Times Square is basically a loud, neon-soaked fever dream that most New Yorkers avoid like the plague. But if you’re visiting, you’re probably going to end up there anyway. It's inevitable. Finding a place to sleep in the middle of that chaos that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap is the real challenge. Honestly, the Marriott Renaissance New York NY (specifically the one at Two Times Square) is one of those rare spots that manages to feel like a sanctuary while literally hovering over the busiest intersection on the planet.
It’s weird. You step off 7th Avenue, dodge a guy in a dusty Elmo suit, and go up to the lobby. Suddenly, the decibel level drops by about fifty points.
Most people think staying in Times Square means sacrificing quality for convenience. They expect cramped rooms and a "get them in, get them out" vibe. The Renaissance flips that. It’s been a staple of the Midtown skyline since the early 90s, but it doesn't feel like a relic. That’s mostly due to some very smart renovations and a design philosophy that leans into the "urban theater" concept.
The Reality of Staying at the Renaissance Times Square
Let’s get the geography straight. There are multiple Renaissance properties in the city, but the Marriott Renaissance New York NY at 714 Seventh Avenue is the flagship for a reason. It sits on the north end of the square. This is actually a huge deal for your sanity. Being on the northern edge means you're closer to Central Park and the slightly-less-insane parts of Midtown, yet you’re still staring directly at the ball-drop site.
The rooms here aren't your typical tiny Manhattan shoeboxes. They’re surprisingly decent in size. If you’ve ever stayed at a budget hotel in Chelsea where you have to jump over your suitcase to get to the bathroom, you’ll appreciate the floor plan here. The king rooms give you enough space to actually breathe.
One thing people get wrong is assuming every room has a view.
Nope.
If you book a standard room, you might be looking at a brick wall or a side street. You’ve gotta be specific. The "Times Square View" rooms are the ones that actually justify the price tag. Standing at a floor-to-ceiling window at 2:00 AM while the billboards flicker below you is... well, it’s why you came to New York, isn't it?
The "R Lounge" Factor
If there is one thing that defines this hotel, it’s the R Lounge.
It’s arguably one of the best hotel bars in the city, not because the drinks are cheap (they aren't), but because of the perspective. The lounge has these massive blue-tinted windows that wrap around the building. You’re looking straight down the "canyon" of Broadway.
I’ve seen people spend four hours there just nursing a single cocktail because the people-watching is world-class. You see the yellow cabs blurring past, the crowds swarming the TKTS booth, and the general madness of the city, all while sitting in a velvet chair with a decent Old Fashioned. It’s a vibe.
What the Marriott Renaissance New York NY Actually Offers
Most travelers just look at the photos and hit "book." But there are nuances to this property that matter if you're trying to get your money's worth.
First, the "Navigator" service. Every Renaissance has one. It’s basically a concierge, but less stuffy. At this location, they actually know the neighborhood. They won't just point you toward the nearest Olive Garden. They’ll tell you to walk three blocks west to Hell’s Kitchen for actual good Thai food or a hidden speakeasy. Use them.
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Second, the gym. It’s fine. It’s a hotel gym. Don’t expect a CrossFit box, but it has the essentials. If you're a Peloton addict, they usually have a couple of bikes tucked in there.
Third, the soundproofing. This is the make-or-break for a Times Square hotel. The Renaissance uses heavy-duty, multi-pane glass. Does it block out everything? No. If a fire truck screams past at 3:00 AM, you’re going to hear a muffled version of it. It’s New York. But compared to the older boutique hotels nearby where the windows rattle every time the subway passes, it’s a tomb.
Comparing the Options
When people look at the Marriott Renaissance New York NY, they usually cross-shop it with the Marriott Marquis or the W Times Square.
- The Marquis: It’s a beast. Massive, thousands of rooms, feels like a convention center. It’s efficient but can feel impersonal.
- The W: More "clubby." Loud music in the lobby, darker rooms, very "sceney."
- The Renaissance: It hits the middle ground. It’s sophisticated but not boring. It’s large enough to have great amenities but small enough that the staff might actually remember your name if you stay for more than two nights.
Surprising Details You Might Miss
The history of the site is actually pretty cool. Before the hotel was there, the area was part of the old Longacre Square (the original name for Times Square). The building itself has gone through several identity shifts.
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the gold and blue color palette in the rooms. It sounds like it could be tacky, right? But in the context of the city lights outside, it works. The designers clearly understood that the "art" in the room is the window. Everything else is just a frame for the city.
And let's talk about the elevators.
Elevators in New York hotels are usually a nightmare. You spend half your vacation waiting for a lift. The Renaissance system is generally snappy, though it gets a workout during the 11:00 AM checkout rush. Pro tip: if you have a flight to catch, leave twenty minutes earlier than you think you need to.
Navigating the Neighborhood Like a Local (Sorta)
If you're staying at the Marriott Renaissance New York NY, you are in the heart of the Theater District. You are literally steps from the Palace Theatre and the Lunt-Fontanne.
But here is the secret: don't eat in the hotel for every meal.
Yes, the breakfast is solid. The buffet has the usual suspects—eggs, bacon, decent pastries. But you’re paying Midtown prices.
Instead, walk a few blocks north toward 55th or 56th Street. You’ll find the "real" New York eateries. Go to Burger Joint hidden inside the Thompson Central Park if you want a greasy, world-class burger in a hidden setting. Or hit up Joe’s Pizza on 40th Street if you want the quintessential thin-crust slice.
Is it Worth the Bonvoy Points?
For the Marriott loyalists, this is a Category 7 or 8 level of spend depending on the season. If you have a Free Night Award, check the dates carefully. During New Year's Eve or Fashion Week, the point requirements skyrocket.
Honestly, using points here is a smart play during the "shoulder season"—think late January or early February. The city is cold, sure, but the hotel is cozy, and your points go a lot further.
Common Misconceptions About the Renaissance
A lot of people think staying here means you're trapped in a tourist bubble.
"I don't want to be near Times Square," is the common refrain.
I get it.
But the Renaissance is positioned in a way that you can exit and head north or west immediately, bypassing the worst of the "naked cowboy" crowds. You’re two blocks from the N/Q/R/W lines and the 1/2/3 lines. You can be at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or down in Soho in fifteen minutes.
Another myth: it's only for business travelers.
While you’ll see plenty of suits in the lobby, the hotel is surprisingly family-friendly. The rooms are sturdy, and the staff is used to kids who are overwhelmed by the bright lights outside.
Logistics and Tips for a Smoother Stay
If you’re driving here, stop.
Just don't do it.
Valet parking in Midtown is a recipe for a $70-per-night headache and a two-hour wait to get your car back. Take a Lyft from JFK or the Newark Express bus to Port Authority. The hotel is a very short walk from the bus terminal.
Check-in is usually at 4:00 PM. If you arrive early, they’ll hold your bags, but don't expect a room at 10:00 AM unless you’ve got serious status or the hotel is half-empty.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
To maximize your stay at the Marriott Renaissance New York NY, keep these points in mind:
- Request a High Floor: Anything above the 15th floor significantly reduces street noise and improves the "wow" factor of the view.
- Join the Ritual: The hotel often has "Evenings at Renaissance" where they do local beverage tastings or live music in the lounge. It’s usually free for guests and a good way to decompress after a day of walking.
- The Mobile App is Your Friend: Use the Marriott Bonvoy app for mobile check-in and to chat with the desk. If you need extra towels or a foam pillow, texting them through the app is way faster than calling the front desk.
- Explore the "Backwards" Entrance: Sometimes the 7th Avenue entrance is mobbed. Ask the staff about the best ways to slip out toward Broadway or 48th Street to avoid the human traffic jams.
- Check the Broadway Schedule: If you're staying here to see a show, check the matinee times. Times Square is a different beast at 2:00 PM on a Wednesday when the theater crowds are pouring out. Plan your "coming and going" accordingly.
Staying at the Marriott Renaissance New York NY isn't about escaping the city; it's about leaning into it without losing your mind. It’s for the traveler who wants to be in the "Center of the Universe" but still wants a high-thread-count sheet and a quiet room to retreat to when the neon gets too bright.
Whether you’re there for a Broadway marathon or a high-stakes business meeting at one of the nearby corporate towers, it’s a reliable, polished choice. Just remember to look down when you’re in the R Lounge. The view of the world passing by is better than anything on TV.