Finding a place to sleep in Midtown Manhattan is usually a nightmare of overpaying for a room the size of a closet. You’ve seen the photos online—lighting that makes a dungeon look cozy and "city views" that are just a brick wall three feet away. But the 45 Times Square Hotel is one of those spots that actually makes sense for people who want to be in the thick of it without feeling like they’re being scammed. Located at 157 West 47th Street, it sits right on the edge of the chaos. It’s close enough to hear the hum of the billboards but just far enough away that you aren't literally tripping over Elmo impersonators the second you step out the front door.
Honestly, New York hotels are weird right now. Prices are high, and service can be hit or miss. This property, which used to be the Hotel de Tuileries and later a different boutique brand, has reinvented itself to lean into the "urban cool" vibe. It’s not a sprawling Hilton with five ballrooms. It’s a lean, efficient, and surprisingly stylish basecamp.
What’s the Deal with the Rooms?
If you're expecting a sprawling suite where you can host a dinner party, you're in the wrong city. At 45 Times Square Hotel, the rooms are built for the modern traveler—basically, someone who spends 14 hours a day exploring and just needs a high-quality mattress and a shower that doesn't feel like a leaky faucet. The design is minimalist. Think clean lines, pops of yellow, and smart storage.
Most people don't realize that many Manhattan hotels in this price bracket have "interior" rooms. That’s code for "no window." Or, a window that looks into an air shaft. At the 45, you generally get decent natural light, but the real winner is the soundproofing. They used heavy-duty materials during the renovation because, let's be real, 47th Street is loud. You’ve got sirens, delivery trucks, and tourists yelling at 2:00 AM. Inside? It’s surprisingly quiet.
The bathrooms are where most hotels fail. Tiny sinks and bad lighting make getting ready a chore. Here, the walk-in showers are the highlight. They use high-end fixtures that actually have water pressure. It's a small detail, but when you've walked ten miles from Central Park down to the High Line, that shower is everything.
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The Location Logic
Why stay here? Location. But specifically, this location.
The hotel is nestled between 6th and 7th Avenues. This puts you a stone's throw from Rockefeller Center and the Theater District. If you’re in town for a Broadway show, you can literally leave the lobby ten minutes before curtain call and make it to the Barrymore or the Ethel Barrymore Theatre with time to spare.
- Proximity to Transit: The 49th St Station (N, R, W) is right there.
- Dining: You aren't stuck with overpriced tourist traps. Walk three blocks north to 50th or 51st, and you hit the local spots in Hell’s Kitchen.
- The Vibe: It feels like a boutique hotel but operates with the efficiency of a larger chain.
You've got to be smart about the "resort fees" or "facility fees" that every NYC hotel tacks on these days. At 45 Times Square Hotel, that fee usually covers things like high-speed Wi-Fi and perhaps a pass to a nearby fitness center if the on-site one is too small for your workout. Always check the fine print on your booking. Some people feel blindsided by an extra $35 a night, but in Manhattan, that’s just the cost of doing business.
Is the Service Actually Good?
We’ve all stayed at those massive hotels where the front desk staff looks like they want to jump off a bridge. It’s depressing. The staff at 45 usually get high marks for being "real." They aren't corporate robots. If you ask for a recommendation for a bagel spot that isn't a chain, they’ll actually tell you where they go.
There isn't a massive 24-hour room service menu with $40 club sandwiches. Instead, they lean into the neighborhood. The lobby is a place to hang out, grab a coffee, and plan your route. It’s a very "self-service" luxury feel. You get what you need, but they don't hover. For a lot of younger travelers or business people who just want to get to work, this is a massive plus.
Comparing the Competition
How does it stack up? If you look at the Marriott Marquis or the Sheraton, you’re paying for a brand and a massive lobby. You’re also waiting 20 minutes for an elevator every morning. At a smaller property like the 45 Times Square Hotel, you're in and out. It’s nimble.
Some guests complain that the elevators are small. Well, yeah. It’s an older New York building footprint. That’s the trade-off. You get the historical charm and the prime location, but you aren't getting a freight-sized lift. It’s part of the New York experience. Sorta like the steam rising from the manholes—it’s just how it is.
Real Talk: The Noise Factor
Even with great windows, you are in the heart of the city. If you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Or, better yet, download a white noise app. You’re in the "City That Never Sleeps," and 47th Street takes that personally. The lower floors will always be noisier than the higher ones. If you can, request a room on a higher floor during check-in. It makes a world of difference for your sleep quality.
The Design Aesthetic
The hotel doesn't try too hard. It’s not "Instagram-bait" with neon signs and fake flowers everywhere. It’s sophisticated. Darker tones in the hallways lead to bright, airy rooms. It feels masculine but welcoming. The artwork is curated, not just generic prints of the Empire State Building that you’d find at a big-box store.
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It appeals to the traveler who appreciates a bit of grit mixed with their glamour. You’re near the Diamond District, you’re near the lights, and the hotel reflects that urban energy. It’s clean, it’s sharp, and it doesn't feel like your grandma’s guest room.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you're booking the 45 Times Square Hotel, don't just click "reserve" on the first site you see. Check the hotel's direct website first. Often, they offer "stay longer, save more" packages that third-party booking sites don't show.
- Check-in Early: Use the app or call ahead. They are usually pretty good about holding bags if your room isn't ready.
- Skip the Hotel Breakfast: You are in New York. Walk two blocks and find a corner bodega for a bacon, egg, and cheese. It’ll cost you six bucks and taste better than any hotel buffet.
- The Subway is Your Friend: Don't take Ubers in Midtown. You will sit in traffic for 40 minutes to go ten blocks. Use the subway station at 49th Street.
- Explore Hell’s Kitchen: Walk west toward 9th Avenue for the best food in the area. It’s where the locals actually eat.
- Watch the Fees: Factor in that daily facility fee when budgeting. It’s non-negotiable at most NYC hotels now.
Staying at the 45 Times Square Hotel is about being smart with your money and your time. You’re paying for the ability to walk to 20 different Broadway theaters. You’re paying for a clean, quiet room in the loudest neighborhood on earth. It’s a solid, reliable choice that punches above its weight class in a city that usually tries to knock you out.
Before you arrive, download a digital map of the subway system and familiarize yourself with the difference between "Uptown" and "Downtown" platforms. The 49th street station near the hotel is a great starting point, but it's easy to get turned around if you aren't paying attention. Also, remember that the hotel is in a "high-traffic" security zone during holidays or major events at Rock Center, so give yourself extra time for arrivals and departures if you're visiting in December.
Ultimately, this hotel serves a specific purpose: it’s a high-quality, stylish anchor in the middle of New York’s most chaotic district. It’s not for everyone, but for the traveler who wants to be where the action is without sacrificing a good night’s sleep, it’s a top-tier contender.