Midtown Manhattan is a beast. Honestly, if you've ever stepped out of Port Authority or Penn Station at rush hour, you know exactly what I mean. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and finding a place to sleep that doesn’t feel like a shoebox or a tourist trap is harder than it looks. That’s usually where the Sheraton Times Square Hotel enters the conversation.
It’s big. Like, 1,780-rooms big.
Most people see that massive 50-story tower on 7th Avenue and assume it’s just another corporate factory for conventions. And yeah, it hosts a ton of those. But there is a reason this specific Marriott property—officially the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel—remains one of the most booked spots in the city. It isn't about boutique charm or artisanal soap. It’s about the fact that it actually functions in a city that often feels like it's trying to break you.
The Reality of Staying at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel
Let's get the "Times Square" part out of the way first. The hotel is actually on 53rd Street. This is a crucial distinction. You are technically in the Times Square ecosystem, but you're far enough north to breathe. You’re closer to Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) than you are to the M&M Store. That's a huge win for your sanity.
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The lobby is a sprawling, high-ceilinged expanse that feels like a transit hub. It has to be. When you have nearly two thousand rooms, check-in can be a gauntlet. If you don't have Marriott Bonvoy status to skip the main line, be prepared to wait a bit during peak hours. It's just the nature of the beast. But once you get through, the elevators are surprisingly efficient.
The rooms? They’re "New York big." This basically means you won't have to jump over your suitcase to get to the bathroom, which is a luxury in this neighborhood. They went through a massive $180 million renovation a few years back, so the "Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience" beds are actually quite good. No, they aren't the ultra-plush clouds you'll find at the St. Regis, but for a mid-range business hotel, they do the job.
What Most Travelers Get Wrong About the Location
People hear "Times Square" and think they'll be trapped in a sea of Elmos and neon lights.
Actually, the Sheraton Times Square Hotel sits at a weirdly perfect crossroads. Walk five blocks north and you are at the 59th Street entrance to Central Park. Walk two blocks west and you’re in Hell’s Kitchen, which is where the locals actually eat. If you want a $20 mediocre burger, stay in the hotel. If you want some of the best Thai or Ethiopian food in the city, hit 9th Avenue.
The proximity to the subway is also a major selling point. The 7th Avenue station (B, D, E trains) is literally right there. You can get to the West Village or the Upper West Side in ten minutes. For a traveler, that convenience is worth more than a fancy lobby bar.
The Business Traveler Perk Nobody Mentions
If you are here for work, the Sheraton Club Lounge is probably the only reason you should book a specific room tier. It’s one of the largest in the world. They serve breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres, and the view over 7th Avenue is genuinely impressive. It’s a bit like a private airport lounge but with better seating. Is the food Michelin-star quality? No. Is it free and convenient when you have a 7 AM conference call? Absolutely.
The Cost Factor: Is It Actually a Deal?
New York hotel prices are a rollercoaster. One week a room at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel is $250; the next week, because there’s a dental convention or a UN summit, it’s $750.
You have to look at the "destination fee." It's that annoying daily charge most NYC hotels tack on now. At the Sheraton, it usually includes a credit for food and beverage, high-speed internet, and maybe some local tour tickets. Honestly, it’s a bit of a cash grab, but at least they give you some vouchers to offset it. Use them at the Hudson Market or Public House in the lobby so you aren't just giving the money away.
Comparing the Neighbors
- The Hilton Midtown: Right across the street. Very similar vibe, often slightly more expensive.
- The Marriott Marquis: Much deeper into the chaos of 45th Street. Better for Broadway fans, worse for people who hate crowds.
- Boutique Hotels: Places like the Ameritania or the Muse are nearby. They’re cooler, sure, but the rooms are often tiny and the elevators take forever.
The Sheraton wins on scale. If something goes wrong with your room, they have 1,779 others to move you into. That kind of inventory provides a safety net that smaller hotels just can't offer.
Dining and Logistics: Survival Tips
Don't eat every meal in the hotel. Seriously.
The Public House is fine for a drink, but you are in one of the food capitals of the world. Just around the corner on 55th Street is the "Halal Guys" cart—the original one. It’s a New York staple. If you want something more upscale, the hotel is a short walk from Le Bernardin (if you can get a reservation) or any number of high-end steakhouses.
Logistically, the fitness center is a standout. It's 4,000 square feet and has Peloton bikes. For a city hotel where "gym" usually means a treadmill in a basement, this is a legitimate perk.
Why the 1960s Architecture Matters
The building was designed by Morris Lapidus, the guy who did the Fontainebleau in Miami. It has that mid-century modern "International Style" DNA. While the interiors have been updated to the standard Marriott corporate aesthetic, the bones of the building are iconic. It was originally the Americana of New York, and it was the tallest hotel in the city when it opened in 1962. It’s a piece of history, even if it feels like a modern corporate hub now.
Surprising Details and Common Complaints
Let's be real for a second.
The biggest complaint people have about the Sheraton Times Square Hotel is the "commercial" feel. It’s not a cozy boutique. It’s a machine. You will see flight crews, wedding parties, and tech bros in the same elevator.
Noise can also be an issue if you’re on a lower floor. This is 7th Avenue. Sirens are the local soundtrack. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a "high and quiet" room away from the elevators. The windows are double-paned, but New York noise is persistent.
Another tip: The "Urban Map" in the lobby isn't just decoration. The concierge team here is actually pretty seasoned. Unlike some of the newer, smaller hotels that rely on an iPad, the staff here usually knows which subway line is under construction or which Broadway show is actually worth the ticket price.
Final Verdict: Who Should Book This?
This isn't the hotel for a romantic, secluded honeymoon. It’s also not the place if you want to feel like a "cool" Brooklynite.
The Sheraton Times Square Hotel is for the pragmatist. It’s for the person who wants a reliable bed, a gym that actually has weights, and a location that makes getting around the city easy. It’s for the family that needs two double beds (a rarity in NYC) and enough floor space to not kill each other.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Stay
- Check the Convention Calendar: Before you book, Google "events at Jacob Javits Center" or "conventions in NYC" for your dates. If there's a massive trade show, prices here will spike.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the "Member Rate" usually saves you 5-10%. Plus, it puts you in the faster check-in line.
- Request a North-Facing Room: You might catch a glimpse of Central Park if you're high enough. South-facing rooms get the city lights, but north-facing feels a bit more "classic New York."
- Skip the Hotel Breakfast: Unless it's included in your rate, walk a block to a local deli. You’ll get a better bacon-egg-and-cheese for a third of the price.
- Use the Luggage Storage: If you have a late flight, the bell desk is massive and secure. Drop your bags, walk to MoMA, and squeeze one last afternoon out of the city.
Staying at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel is about making New York manageable. It’s a giant, reliable anchor in a city that is constantly moving. Is it the most exciting hotel in the world? No. But sometimes, when you’re navigating the chaos of Manhattan, "reliable" is exactly what you need.