Manhattan is a paradox. You want to be in the middle of everything, but you also want to actually sleep. Most people think staying near 42nd Street means tiny, overpriced rooms where you can hear your neighbor's alarm clock. Honestly, that’s usually true. But Staybridge Suites Times Square New York City hotel sort of breaks that mold, especially if you're staying for more than a night or two. It’s located at 340 West 40th Street. That’s right across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Now, if you know New York, you know 40th and 8th isn't exactly a "quiet garden." It’s gritty. It's loud. It’s chaotic. But here’s the thing: once you step inside, the vibe changes completely. It’s one of the few places in Midtown where you get a full kitchenette without paying five figures a month in rent.
The Kitchenette Factor: Saving Your Sanity and Wallet
Let’s talk about food. Eating out in NYC is expensive. A mediocre salad in Midtown can run you $22 before you even think about a tip. Basically, having a fridge and a stovetop is a game-changer.
Every studio at the Staybridge Suites Times Square New York City hotel comes with a kitchenette. We’re talking a full-sized refrigerator, a microwave, a two-burner stovetop, and even a dishwasher. They provide the pots, pans, and silverware. You’ve probably seen hotels call a "mini-fridge and a coffee maker" a kitchen. This isn't that. You can actually cook a real meal here.
Why this matters for long stays
- Grocery Shopping Service: They have a concierge who will literally go buy your groceries for you. You just give them a list.
- The Breakfast Buffet: It’s free. In a city where a bagel and coffee can cost $15, a hot buffet with eggs, waffles, and fruit is a massive value add.
- The Social Hour: On select evenings (usually Tuesday through Thursday), they host "The Social." It’s free food and drinks. It’s a great way to meet other people who are also tired of being in a concrete jungle.
What the Rooms are Really Like
The building has 32 floors and about 310 studios. It was built around 2010, so it’s not "historic" but it’s modern enough. The design is sleek. Think dark woods and neutral tones. They use Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses, which are legitimately comfortable.
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One thing that surprises people? The windows. New York is loud. Like, sirens-at-3-AM loud. But the windows here are surprisingly thick. When you shut them, the roar of 40th Street drops to a dull hum. It’s not total silence, but for Times Square, it’s a miracle.
The Layout Mystery
Rooms here are designed as studios. You get a work desk with a decent ergonomic chair, which is great because most "business hotels" give you a chair that hates your lower back. There’s also high-speed internet that actually works.
However, be warned: the bathrooms can be a bit polarizing. Some rooms have an "open" feel where the vanity is part of the room. If you’re traveling with someone you aren't super comfortable with, it might feel a bit lack-of-privacy-ish. Just something to keep in mind.
Location: The Good, The Bad, and The Gritty
You are 0.1 miles from the 42nd Street Port Authority station. You can walk to the Jacob Javits Convention Center in about 10 minutes. Bryant Park is right there. Broadway? A five-minute stroll.
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But let’s be real. The immediate block around the hotel is "real" New York. It’s busy. There are commuters everywhere. If you want the "Upper East Side boutique" feel, this isn't it. But if you want to be able to jump on any subway line (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W are all within a few blocks), this is the most strategic spot in the city.
Is the Staybridge Suites Times Square New York City hotel Right for You?
Most people get this wrong—they think this is just for business travelers. Sure, the 24-hour business center and the fitness center (with Cybex gear) are nice. But families love this place. Having a kitchen means you can feed a toddler at 6 AM without hunting for an open deli.
Pros vs. Cons (The Honest Version)
Honestly, no hotel is perfect.
The elevators can be slow during peak checkout times. You might wait five minutes for a lift when everyone is heading to breakfast. And the breakfast area gets crowded. If you go at 8:30 AM, expect a line.
But then you look at the price. For a suite with a kitchen in the heart of Manhattan, the value is hard to beat. Especially when you factor in the free laundry facilities. Yes, you can do your laundry for free. In New York, that’s basically like finding gold.
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Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book the Staybridge Suites Times Square New York City hotel, here are a few things to do to make it better:
- Request a High Floor: The street noise is significantly less once you get above the 20th floor. Plus, the views of the Empire State Building or the Hudson River are much better.
- Use the Grocery Service: Don't waste your vacation time wandering through a crowded Manhattan supermarket. Let them do it.
- Check the Social Schedule: These evening receptions change. Ask at the front desk when you check in so you don't miss the free wine and snacks.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Since this is an IHG property, you get points. Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, those points add up fast in a city as expensive as New York.
The Staybridge Suites Times Square New York City hotel isn't trying to be the Ritz. It’s trying to be a home base. It’s for the person who wants to see a Broadway show, work a bit, and then cook some pasta in their pajamas without spending $400 on room service. If that's your vibe, it's one of the most practical choices in Midtown.
To get the most out of your trip, verify the current "Social" days before you arrive, as these can shift seasonally. Also, check the Port Authority construction schedule; occasionally, 40th Street can have nighttime work that might affect even the best soundproof windows.