple subway lines are within a 10-minute walk. However, driving or taking an Uber here is a nightmare. I recommend traveling light so you can take the subway instead of relying on rideshares.

Being in Times Square means you can check out the area anytime. And if you stay until 11:57 PM, you’ll witness the magical “Midnight Moment” — when all the ads turn off for a brief art display. If you weren’t already in Times Square, you’d have to make a special trip to see it.

7. Value for Money

Honestly, I didn’t feel it was worth the money — especially if you have Marriott status. The benefits are minimal: no free breakfast, no priority check-in or check-out, no meaningful upgrades, and the mandatory destination fee gives you $40 per day that doesn’t roll over.

Even using Marriott points (stay 5, pay 4), it still felt underwhelming. But for travelers visiting New York who don’t mind small spaces and want a sleek, expensive oasis amid the chaos, this hotel might be the right fit.

TheLoDown Score	74
Overall Experience	70
Room Quality	82
Service	70
Amenities	80
Value for Money	65