New York City hotels are basically all the same after a while. You get a tiny room, a bed that’s "fine," and a lobby that smells like expensive perfume and desperation. But EVEN Hotel New York - Times Square South hits a bit differently. It’s weird. It’s healthy. It’s got a yoga mat in the room and a literal gym setup next to your bed. If you’re the kind of person who feels guilty about missing a workout because you were eating a $22 pastrami sandwich at 11 PM, this place was built for you.
Honestly, the location is the first thing people get wrong. They hear "Times Square South" and assume they'll be dodging Elmo impersonators the second they step out the front door. You aren't. It’s on 35th Street. You’re actually closer to Penn Station and Madison Square Garden than the literal center of the neon chaos. This is a massive win. You get the convenience of Midtown without the "I want to scream" energy of 42nd Street.
The Wellness Gimmick That Isn't Actually a Gimmick
Most hotels claim they care about your health because they have a windowless room in the basement with a broken treadmill. IHG’s EVEN brand flipped that. At EVEN Hotel New York - Times Square South, "Wellness" is the entire personality. It’s baked into the drywall.
Every single room has an "In-Room Training Zone." We’re talking a foam roller, a yoga mat, a core ball, and a mounted fitness rack with resistance bands. There’s even a dedicated channel on the TV with workout videos specifically designed for the equipment in your room. It sounds a bit much, right? It kind of is. But when you’ve spent six hours on a Delta flight and your lower back feels like a stale pretzel, having a foam roller three feet from your bed is a godsend.
The bed is another story. They use these "Even Hotels" branded Simmons Beautyrest mattresses. They’re firm. Very firm. If you like sinking into a marshmallow, you might hate it. But for spinal alignment? It’s legit. They also use high-thread-count eucalyptus linens which are supposed to keep you cool. NYC hotel rooms are notoriously stuffy, so the cooling tech actually serves a purpose beyond just marketing speak.
Space is a Luxury, and You Don't Get Much
Let’s be real: it’s Manhattan. The rooms aren’t palatial. You’re looking at around 225 to 250 square feet for a standard King. Because they cram the workout gear in there, it can feel a little tight if you’re traveling with three suitcases and a bad attitude.
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The design is bright. Lots of greens and wood tones. It feels like a high-end locker room met a Scandic-style apartment. It’s clean. It’s functional. But don’t expect a sprawling lounge area in your room. You’re there to sleep, stretch, and get back out into the city.
Eating at Cork & Kale
They don’t have a massive buffet. You won't find a mountain of greasy bacon and soggy hashbrowns here. The on-site spot, Cork & Kale, focuses on "clean" eating. Think egg white wraps, smoothies, and actual salads that don't just consist of iceberg lettuce.
The coffee is decent. It's not artisanal Brooklyn-roaster quality, but it'll get you to your 9 AM meeting without a caffeine headache. The "Cork" part of the name refers to the wine and craft beers they serve in the evening. It’s a bit of a contradiction—"Here is your kale salad and also a stiff bourbon"—but that’s life, isn't it? Balance.
What People Get Wrong About the Location
People freak out about 35th Street. They think it's "Garment District" and therefore "gritty." Look, Manhattan is Manhattan. Is there a guy yelling at a trash can on the corner? Maybe. But you’re two blocks from the A/C/E and 1/2/3 subway lines. You can get to Chelsea in five minutes. You can walk to the High Line in ten.
If you are coming in via Amtrak or the Long Island Rail Road, this is arguably one of the most convenient hotels in the city. You walk out of Penn Station, walk two blocks, and you're checking in. No $60 Uber required. No lugging bags through three subway transfers.
The Noise Factor
It’s New York. If a hotel tells you their rooms are "silent," they are lying to you. Even with the double-pane windows at EVEN Hotel New York - Times Square South, you’re going to hear the occasional siren or a particularly aggressive honk.
However, compared to the hotels right on 7th or 8th Avenue, 35th Street is relatively "quiet." The higher up you go, the better it gets. Pro tip: ask for a room on a high floor facing away from the street if you’re a light sleeper. The staff is usually pretty chill about accommodating that if they aren't fully booked.
Standout Features You’ll Actually Use
- The Stand-up Desk: Most rooms have a height-adjustable desk. If you’re working remotely, this is a game changer. Sitting all day in a cramped chair is the worst.
- The Athletic Studio: If the in-room gear isn't enough, the actual gym (they call it an Athletic Studio) is way better than your average hotel fitness center. It has real weights and high-end cardio equipment.
- Hydration Stations: There are filtered water stations on every floor. It sounds small until you realize a bottle of water in Midtown costs $5. Bring a reusable bottle.
- The Shower: It’s a walk-in glass shower with a handheld wand and a rain head. The water pressure is surprisingly good for a high-rise. They use "EO" bath products, which smell like peppermint and eucalyptus. It reinforces that whole "spa/gym" vibe.
Is it Worth the Price?
Prices in NYC fluctuate wildly. One night it’s $180, the next it’s $450 because there’s a dental convention at the Javits Center. Generally, EVEN sits in that "upscale mid-range" bracket. You’re paying for the brand's consistency and the wellness focus.
If you don't care about fitness, you’re paying for features you won't use. You’d be better off at a Hilton Garden Inn or a Marriott. But if you actually use the yoga mat? If you care about having a standing desk? Then the value proposition shifts. You're saving money on a gym pass and a workspace.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
Don't just book the first rate you see. If you’re an IHG One Rewards member, you almost always get a better price booking direct. Also, check the "amenity fee" or "destination fee." It's a standard NYC annoyance, but at EVEN, it usually includes some food and beverage credit at Cork & Kale. Use it. Don't let that $25 or $30 a day go to waste.
When you arrive, skip the crowded elevators during peak check-out time (around 11 AM). They can be slow. If you’re on a lower floor and you’re able, the stairs are faster and, hey, it fits the "wellness" theme.
Finally, take advantage of the neighborhood's "hidden" spots. Everyone goes to the chains. Instead, walk over to Best Bagel & Coffee on 35th between 7th and 8th. It’s one of the best bagels in the city, but the line moves fast. Grab a bagel, come back to your room, do a five-minute stretch on the foam roller, and you’ve had the quintessential EVEN Hotel experience.
To make the most of your stay at EVEN Hotel New York - Times Square South:
- Download the IHG App before arrival to handle digital check-in and potentially skip the front desk line.
- Inspect the in-room equipment immediately; if a resistance band is missing or a ball is flat, housekeeping will swap it out instantly.
- Use the "Wellness" map provided by the staff; they have curated jogging routes that take you toward the Hudson River Park, which is way better for running than the crowded city sidewalks.
- Check the Cork & Kale hours as soon as you drop your bags. Their kitchen sometimes closes earlier than the big chain restaurants nearby.