You’re standing on the corner of 7th Avenue and 40th Street. The air smells like roasted nuts, bus exhaust, and that specific New York brand of ambition. Then, you look up. There is a giant flip-flop. It’s colorful. It’s huge. It belongs to the Margaritaville Resort New York.
Most people think putting a tropical, beach-themed hotel in the middle of the world’s most chaotic concrete jungle is a bit of a joke. Honestly, on paper, it sounds ridiculous. Why would you want a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" when you’re three blocks from some of the best Michelin-starred dining on the planet? But here’s the thing—it actually works. It works because New York is exhausting. Sometimes, after walking ten miles on asphalt, you don't want a minimalist, brooding boutique hotel with $30 cocktails and a lobby that feels like a library. You want a blender. You want a vibe that doesn't take itself seriously.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Times Square Vibe
There is this massive misconception that if you stay at the Margaritaville Resort New York, you’re just trapped in a tourist trap. Well, it is Times Square. Everything is a tourist trap. But this 32-story tower, which cost roughly $370 million to bring to life, offers something the neighboring Marriott or Hilton properties often lack: a sense of humor.
Jimmy Buffett, the man who built an empire on escapism, knew his audience. When the resort opened in 2021, the skeptics were out in force. They pointed at the 32-foot replica of a Statue of Liberty holding a margarita glass instead of a torch. They laughed at the "LandShark" bar. But then the summer hit. And people realized that this place has one of the only outdoor pools in all of Times Square.
Think about that. You are sitting in a heated pool, drink in hand, while thousands of people are rushing to Broadway shows or shivering in the wind below you. It’s a strange, beautiful juxtaposition. The pool isn't huge—don't expect a Vegas-style day club—but it's a legitimate oasis. If you’ve ever tried to find a place to actually sit and relax in Midtown without being told to move along by a security guard, you’ll understand why this matters.
The Room Situation: Is It Actually "Resort" Quality?
Let's talk about the rooms. They’re small. It’s Manhattan; they’re always small. If you're expecting a sprawling suite like you’d find at the Margaritaville in Hollywood, Florida, you’re going to be disappointed. However, the design is surprisingly crisp. They didn't go overboard with the tiki kitsch inside the actual sleeping quarters.
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You get white linens, light wood finishes, and subtle tropical accents. It feels fresh. Honestly, the soundproofing is the real hero here. Times Square is loud. Like, "sirens at 3:00 AM" loud. The glass at the Margaritaville Resort New York is thick enough that you can watch the neon lights of the city flicker without hearing the guy playing the bucket drums on the sidewalk.
- Pro Tip: If you want the best experience, ask for a "Times Square View" room on a higher floor. You’ll be able to see the New Year's Eve ball drop from some of these windows.
- The Bathroom: Surprisingly modern. Rainfall showerheads are standard.
- The Tech: Everything is brand new. Fast Wi-Fi (essential for the remote workers pretending they aren't on vacation) and big TVs.
The Five O'Clock Somewhere Bar and the Social Scene
The 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar is spread across the 31st and 32nd floors. It offers a 360-view of the city. You see the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and the neon glow of the theater district. It’s one of the best views in the city that doesn't require a $50 ticket to an observation deck.
You’ll see a mix of people here. It’s not just "Parrotheads" in Hawaiian shirts. You’ve got office workers from the nearby Garment District grabbing a happy hour drink. You’ve got couples heading to a show. It’s surprisingly democratic.
Wait times can be a pain. If you're trying to get a table on a Friday night without a reservation, good luck. You'll be standing near the elevators feeling like a loser. Book ahead. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the rooftop is worth the trip just for the skyline perspective. It makes the Margaritaville Resort New York feel like a legitimate destination rather than just a place to sleep.
Eating at the Resort: Beyond the Cheeseburger
Yes, the Margaritaville Restaurant is the flagship. It’s multi-level. It’s loud. It’s exactly what you expect. If you hate themed dining, stay away. If you want a decent burger and a drink that arrives in a vessel shaped like a blender, you're in the right place.
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But there’s also the License to Chill Bar. It’s a bit more laid back. Then there’s Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions for when you just need a caffeine hit before tackling the subway. The food isn't going to win a James Beard award, but it’s consistent. In a neighborhood where a "bad" sandwich can still cost you $22, the predictability of the menu here is actually a relief for many travelers.
Why Location Is the Ultimate Selling Point
You are basically at the nexus of everything. You can walk to Bryant Park in five minutes. You can hit the Port Authority Bus Terminal in three. The subway lines at 42nd Street connect you to literally everywhere in the five boroughs.
Stay here if you are in town for a Broadway marathon. You can run back to your room between a matinee and an evening show to change shoes or take a nap. That convenience is worth the "tourist" stigma. Most locals will tell you to stay in Brooklyn or the Lower East Side to be "cool." Forget that. If you have 48 hours in New York, you don't want to spend four of them on the L train. You want to be in the thick of it.
The "Fin" Factor: Small Details That Matter
- The Staff: They wear floral prints. They are generally much friendlier than the standard, cynical NYC hotel clerk. It’s part of the brand.
- The Lobby: It’s located on the 7th floor. This is a smart security move. It keeps the street-level chaos away from the check-in area.
- The Elevator System: It uses those smart touchpads where you pick your floor before you get in. It’s efficient, though it confuses people who have had one too many margaritas.
Navigating the Costs and Common Pitfalls
New York is expensive. The Margaritaville Resort New York is no exception. However, compared to the luxury stalwarts like the St. Regis or the Mandarin Oriental, it’s a bargain. You’re paying for the location and the amenities, not just the brand name.
Watch out for the "resort fee." It’s a classic hotel move. It usually covers the pool access, the fitness center, and the Wi-Fi. Make sure you factor that into your nightly budget. Also, valet parking is a nightmare in this part of town. If you’re driving into the city, leave your car in a garage in New Jersey and take the train in. Seriously. Don't try to park on 40th Street. You’ll regret it within thirty seconds.
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Another thing: the pool is seasonal. Don't show up in February expecting to swim outside. While it is heated, the deck isn't exactly a tropical paradise when there’s a blizzard. Check the seasonal schedule before you pack your swim trunks.
Is It Quiet?
Surprisingly, yes. The hotel uses high-performance acoustic glass. This is one of the most common questions people ask. You are in the loudest place on Earth, but inside the room, it’s a tomb. This is the difference between a cheap hotel in Midtown and a purpose-built "resort" like this one. They knew the noise would be an issue, and they engineered around it.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book a stay or even just visit for a drink, don't just wing it. Times Square eats people who don't have a plan.
- Download the App: Margaritaville has its own loyalty and check-in system. It makes the process smoother.
- Go High or Go Home: Always request a room above the 20th floor. The views improve exponentially the higher you go, and you get further away from the street-level vibration of the subway.
- The Morning Strategy: Times Square is actually peaceful at 6:00 AM. Grab a coffee from the lobby and walk two blocks to the red steps. It’s the only time you’ll see the city without the crowds.
- Happy Hour Timing: The rooftop bars get slammed around 5:30 PM. If you want a seat with a view, get there at 4:15 PM.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often have live music. It’s usually Jimmy Buffett-adjacent covers, but it adds to the atmosphere if you’re into that.
The Margaritaville Resort New York isn't trying to be the Waldorf Astoria. It’s not trying to be a gritty Brooklyn warehouse loft. It knows exactly what it is: a fun, slightly ridiculous, very comfortable escape in the middle of a city that never stops. If you can lean into the kitsch and enjoy the irony of a margarita in Manhattan, you’ll have a blast. If you’re looking for "authentic" gritty New York, you’re in the wrong zip code. But for a weekend of Broadway and bright lights? It’s hard to beat.