Finding a decent place to sleep in Midtown Manhattan is usually a trade-off. You either pay a fortune for a room the size of a walk-in closet, or you end up in a "charming" historical building where the radiator clanks all night and the elevator feels like a death trap. Honestly, that’s why the Embassy Suites New York City - Manhattan Times Square is such a weird anomaly in the local hotel market.
It’s big.
I don't just mean the building is tall; I mean the actual living space inside the rooms feels like someone accidentally applied Texas zoning laws to 37th Street. If you’ve ever stayed at the Hilton or a Marriott in the Garment District, you know the "Standard King" struggle. You open your suitcase on the floor and suddenly you can't reach the bathroom without performing an Olympic-level hurdle. This place changes that dynamic entirely.
The Suite Reality of 37th Street
Most people assume "Times Square" in a hotel name means you'll be dodging Elmo impersonators the second you step out the front door. Not exactly. This specific Embassy Suites is tucked on West 37th Street, right between 5th and 6th Avenues. It’s the Garment District. It’s grit and fashion and wholesale fabric shops.
The brilliance of this location is the "buffer zone." You are exactly a seven-minute walk from the chaos of the 42nd Street ball drop area, but far enough away that the sirens and tourist screams are muffled by a few blocks of office buildings.
What really sets the Embassy Suites New York City apart is the studio-suite configuration. Unlike the suburban versions of this brand where you get a completely separate living room with a door, the Manhattan version is mostly "studio suites." Think of it as a very long, zoned room. You have a wet bar area with a microwave and fridge—actual necessities if you don't want to spend $18 on a toasted bagel downstairs—and a seating area with a sleeper sofa.
Space is a Luxury
Let’s talk about the 300 square feet. In any other city, that’s a dorm room. In New York? That’s a palace.
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For families, this is a literal lifesaver. You can put the kids on the pull-out couch and have the "main" bed to yourself. Is there total privacy? No. But is there enough room to breathe without hitting your shins on the bed frame? Absolutely.
The bathrooms are surprisingly sleek too. We’re talking walk-in showers with decent water pressure, which, if you’ve stayed in some of the older boutique hotels nearby, is never a guarantee. The aesthetic is "modern corporate chic"—lots of greys, clean lines, and windows that actually let in some light. If you get a room on a higher floor, specifically facing North, you get that iconic skyscraper view that makes the credit card bill feel a little less painful.
The Breakfast and Booze Situation
Every travel blogger mentions the "free breakfast" at Embassy Suites like it’s a religious experience. In New York, it’s basically a financial strategy.
Have you seen the price of a sit-down breakfast in Midtown lately? You’re looking at $25 for eggs and coffee, easy. Here, you get the made-to-order omelet station. It’s legit. It gets crowded—kinda like a subway station at rush hour—but the staff at this property are surprisingly efficient at churning out eggs.
Then there’s the Evening Reception.
Between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM, they serve free snacks and drinks. Is it top-shelf scotch? No. It’s house wine, basic beer, and some salty snacks. But after walking 22,000 steps around Central Park or the High Line, sitting down for a "free" glass of wine before heading out to a Broadway show is a massive perk. It creates a weirdly social vibe that most NYC hotels lack. You see business travelers in suits chatting with families from Ohio. It’s a vibe.
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Why Location Nerds Love This Spot
Staying at the Embassy Suites New York City puts you in a strategic sweet spot. You’re three blocks from Bryant Park. If you haven't been, Bryant Park is arguably better than Central Park for people-watching, especially in the winter with the ice rink or the summer with the outdoor movies.
You’re also a stone's throw from Herald Square.
- Macy's flagship store is right there.
- The B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W trains are all accessible within five minutes.
- Penn Station is close enough to walk to with a rolling suitcase, saving you a $20 Uber ride that would take longer than walking anyway.
One thing people get wrong is thinking they need to stay in Times Square to see the city. You don't. You want to stay near the transit hubs. This hotel sits right on top of the most useful subway lines in the entire five boroughs.
The Downside (Let’s Be Real)
It’s not all rose petals and easy check-ins. The elevators here can be a test of your soul.
Because the hotel is tall and the breakfast is popular, the morning "elevator rush" is a real thing. Sometimes you’ll wait five or ten minutes just to get down to the lobby. It’s a common complaint for high-rise Manhattan hotels, but it’s particularly noticeable here because everyone is heading to the same omelet station at 8:30 AM.
Also, the SkyLawn Bar. It’s a cool outdoor space, but it’s Manhattan—it can get loud. If you’re looking for a silent, library-like atmosphere, the Garment District isn't your neighborhood. This is a place of movement.
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The Business Traveler’s Perspective
If you’re here for work, the desk setup is actually functional. So many "lifestyle" hotels have replaced desks with tiny round cocktail tables that fit a phone and maybe a glass of water. Here, you get a real workspace. The Wi-Fi is reliable enough for Zoom calls, though like most Hiltons, you might have to pay for the "premium" speed if you're doing heavy video editing or gaming.
The proximity to the Javits Center is another win. It’s about a 15-minute walk or a very quick ride on the 7 train extension from Hudson Yards.
Final Verdict on the Value Prop
Is it the fanciest hotel in New York? No. Go to the St. Regis or the Aman for that.
But for the "middle-class luxury" tier, the Embassy Suites New York City is a heavy hitter. You get more square footage than the Marriott Marquis and a better breakfast than the boutique spots in Chelsea. You’re paying for the peace of mind that comes with a predictable, clean, and spacious room in a city that usually tries to squeeze you for every penny.
When you factor in the saved costs on breakfast and the evening reception, the nightly rate—which usually fluctuates between $250 and $500 depending on the season—actually starts to look like a bargain.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
- Request a High Floor: Ask for a room above the 20th floor to minimize street noise from 37th Street and maximize your view of the skyline.
- Time Your Breakfast: If you show up at 9:00 AM on a Saturday, be prepared to wait. Hit the omelet station before 7:30 AM on weekdays to beat the corporate crowd.
- Use the 6th Ave Entrance: Sometimes the 37th street entrance gets congested with deliveries; the side access is often faster for Uber pickups.
- Check the SkyLawn Schedule: They often have seasonal events or private parties. It’s worth checking if it's open for hotel guests before you plan a nightcap there.
- Explore the Food Scene: Don't just eat at the hotel. You're two blocks from Koreatown (K-Town). Go to 32nd Street for some of the best fried chicken and 24-hour barbecue in the world.
Booking through the Hilton Honors app often yields "MyWay" benefits, like extra points or digital key access, which allows you to bypass the front desk entirely if your room is ready. This is a massive time-saver given the lobby can get hectic during peak check-in hours.
The hotel stands as a solid choice for those who want the New York experience without the New York "cramped" lifestyle. It’s predictable in the best way possible. You know exactly what you’re getting: a clean bed, a bit of extra space, and a solid start to your day in the middle of the greatest city on earth.