New York City hotels are basically a giant gamble. You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through midtown options, dodging $40 "resort fees" and staring at rooms so small you can’t even open a suitcase. It’s exhausting. If you’re looking at Candlewood Suites New York, specifically the Times Square-South location on 39th Street, you’re likely trying to find that rare middle ground between a cramped boutique hotel and a soul-crushing $500-a-night bill.
People often assume staying at a "suites" hotel in Manhattan means you're stuck in the suburbs of the city. Not here. You’re literally blocks from the Port Authority and the bright lights, but there’s a catch that most bloggers won't tell you. It’s the "extended stay" vibe. If you walk in expecting white-glove bellhop service and a marble lobby with a DJ, you’re going to be disappointed. Honestly, this place is for the person who wants a fridge, a microwave, and a door that shuts out the chaos of 8th Avenue.
Why the Location of Candlewood Suites New York is a Double-Edged Sword
Location is everything. But in New York, "good location" is subjective. The Candlewood Suites New York City-Times Square is tucked away on West 39th Street.
On one hand, you’re a ten-minute walk from the Theater District. You can hit a 7:00 PM Broadway curtain without breaking a sweat. On the other hand, this specific slice of Manhattan—the Garment District/Hell's Kitchen border—can feel a bit gritty. It's real. There are delivery trucks, people rushing to the subway, and that specific New York scent of pretzels mixed with exhaust. It’s not the polished, quiet streets of the Upper West Side.
But here’s the thing: you save money because it’s not sitting directly on top of a tourist landmark. You get the proximity without the "I'm staying in a theme park" tax. Most people don’t realize that being near the Port Authority Bus Terminal gives you access to almost every major subway line (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, 7). You can get anywhere in the five boroughs from here. Fast.
The Kitchenette Factor: Saving Your Budget
Eating in NYC is expensive. Like, "why is this bagel twelve dollars?" expensive. This is where Candlewood Suites New York actually wins.
Every room has a kitchenette. We’re talking a full-sized fridge, a two-burner stove, a microwave, and a dishwasher. It sounds mundane until you realize that a family of four can spend $100 on a mediocre breakfast at a diner. Instead, you can walk a few blocks to a local market, grab a carton of eggs and some coffee, and eat in your pajamas.
🔗 Read more: City Map of Christchurch New Zealand: What Most People Get Wrong
- The Candlewood Cupboard: It’s a 24-hour pantry in the lobby. You won't find gourmet truffles, but if you need a frozen dinner or a bag of chips at 2:00 AM, it’s there. It operates on an honor system (you charge it to your room).
- Borrowing Gear: This is a weirdly cool feature. They have a "Lending Locker." Need a blender? A toaster oven? A Crock-Pot? You can actually borrow these items for free. Most travelers never even look in the locker, but if you're staying for a week, it's a game-changer.
Short stays are fine, but the hotel is designed for the long haul. The desks are large enough for a laptop and a pile of paperwork, which is why you’ll see a lot of business travelers and medical professionals staying here.
The Room Layout Reality Check
Don't expect a sprawling apartment. It’s still Manhattan. The rooms are efficient.
You get a queen or king bed, and usually a recliner. The space is utilized well, but if you have four people in a studio, it’s going to feel cozy. Very cozy. The bathrooms are standard—clean, functional, no-nonsense. If you’re used to the InterContinental or the Ritz, the aesthetic will feel a bit "corporate office," but it's consistent. That’s the IHG brand promise. You know exactly what the carpet is going to look like before you even check in.
Hidden Perks and The "No-Frills" Tradeoff
Let’s talk about what you don't get. There is no free breakfast.
Most people see "Suites" and think "free scrambled eggs." Nope. Candlewood doesn't do the morning buffet. They also don't do daily housekeeping. This is the part that trips people up and leads to one-star reviews from angry tourists. Because it's an extended-stay model, they typically clean the rooms on a weekly rotation. You can get fresh towels at the front desk whenever you want, and they’ll take your trash, but don’t expect someone to make your bed every morning while you’re out at the Empire State Building.
- Free Laundry: This is huge. Most NYC hotels charge $10 to wash a single pair of socks. Here, the guest laundry machines are free to use.
- The Gym: It’s small. It’s a treadmill, an elliptical, and some weights. It gets the job done, but you aren't training for the Olympics in there.
- Pet Policy: They are surprisingly pet-friendly for a midtown hotel. There’s a fee, obviously, but they don't give you the side-eye for bringing a dog.
Dealing with the Noise
It's New York. Silence is a myth.
💡 You might also like: Ilum Experience Home: What Most People Get Wrong About Staying in Palermo Hollywood
At the Candlewood Suites New York, you’re going to hear sirens. You’re going to hear the hum of the city. The hotel does a decent job with soundproofing, but if you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor or one facing away from the street. Honestly, just pack earplugs. No matter where you stay in Midtown—even at the fancy places—a garbage truck will inevitably wake you up at 4:00 AM.
Is it actually a "Business" hotel?
Sorta. It’s perfect for the digital nomad or the person in town for a conference at the Javits Center. The Wi-Fi is generally reliable, which isn't always a guarantee in older New York buildings. Since you have a real desk and a kitchen, you can actually get work done without sitting on your bed with a laptop overheating on your knees.
The Competitive Landscape
How does it stack up against the Staybridge Suites or the Element?
Staybridge (also an IHG brand) usually offers a free breakfast and an evening social with food and drinks. Consequently, it’s often more expensive. The Element (Marriott) is more "eco-chic" and modern but can feel a bit sterile. Candlewood is the budget-conscious sibling. It’s for the person who says, "I don't need the social hour, I just want a kitchen and a clean bed for a fair price."
Prices fluctuate wildly. In January, you might snag a room for $160. In December, when the tree is lit at Rockefeller Center, that same room might be $450. Always check the IHG app directly; they often have "Member Rates" that beat the big travel sites by twenty bucks a night.
How to Handle Your Arrival
Getting to 339 West 39th Street can be a bit of a scramble if you're coming from JFK or Newark.
📖 Related: Anderson California Explained: Why This Shasta County Hub is More Than a Pit Stop
If you take the LIRR or NJ Transit into Penn Station, you’re only about an eight-minute walk away. Don't bother with a cab from Penn Station; you'll spend fifteen minutes sitting in traffic just to go six blocks. Just walk. If you have heavy bags, the sidewalk is a bit crowded, but it’s manageable.
When you check in, double-check your IHG One Rewards status. Even the lowest tier can sometimes get you a slightly better room location. And remember, the elevators can be slow during the morning rush (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM). Give yourself an extra five minutes if you have a train to catch.
The Verdict on Value
If you are looking for luxury, keep moving. Go to the Park Hyatt.
But if you want to feel like you "live" in New York for a few days, Candlewood Suites New York is a solid choice. It’s about autonomy. You have your own kitchen, your own laundry, and a front door right in the thick of it. It’s the ultimate "un-hotel" experience for people who hate the fuss of traditional hospitality.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Skip the Hotel Pantry for Big Groceries: Walk two blocks over to Brooklyn Fare or Whole Foods at Bryant Park. The selection is better and you'll save a fortune compared to the lobby convenience store prices.
- Request a High Floor: Specifically, ask for a room above the 15th floor to mitigate street noise. The views aren't spectacular, but the reduction in honking is worth it.
- Use the Free Laundry Mid-Week: The laundry room gets packed on Sunday nights when everyone is prepping for the work week. Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons are usually dead.
- Download the Transit App: Don't rely on Google Maps alone for the subway. "Transit" (the green icon app) is much more accurate for real-time NYC delays, especially near the Port Authority hub.
- Verify the Housekeeping Schedule: Upon check-in, ask exactly which day your full service is scheduled. If you need extra trash bags or coffee pods before then, just ask the front desk—they’re usually happy to hand them over.
Staying here is about being smart with your money so you can spend it on the stuff that matters—like that $180 Broadway ticket or a dinner in the West Village. It’s functional. It’s reliable. It’s very New York.