New York City doesn't care about your budget. It’s a harsh truth you learn the second you try to book a room within walking distance of the 42nd Street subway station. Most people looking for a place to crash near the bright lights end up in one of two traps: a "boutique" hotel that's actually a converted closet, or a luxury high-rise that costs more than a monthly mortgage payment. But then there’s the Holiday Inn Times Square. Specifically, the one on 8th Avenue—the Holiday Inn New York City – Times Square. It sits in this weirdly perfect middle ground that a lot of seasoned travelers gatekeep because they don't want the rates to spike.
It’s not flashy. Honestly, if you’re looking for a lobby with velvet ropes and a DJ, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want to be able to walk to a Broadway show without sweating through your shirt or paying $60 for an Uber, this is basically the strategic play.
Why Location at Holiday Inn Times Square is a Double-Edged Sword
Let's get real about 8th Avenue.
If you look at a map, the Holiday Inn Times Square is perfectly positioned. You are three blocks from the heart of the "Crossroads of the World." You've got the Port Authority Bus Terminal right there, which is convenient, but it also means the area is loud. It’s gritty. It’s quintessential New York. You’ll see businessmen in $3,000 suits stepping over steam vents next to street vendors selling questionable hot dogs.
Some people hate this. They want the sanitized version of the city. But the benefit of staying at this specific 8th Ave spot is the transit access. You aren't just near Times Square; you are at the literal hub of the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, and W trains. You can get to Brooklyn, the Upper West Side, or the Financial District in twenty minutes flat.
The "View" Situation
Don't expect a panoramic view of the ball drop unless you specifically pay for a high-floor city view room, and even then, you're mostly seeing the architectural chaos of Midtown. But that’s the trade-off. You’re paying for the bed and the zip code, not a balcony. The rooms are surprisingly quiet though. For a hotel that sits in one of the noisiest corridors on the planet, the soundproofing is actually decent. You might hear a rogue siren at 3:00 AM, but that’s just the city’s lullaby.
What the Rooms are Actually Like (No Fluff)
Usually, when you hear "Holiday Inn," you think of a sprawling suburban complex with a massive parking lot. This is not that. This is a vertical hotel. It’s skinny.
The rooms are tight. There’s no point in lying about it. If you’re traveling with three kids and four checked bags, you’re going to be playing Tetris with your luggage. But compared to the "micro-hotels" popping up in Hell’s Kitchen, these rooms feel like a palace. You get a desk. You get a coffee maker. Most importantly, the bathrooms are clean and the water pressure doesn't quit.
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- King Rooms: Best for couples who just need a base camp.
- Double Beds: Tight for four adults, but totally doable for a family with small kids.
- The Workspace: Surprisingly ergonomic for business travelers who need to churn out emails before a meeting at the Javits Center.
The decor is standard IHG—neutral tones, clean lines, nothing that’s going to win an interior design award, but nothing that feels dated or grimy either. It’s predictable. In a city where "character" often means "the heater clanks all night," predictable is a luxury.
The Cost Factor: Is It Really a Deal?
New York hotel prices fluctuate wildly. One Tuesday in February might cost you $160, while a Saturday in December hits $600.
Typically, the Holiday Inn Times Square sits about 20% lower than the Marriotts or Hiltons directly on 7th Avenue. You're paying a "walking tax" of about five minutes to save a couple of hundred bucks over a long weekend. For most people, that's a no-brainer. Plus, if you're an IHG One Rewards member, the points redemption here is often one of the better values in the Manhattan portfolio.
You also have to factor in the food.
Eating in Times Square is a tourist trap minefield. But because this hotel is on 8th, you’re closer to Hell’s Kitchen. Walk two blocks west and you’re on 9th Avenue, which is arguably the best food stretch in the city for the price. You can get incredible Thai, authentic Italian, or a decent bagel without the "Times Square Markup."
Common Misconceptions About Staying Here
A lot of people mix up the different Holiday Inns. There’s the one on 57th Street (closer to Central Park) and the Holiday Inn Express locations. The 8th Avenue "Times Square" location is the full-service one.
"It’s too dangerous." It’s Manhattan. Stay alert, keep your phone in your pocket while walking, and you’re fine. The area around Port Authority has a heavy police presence and a constant flow of commuters. It’s busy, not "dangerous" in the way people from out of town sometimes fear.
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"The elevators take forever." Okay, this one is kinda true. In high-rise New York hotels, the elevator wait during check-out time (11:00 AM) is a universal struggle. This hotel is no exception. If you have a train to catch at Penn Station, give yourself an extra ten minutes just for the vertical commute.
Navigating the Amenities
There isn't a pool. Let's just get that out of the way. If you want a pool in Midtown, you're looking at a different price bracket entirely.
There is a fitness center, but it’s basic. A few treadmills, some free weights. It’s enough to keep your streak alive, but don't expect a CrossFit box. The real "gym" is walking 15,000 steps a day seeing the sights.
As for the on-site dining, it’s fine for a quick breakfast if you’re in a rush, but honestly? Go outside. You’re in New York. There is a deli on almost every corner that will make you a bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll for a fraction of the price of a hotel buffet.
Logistics: Getting There and Getting Around
If you're flying into JFK or LaGuardia, don't take a Lyft unless you have a death wish for your wallet and your time. The traffic coming through the Midtown Tunnel or over the bridge can be stagnant.
- From JFK: Take the AirTrain to Jamaica, then the E train. It drops you off practically at the hotel's doorstep. It costs about $12 total and is often faster than a car.
- From Newark: Take the NJ Transit train to Penn Station. From Penn, you can actually walk to the Holiday Inn Times Square in about 10 minutes.
- Parking: Just don't. If you must drive, expect to pay $60-$80 a day for a garage. The hotel doesn't have its own private lot—very few Manhattan hotels do.
The Reality of the "Service"
Staff at NYC hotels are efficient. Some people mistake efficiency for rudeness. They handle hundreds of check-ins a day. If you have a problem with your room, tell them clearly and politely. They are usually great about swapping rooms if there’s a maintenance issue, but they aren't going to spend twenty minutes chatting about the weather. They’ve got a line out the door.
One pro tip: Ask for a room away from the elevators. Because the floor plates are small, the rooms near the lift can get a bit of "hallway chatter" noise at night.
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Is It Worth It?
If you are the type of traveler who spends 14 hours a day outside exploring, yes. It is one of the most logical choices in the city. You get a clean, brand-name room in the center of the action for a price that doesn't feel like a scam.
If you are looking for a romantic, "Grand Hotel" experience where you spend the afternoon lounging in robes? Maybe look elsewhere. This is a "utility" hotel. It’s the Swiss Army knife of NYC lodging—versatile, reliable, and does exactly what it's supposed to do without any unnecessary flair.
Strategic Moves for Your Stay
To get the most out of a stay at the Holiday Inn Times Square, stop thinking like a tourist and start moving like a local.
- Mobile Check-In: Use the IHG app. Skipping the front desk queue when three tour buses just unloaded is a massive win.
- The "Secret" Entrances: If 8th Avenue is too crowded, check the side street access. Sometimes it's easier to hail a cab or get an Uber pickup on the cross street rather than the main avenue.
- Storage: If your flight is late in the evening, the bellhop will hold your bags. Tip them a few bucks per bag; it’s the standard move and they’ll take good care of your gear while you go get one last slice of Joe’s Pizza.
- Broadway Lottery: Since you're so close, enter the digital Broadway lotteries. If you win, you can literally leave your hotel room at 7:45 PM and be in your seat by the 8:00 PM curtain.
Staying here is about maximizing your time and your dollar. It’s about being in the middle of the chaos without being consumed by it. You’ve got the theater district to the north, the shopping of Herald Square to the south, and the entire city accessible via the subway grates humming right outside the door.
Don't overcomplicate it. Book the room, pack comfortable shoes, and spend the money you saved on a better dinner or a second Broadway show. That’s the real way to do New York.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the IHG Member Rates First: Always log in to your rewards account before booking; the "hidden" member rate is usually $15–$30 cheaper than the public price.
- Map Your Transit: Download the "Citymapper" app. It handles the NYC subway nuances much better than Google Maps, especially for the complex exits around Times Square and Port Authority.
- Avoid Peak Check-out: If you can, check out before 9:00 AM or after 11:30 AM to avoid the "elevator rush" which can be a legitimate bottleneck in this high-rise layout.
- Verify the Specific Address: Ensure you are booking the Holiday Inn New York City - Times Square at 585 8th Ave. There are several IHG properties nearby, and mixing them up is a common headache for travelers arriving via taxi.