New York City doesn’t do "chill" very well. Usually, if you’re standing on the corner of 40th and 7th, you’re being jostled by a commuter, deafened by a jackhammer, or blinded by a three-story LED screen advertising sugar-free soda. It's chaos. Pure, unadulterated Midtown madness. Then you see it—the Margaritaville Resort Times Square 7th Avenue New York NY. It’s a 32-story contradiction. A tropical skyscraper. Honestly, when Jimmy Buffett’s brand announced a massive resort in the heart of the concrete jungle, people rolled their eyes. They thought it would be tacky.
They weren't entirely wrong, but that's exactly why it works.
The Architecture of an Island in a Concrete Grid
Walking into the lobby isn't like walking into the Marriott or the Hilton. You’re immediately greeted by a giant, 13-foot tall blue flip-flop. It’s made of glass. It’s ridiculous. It’s also the perfect signal that you can stop taking yourself so seriously for a few nights.
The Margaritaville Resort Times Square 7th Avenue New York NY cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $370 million to bring to life. Developed by Sharif El-Gamal’s Soho Properties, the project had to navigate the most expensive real estate market on the planet while maintaining a "no shoes, no worries" vibe. That is a massive logistical tightrope. The building houses 234 guest rooms, but the rooms almost feel like an afterthought compared to the vertical entertainment complex built around them.
You’ve got soundproof windows that actually work. That is vital. If you’ve ever stayed at a mid-range hotel in Midtown, you know the "siren lullaby." Here, the acoustic engineering is top-tier. You see the yellow cabs crawling below like ants, but you don't hear the honking. It creates this weird, psychological bubble.
What’s Really Inside the Tower
The resort isn't just a hotel; it's a stack of five different restaurants and bars. The LandShark Bar & Grill sits on the sixth floor and features what is arguably the most coveted amenity in Manhattan: a year-round outdoor pool.
Yes. A pool. In Times Square.
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It’s heated. Even when the January wind is whipping off the Hudson River and turning 7th Avenue into a wind tunnel, people are in that water. It’s a strange sight. You’re floating in chlorinated blue water while people in puffer jackets stare up at you from the sidewalk. The pool deck is small—don't expect a Vegas-style day club—but in a city where space is the ultimate luxury, it’s a flex.
Why the Location at 560 7th Avenue Matters
Geography is everything in New York. The Margaritaville Resort Times Square 7th Avenue New York NY sits right on the southern edge of the Theater District. You are two blocks from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and a five-minute walk from the 42nd St-Times Square subway hub.
For a tourist, this is gold. For a local? It’s a place we usually avoid like the plague.
But there’s a nuance here. The resort has become a sort of "ironic-turned-sincere" hangout for New Yorkers. The 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar on the 31st and 32nd floors offers a 360-degree view of the city. You can see the New Year's Eve ball from the North terrace. You can see the Hudson to the West. The Chrysler Building peeks out to the East. Most rooftop bars in this neighborhood charge $28 for a lukewarm cocktail and require a dress code that involves loafers and no socks. At Margaritaville, you can wear a Hawaiian shirt and drink something blended with tequila. It’s a relief.
The Room Situation: Minimalist Tropics
Let’s talk about the actual rooms. They aren't huge. This is New York, after all. If you’re expecting a sprawling suite like you’d find in Orlando, you’re going to be disappointed.
However, the design is smart.
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White linens. Light wood accents. Whale-tail faucet handles in the bathroom. It’s "Coastal Chic" meets "High-Rise Efficiency." Most rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. If you’re on a higher floor, the view is the decor. The beds are surprisingly high-quality—Serta mattresses specifically designed for the brand.
- Standard King: Perfect for a solo business traveler who is tired of corporate beige.
- Double Queen: Tight for four people, but doable for a family.
- The Suites: These occupy the corners and give you that "King of New York" feeling without the stuffy Wall Street vibe.
One thing to watch out for: the elevators. In a 32-story building with multiple popular bars, the elevator wait times can get a bit legendary during peak check-out hours or Friday happy hour. It’s the tax you pay for the verticality.
Dining and the "License to Chill"
The food at Margaritaville Resort Times Square 7th Avenue New York NY is exactly what you think it is. It is not Michelin-star dining. It is not "fusion." It is comfort food for people who want to feel like they are on vacation.
The main Margaritaville Restaurant features a two-story Margarita glass and a replica of the Statue of Liberty holding a cocktail. It’s loud. It’s fun. The "Cheeseburger in Paradise" is a real thing on the menu, and honestly, it’s a solid burger. It’s better than most of the overpriced tourist traps nearby.
Then there’s Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions for a quick grab-and-go. If you need a latte before hitting the Broadway rush, it's there. For something a bit more "refined," the License to Chill Bar on the 7th floor has a fire pit. A fire pit in Midtown. The contrast of open flames against the backdrop of neon billboards is something you have to see to appreciate.
The Economic Impact and Controversy
It hasn't all been smooth sailing. The resort opened in 2021, right as the world was trying to figure out how to travel again. In 2023, the property faced some financial headlines regarding a foreclosure auction. A lot of people thought that was the end.
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But it wasn't.
The resort stayed open. It stayed busy. The ownership structure shifted, but the operations never skipped a beat. This speaks to the sheer power of the brand. People want an escape. In a city that demands your best 24/7, the Margaritaville Resort Times Square 7th Avenue New York NY offers permission to be mediocre for an afternoon. To just... sit.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Rates vary wildly. On a random Tuesday in February, you might snag a room for $200. During New Year's or a major convention, you’re looking at $700+.
Is it worth it?
If you want a quiet, boutique experience with a hidden speakeasy and a curated vinyl collection in the lobby, no. Go to Chelsea or the West Village.
If you want to be in the center of the action, if you have kids who will lose their minds over a giant flip-flop, or if you’re a Parrothead who finds comfort in the familiar chords of "Changes in Latitudes," then yes. It’s one of the most unique hotel experiences in the city.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a South-Facing Room: You’ll get better light and a clearer view of the lower Manhattan skyline.
- Hit the 31st Floor at Sunset: Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar is open to the public. The sunset over the Hudson is free. The drink is not, but the view is worth the $20.
- Check the Pool Hours: The pool is a major draw, but it can be closed for private events. Call the front desk before you pack your swimsuit just to be sure.
- Skip the Hotel Breakfast: You’re in New York. Walk one block in any direction and find a street cart or a local deli for a real NYC bagel. Save your stomach space for the tiki drinks later.
- Use the App: Margaritaville has a pretty decent digital check-in system. Use it to skip the lobby line, which can get backed up when a tour bus arrives.
The Margaritaville Resort Times Square 7th Avenue New York NY isn't trying to be the Ritz. It’s trying to be an oasis. In a city that often feels like it's trying to grind you down, a little bit of tropical kitsch goes a long way. It’s loud, it’s bright, and it’s unapologetically fun. Sometimes, that’s exactly what a New York trip needs.
To make the most of your visit, book directly through the resort's website to avoid "hidden" third-party resort fees that often pop up at checkout. Always confirm the current status of the LandShark pool deck if swimming is your priority, as seasonal maintenance can occur. Lastly, take the time to walk the three blocks to Bryant Park; it offers a sophisticated contrast to the neon energy of the resort.