Times Square is chaotic. It’s a sensory assault of neon, Elmos, and tourists who stop walking exactly when you’re behind them. Most people booking a trip to Manhattan just pick the first big-name hotel they see on a booking site without realizing that "location" in New York is a double-edged sword. If you’re looking at Renaissance New York NY, specifically the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel on 7th Avenue, you’re likely trying to balance being "in it" without being driven crazy by the noise.
It's a tricky needle to thread.
Honestly, the Renaissance New York Times Square is one of the few spots that actually pulls it off, mostly because of how the building is oriented. You enter on 7th Avenue, but the lobby isn't on the ground floor. You have to go up. This creates a literal physical buffer between the grit of the street and the gold-toned, wood-paneled calm of the check-in area. It’s a design choice that saves your sanity.
The Reality of Staying at Renaissance New York NY
Let's get real about the geography. The hotel sits at 714 Seventh Avenue. If you walk out the front door, you are right there. M&M’s World is a stone's throw away. The TKTS booth is visible. For some, this is the dream. For others, it sounds like a nightmare.
The rooms here aren't your typical cramped Manhattan shoeboxes, though they aren't sprawling estates either. New York real estate is what it is. However, the Renaissance brand—which falls under the Marriott umbrella—aims for a "boutique" feel that feels more intentional than a standard Marriott Marquis. You get darker woods, blues, and gold accents. It feels expensive. It feels like a place where you’d actually want to have a cocktail, which brings us to the R Lounge.
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The R Lounge is arguably the biggest selling point of the Renaissance New York NY. It has these massive floor-to-ceiling windows that look directly over the Duffy Square section of Times Square. You can sit there with a $20 martini and watch the chaos below like you're watching a silent movie. It’s one of the best views in the city that doesn't require standing on an observation deck with a thousand strangers.
What actually matters: The noise factor
Can you hear the sirens? Yes. This is New York. If a hotel tells you it’s "perfectly silent" in Times Square, they are lying to you. However, the soundproofing at the Renaissance is significantly better than at the older, historic hotels nearby. They use heavy-duty glazing on the windows. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor facing away from the square. You lose the "view," but you gain an extra two hours of REM sleep.
Comparing the Renaissance options in Manhattan
People often get confused because there isn't just one Renaissance New York NY. New York is a big place, and Marriott has planted the Renaissance flag in several spots. You have to be careful when booking or you'll end up in the wrong neighborhood entirely.
- Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel: This one is on 35th Street. It’s newer, tech-heavy, and has a very cool terrace with a retractable roof. It’s closer to Madison Square Garden and Macy’s. It feels "cooler" and more modern than the Times Square location.
- Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel: Located on 28th Street, this is for the person who wants to be near the Flower District. It’s got a rooftop pool (Cotto) that is a massive draw in the summer.
- Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel: The newest kid on the block, located on 125th Street. It’s built into the historic Victoria Theater. If you want culture and soul rather than tourist traps, this is the one.
The Times Square location remains the flagship for the "classic" NYC experience. It was renovated a few years back to keep it from feeling like a 90s relic, and the blue-and-gold color palette they settled on feels very "Old New York meets modern luxury."
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The "Navigator" Secret
One thing the Renaissance brand does differently is their "Navigators." Most hotels have a concierge who just hands out brochures for the bus tours they get a commission from. The Navigators at Renaissance New York NY are supposed to be "hyper-local" experts.
Does it work? Usually. If you ask them for a steakhouse, they aren't just going to send you to Peter Luger (which is in Brooklyn and a hike). They might point you toward Keens on 36th Street so you can see the pipe collection and eat a mutton chop. Use them. They know which Broadway shows are actually worth the "rush" tickets and which ones are just tourist bait.
Eating and Drinking Without Getting Scammed
Don't eat breakfast in the hotel every day. It's convenient, but you're in New York. Walk two blocks. Go to a bodega. Get a bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll. It’ll cost you $6 instead of $40.
If you do want a "fancy" experience, the hotel's own dining is fine, but the real gems are tucked away in Hell’s Kitchen, just a few avenues west. Walk over to 9th Avenue. You’ll find everything from authentic Thai at Pure Thai Cookhouse to incredible Italian at Becco (the Joe Bastianich spot where they do the unlimited pasta specials).
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Is it worth the price tag?
The rates at Renaissance New York NY fluctuate wildly. During New Year's Eve, you'll pay a fortune. In the middle of a random Tuesday in February, you might snag a deal.
You’re paying for the security of a brand name, the specific vantage point of the R Lounge, and the ability to drop your shopping bags off and be back on the street in five minutes. If you are the type of traveler who hates the subway and wants to walk to every Broadway show, the value proposition is high. If you want a quiet, leafy neighborhood experience, stay in the West Village or the Upper West Side instead.
Common misconceptions about staying here
- "It's too loud to sleep." Not necessarily. As mentioned, the higher floors are surprisingly dampened.
- "I'll be trapped in tourist crowds." Only if you walk East. If you exit and head West toward 8th and 9th Avenues, you hit "real" New York pretty quickly.
- "The subway is far." Wrong. The 49th St station (N, R, W) and the 50th St station (1, 2) are basically right there. You can get anywhere in the city in 20 minutes.
How to get the most out of your stay
First, join Marriott Bonvoy before you book. Even the lowest tier of membership can sometimes get you a later checkout or a slightly better room. Second, don't just book "Standard Room." If the price difference is within $30, go for the "Times Square View." It sounds cheesy, but waking up and seeing the city lights before the sun comes up is a core New York memory.
Third, use the R Lounge at "off" times. Everyone goes there at 7:00 PM before their Broadway show. Go at 3:00 PM on a Wednesday. You'll have the view to yourself, the light is better for photos, and the service is much faster.
Actionable Steps for Your New York Trip
- Check the Broadway schedule: Most shows are dark on Mondays. If you’re staying at the Renaissance for theater, plan your dates around the performances you want to see.
- Download the "Citymapper" app: Google Maps is okay, but Citymapper is better for the NYC subway system. It tells you which car to get on so you’re closest to your exit.
- Walk West for Food: Avoid the restaurants directly on 7th Ave and Broadway. Walk to 9th Ave for better quality and half the price.
- Book the R Lounge: If you aren't staying at the hotel, you can still book a table at the R Lounge for drinks. It’s a great "hack" to see the view without paying for a room.
- Validate the specific Renaissance: Double-check your confirmation email. Make sure it says "Times Square" on 7th Ave if that’s the view you’re after. Don't end up at the Midtown or Chelsea locations by mistake.
Staying at Renaissance New York NY puts you in the heartbeat of the city. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s bright. But having a gold-hued sanctuary ten floors above the pavement makes the madness of Manhattan feel manageable. It’s about being in the middle of it all, but on your own terms.