You know that feeling when you land in Manhattan and immediately feel like a sardine? Most New York hotel rooms are tiny. I mean, "can't-open-your-suitcase-on-the-floor" tiny. If you’re staying at the Homewood Suites New York Times Square South, though, you’re basically dodging that entire claustrophobic nightmare.
It’s on 37th Street. Just a few blocks away, you’ve got the chaos of the Port Authority and the neon madness of Times Square, but 37th feels different. It’s a bit more "real." You’ve got local coffee shops and people actually going to work, not just Elmo impersonators trying to grab five bucks for a photo.
Staying here isn't just about a bed. Honestly, it’s about the fridge. Having a full-sized refrigerator in a city where a mediocre salad costs $22 is a literal game-changer. Most people don’t realize how much the "little" extras at this Hilton property add up until they’re looking at their bank statement after a four-day trip.
The Suite Life (Without the Penthouse Price Tag)
Most NYC hotels give you a bed and a sliver of carpet. At the Homewood Suites New York Times Square South, you’re getting a studio or a one-bedroom suite. It’s got a kitchen. Like, a real one. We’re talking a two-burner stove, a microwave, and a dishwasher.
Why does a dishwasher matter on vacation?
Because nobody wants to scrub a cereal bowl in a bathroom sink. It’s gross.
The layout is smart. The rooms are narrow—this is Manhattan, after all—but they use the vertical space well. You’ve got high ceilings and windows that actually let in some light, assuming you aren't on a lower floor staring at a brick wall. That happens sometimes in the Garment District. It's part of the charm, or so they say.
Why the Location Actually Works
If you look at a map, 312 West 37th Street looks like it’s in the middle of everything. It is. But it’s also tucked away just enough. You’re a ten-minute walk from Penn Station. That means if you’re coming in from Newark (EWR) or taking the LIRR, you don’t need a $70 Uber. You just walk.
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You’re also close to:
- Hudson Yards and the Vessel (about a 15-minute stroll).
- The High Line entrance.
- Madison Square Garden for the Knicks or Rangers games.
- The 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E subway lines.
Basically, you can get anywhere in the five boroughs within thirty minutes. It’s the ultimate logistics hub.
The Breakfast Situation and the "Free" Factor
Let’s talk about the food. Most Midtown hotels charge $35 for a "continental" breakfast that’s just a stale croissant and some watery juice. Homewood Suites New York does it differently. The hot breakfast is included.
Is it Michelin-star dining? No. It’s eggs, potatoes, maybe some sausage, and a waffle maker that always has a line. But it’s free. In a city where a bagel and coffee can set you back fifteen dollars, that’s a massive win for families or anyone on a budget.
Then there’s the grocery shopping service.
This is one of those "secret" perks people overlook. You can give the staff a list, and they’ll stock your fridge. You pay for the groceries, but the service is free. If you’re arriving late with kids and need milk and snacks ready to go, this is a lifesaver. It beats hunting for an open bodega at 11:00 PM in the rain.
Navigating the Challenges of Midtown Stays
Look, I’m not going to tell you it’s perfect. It’s New York.
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The elevators can be slow. During peak breakfast hours, you might be waiting a few minutes. If you’re in a rush to catch a Broadway matinee, leave five minutes early. Also, the street noise is a thing. It’s 37th Street; there are trucks, sirens, and the occasional shouting match between delivery drivers.
Pro tip: Ask for a room on a higher floor. The noise doesn't disappear, but it becomes a hum rather than a jump-scare.
The Backyard Nobody Expects
One of the weirdest and coolest things about this specific Homewood Suites is the outdoor space. There’s a terrace. In Midtown! It’s not a sprawling park, but having a place to sit outside with a coffee—away from the sidewalk foot traffic—is a luxury. Most hotels in this price bracket are just boxes. Having that little bit of "breathing room" makes a huge difference if you’re staying for more than a night or two.
Who is this hotel actually for?
If you’re a solo traveler who just needs a pod to sleep in, you might find this overkill. But for three specific groups, it's hard to beat.
- The Business Traveler: If you’re in town for a week of meetings, having a desk and a kitchen makes it feel less like a temporary cell and more like a crash pad.
- Families: Putting four people in a standard NYC hotel room is a recipe for an argument. The extra square footage here saves marriages.
- The Long-Stayer: If you’re here for ten days, you cannot eat out every meal. You will go broke or get scurvy. The ability to make a grilled cheese at midnight is essential.
The fitness center is decent, too. It’s not a Gold’s Gym, but it’s got enough cardio equipment and free weights to burn off that pizza you ate at 2:00 AM. And since it’s open 24/7, you can work out whenever your jet lag decides it’s time to be awake.
Comparing the "New York Times Square South" vs. "Times Square"
This is where people get confused. There are multiple Hilton-branded hotels in the area.
The Homewood Suites New York Times Square South is distinct from the ones right on 42nd Street. Personally, I prefer the South location. It’s less "tourist trap" and more "accessible city life." You’re closer to the transit hubs and slightly further from the 24-hour noise of the main plaza.
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When you're booking, double-check the address. You want 312 West 37th. If you end up too far north, you’re dealing with the massive crowds that make walking to the front door a contact sport.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
To get the most out of a stay at Homewood Suites New York, you need a plan. Don't just show up and wing it.
- Download the Hilton Honors App: Even if you aren't a "points person," the digital key is great. You can skip the front desk entirely if they’ve verified your ID. Plus, you can often pick your specific room from a floor plan.
- Target the High Floors: As mentioned, the 10th floor and up is where the noise starts to thin out.
- The "Target" Run: There is a Target nearby at Herald Square. If you don't want to use the grocery service, walk over there on your first day and stock up on the basics.
- Check the Event Calendar: If there’s a massive convention at the Javits Center (which is close by), this hotel fills up fast and prices spike. If your dates are flexible, aim for Tuesday-Thursday windows when there isn't a major trade show in town.
Understanding the "Destination Fee"
Almost every hotel in Manhattan now has a mandatory "destination fee" or "amenity fee." It’s annoying. At the Homewood Suites, this usually covers things like premium Wi-Fi and a credit for the "Suite Shop" (the little pantry in the lobby). Don't let it surprise you on your final bill. Use the credit! Buy some snacks or a bottle of water before you head out for the day so you aren't paying $6 for a Dasani on the street.
Why it stays relevant in 2026
The hotel market in NYC has shifted. We've seen a lot of boutique spots open up with tiny rooms and "vibrant" lobbies that are basically just loud bars. That's fine for some, but the Homewood Suites New York model of "give people a kitchen and some space" is winning out for anyone staying more than 48 hours.
It's about utility.
You’re not paying for a gold-leafed lobby or a celebrity chef restaurant. You’re paying for a room that functions like a small apartment. In a city where space is the ultimate currency, that’s the real luxury.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Transport: If you're coming from JFK, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Jamaica Station directly to Penn Station. It's faster than a car and cheaper than a helicopter. From Penn, the hotel is a 7-minute walk.
- Dining: Don't eat in Times Square. Walk two blocks west to 9th Avenue. It's the "Hell's Kitchen" food corridor. You'll find incredible Thai, Italian, and Ethiopian food that locals actually eat.
- Laundry: There is on-site laundry. If you’re traveling light with just a carry-on, this is huge. Pack for three days, wash your clothes mid-trip, and save yourself the hassle of checking a bag.
- Work: The lobby area has decent workspaces if you find your room too distracting. The Wi-Fi is generally reliable enough for Zoom calls, which isn't always a given in older NYC buildings.
Staying at the Homewood Suites New York Times Square South won't make you feel like a billionaire, but it will make you feel like a local who actually knows how to navigate the city. You get the space you need, the food you want, and the location that makes the rest of Manhattan accessible. It’s the pragmatic choice in a city that’s often anything but.