Times Square is a chaotic mess of neon, tourists, and overpriced character actors. You’ve probably walked past 165 W 46th St New York NY a dozen times without even blinking. It doesn't look like a landmark. It looks like another slice of the midtown concrete jungle. But for anyone trying to navigate Manhattan’s real estate or entertainment hub, this specific address is a weirdly essential piece of the puzzle.
It’s the Muse Hotel. Or, more accurately, the Kimpton Muse.
Wait, is it still a Kimpton? That’s where things get tricky. In the world of Manhattan hospitality, ownership flips faster than a pancake at a diner. This building sits on 46th Street, nestled right between Sixth and Seventh Avenue. It’s a stone’s throw from the TKTS booth. Seriously, you could throw a rock and hit a line of people waiting for Hamilton tickets.
The Reality of Staying at 165 W 46th St New York NY
Most people think staying in Times Square is a rookie mistake. They aren't entirely wrong. It’s loud. It’s crowded. You’ll get stuck behind a family of six from Ohio who have stopped dead in the middle of the sidewalk to look at a digital billboard for M&Ms.
But 165 W 46th St New York NY is a bit of an anomaly.
The Muse manages to be surprisingly quiet. How? It’s set back just enough from the main Seventh Avenue artery. The building itself dates back to the early 20th century, but it underwent massive renovations in the early 2000s and again more recently. It has that boutique energy that’s hard to find when you're surrounded by massive Marriotts and Hiltons that feel like airport terminals.
If you’re looking at the specs, the building is roughly 15 stories tall. It’s got around 200 rooms. Some of them have balconies. In New York, a balcony is basically a miracle. Usually, "outdoor space" in midtown means opening a window three inches to hear a siren. Here, you actually get a view of the skyline that doesn't feel like you're trapped in a box.
Why the location actually works (and why it doesn't)
Let’s be real. If you hate crowds, stay in Chelsea. If you want to be able to walk to every Broadway theater in five minutes, this address is king.
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You’re literally steps from the Richard Rodgers Theatre and the Lunt-Fontanne. The convenience factor is high. But there's a trade-off. Food in this immediate radius is mostly a trap. You have the Olive Garden and the Red Lobster nearby—please don't go there. You’re in New York. Walk three blocks north to 49th or 50th and find something that doesn't come out of a microwave.
The Architectural Bones of the Muse
The building at 165 W 46th St New York NY wasn't always a luxury boutique hotel. This part of town has a gritty history. In the 70s and 80s, 46th Street was... well, it wasn't where you'd bring your kids. It was the heart of the "old" Times Square. Grime. Theaters. Jazz clubs.
The structure itself has been modernized to the point where you wouldn't know its age from the lobby. The lobby is narrow. It’s got this dramatic, long hallway vibe with art that looks like it belongs in a gallery in Soho. It’s trying very hard to be "chic," and honestly, it mostly pulls it off.
Room sizes and the "New York Tax"
New York hotel rooms are notoriously small. If you can fit your suitcase on the floor and still walk to the bathroom, you’ve won. At 165 West 46th, the rooms are actually decent. We’re talking 250 to 300 square feet for standard rooms. That sounds tiny if you live in Texas, but for midtown, it’s a palace.
The suites are where the building shines. They have these "Premier Suites" that are larger than most Manhattan apartments. They often feature deep soaking tubs. After walking 20,000 steps on concrete, that tub is the only thing that matters.
The Business Side: Ownership and Management Shifts
There’s been a lot of talk lately about who actually runs the show at 165 W 46th St New York NY. For a long time, it was the flagship Kimpton property in the city. Kimpton is known for their "wine hour"—basically free booze for guests every evening. It’s a great way to meet people who are also frustrated by the subway.
However, the hotel industry is currently in a state of flux. Management contracts change. Brand flags get swapped. If you’re booking, always check the current operating partner. As of now, it retains its boutique identity, but the "Kimpton" branding has seen some transitions as IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) reshuffles its portfolio.
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Getting Around from 46th Street
Logistics matter. If you're at 165 West 46th, you are at the epicenter of the transit universe.
- The N, R, W trains are at 49th St.
- The 1, 2, 3 trains are at Times Square-42nd St.
- The B, D, F, M are over at Rockefeller Center.
Basically, you can get anywhere in the five boroughs from this spot. But don't take a cab. Taking a Lyft or a yellow cab from this address between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM is a form of self-torture. You will sit in the same spot for twenty minutes watching a guy sell roasted peanuts on the corner. Walk to the subway. It’s faster.
The "Hidden" Perks of the Address
One thing people overlook about this specific block is the proximity to "Restaurant Row" on 46th between 8th and 9th. It’s just a two-block walk. While the immediate area around 165 W 46th St New York NY is corporate and touristy, Restaurant Row has places like Joe Allen or Barbetta that have been there forever.
It's also worth noting that the fitness center in this building is surprisingly good. Most NYC hotel gyms are a treadmill in a basement. This one feels like a real gym.
Common Misconceptions
People think this is part of a massive chain that feels cold. It's not.
People think it's too loud to sleep. It's not, provided you aren't on a very low floor.
People think the "Muse" name is just marketing. Actually, the hotel is themed around the Greek Muses—art, music, and theater. It’s a nod to the fact that you’re in the Theater District.
If you’re looking at the building from the street, look up. The geometry of these mid-block buildings is fascinating. They have to comply with "setback" laws from the 1916 Zoning Resolution, which is why New York buildings look like wedding cakes. It was designed to make sure sunlight could actually reach the street.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you find yourself heading to 165 W 46th St New York NY, keep these things in mind to avoid being a "clueless tourist."
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Check the Resort Fee: Like almost every hotel in New York now, they charge a "destination fee." It’s usually around $30-$40 a night. It usually covers Wi-Fi and some bottled water. It’s annoying, but factor it into your budget so you aren't shocked at checkout.
Request a High Floor: The street noise on 46th isn't as bad as 42nd, but it’s still New York. Ask for something above the 10th floor. Your ears will thank you.
The Wine Hour: If they are still running the social hour, use it. It’s the cheapest drink you’ll get in a three-mile radius.
Avoid the Hotel Breakfast: There are a million coffee shops within a two-block radius. Go to a local bodega. Get a bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll. It’ll cost you six bucks and it’s a more authentic experience than a $35 continental breakfast in a hotel lobby.
Check the Balcony Rooms: If you’re traveling for a special occasion, specifically call and ask about the balcony rooms. They don't always show up on third-party booking sites like Expedia or Booking.com.
The Muse at 165 W 46th St New York NY remains one of those "if you know, you know" spots. It’s for the person who wants to be in the middle of the action but wants to be able to escape it the second they walk through the front door. It’s not perfect, but in a city of eight million people, it’s a solid place to park your bags.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Verify the current management status and "social hour" perks directly on the hotel website before booking.
- Map out the stage door locations for the shows you're seeing; most are within a 3-minute walk of this address.
- Book dining reservations on 46th Street (Restaurant Row) at least two weeks in advance if you're visiting during peak theater season.