Finding a hotel in Midtown Manhattan usually feels like a trap. You’re basically choosing between a windowless shoebox that costs $400 a night or a grand, dusty lobby where the elevators take twenty minutes to arrive. It’s exhausting. But then there’s TRYP by Wyndham New York City Times Square South. Honestly, the name is a mouthful. Most people just call it TRYP Times Square South, and it occupies this weirdly perfect middle ground on West 35th Street. It’s not a "luxury" hotel in the gold-plated sense, but it’s arguably one of the most functional spaces in the city if you’re traveling with more than one person.
Manhattan real estate is famously stingy. Most hotel rooms in the Garment District are roughly the size of a walk-in closet in the Midwest. TRYP flips that script. They have these "Family Rooms" with bunk beds. Bunk beds! In a decent NYC hotel! It sounds like a gimmick until you’re a parent trying to avoid paying for two separate rooms at the Marriott just to keep the kids from kicking each other in their sleep.
The Reality of the Location: 35th Street Vibes
Let’s talk about the neighborhood because "Times Square South" is a bit of a marketing stretch. You’re actually on 35th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. This is the edge of the Garment District, bordering Hell’s Kitchen.
Is it pretty? No. It’s gritty. You’ll see delivery trucks, people rushing to Penn Station, and the occasional pile of cardboard. But here’s the thing: it’s incredibly convenient. You’re a five-minute walk from the A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 subway lines. You can get to the High Line in ten minutes. If you want the neon chaos of Times Square, it’s just a few blocks north, but you’re far enough away that the sound of Elmo shouting at tourists doesn't reach your window.
The hotel sits right near the Moynihan Train Hall. That’s a game-changer. If you’re coming in via Amtrak, you just walk across the street. No $60 Uber, no sweaty subway transfer. It’s right there.
Rooms That Actually Fit Humans
Most NYC hotels are designed for business travelers who only carry a briefcase and a single suit. If you show up with a stroller or three suitcases, you’re in trouble. TRYP by Wyndham New York City Times Square South actually planned for families and groups.
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The "Family Room" setup is their biggest win. These rooms feature a large bed for the adults and an alcove with bunk beds for the kids. They even have rooms with extra bathrooms. Think about that for a second. A second bathroom in a New York City hotel room is basically the equivalent of finding a unicorn. It saves everyone an hour of morning stress.
Then there are the "Fitness Rooms." They literally put a piece of exercise equipment—usually an elliptical or a bike—right in the room. Kinda weird? Maybe. But for people who hate hotel gyms or just want to squeeze in a mile while watching the morning news in their pajamas, it’s a brilliant touch.
The aesthetic is "industrial chic." Expect exposed concrete, hardwood floors, and high ceilings. It feels like a loft. It doesn't feel like a stuffy corporate box. The floors are a major plus, by the way. Hotel carpets are generally gross. Wood floors feel cleaner, especially when you consider how many thousands of people have walked through these halls.
Eating and Drinking at Gastropub 35
You shouldn't eat every meal in your hotel. This is New York. You have some of the best food in the world within a ten-block radius. However, the on-site spot, Gastropub 35, is surprisingly decent.
They lean heavily into the Spanish roots of the TRYP brand. You’ll find tapas and a pretty solid selection of gins. It’s a reliable spot for a breakfast buffet or a drink before you head out to a Broadway show. The "Social Hub" area in the lobby is also well-designed. It’s not just a place to wait for a taxi; it has a communal vibe where people actually hang out with their laptops.
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Why the Mediterranean Connection Matters
TRYP started as a Spanish brand before Wyndham bought it. You can still see that influence in the hospitality style and the food. It’s a bit more laid back than the typical American corporate hotel. There’s an emphasis on the "city" being the main attraction, with the hotel serving as a high-energy home base.
Dealing With the "Times Square" Noise
Is it quiet? Sorta.
The hotel has double-paned windows, which do a heavy lift in blocking out the sirens and the 8th Avenue traffic. But this is Manhattan. If you want total silence, you should go to Vermont. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor or one facing away from the street. The rooms facing the interior "courtyard" (mostly just a view of other buildings) are much quieter, though you lose the view of the skyline.
Pro Tip: Use the white noise machine on your phone. Even with the best soundproofing, New York finds a way in.
The Competition: How It Actually Stacks Up
If you look at nearby options, you have the Moxy or the Fairfield Inn. The Moxy is fun but the rooms are microscopic—they’re built for people who just want to party and sleep in a pod. The Fairfield is, well, a Fairfield. It’s fine, but it’s boring.
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TRYP by Wyndham New York City Times Square South wins on character and square footage. It feels like a place where you can actually unpack. The staff generally gets high marks for being "New York friendly"—which means they are efficient, fast, and don't have time for fluff, but they’ll get you what you need.
Things to Watch Out For
No hotel is perfect. The elevators can be slow during peak checkout times. The "amenity fee" (or destination fee) is a standard NYC annoyance that adds about $30-$40 to your daily bill. It covers things like Wi-Fi and bottled water, but it’s basically just a hidden tax. Every hotel in the area does it, but it’s still worth noting so you aren't shocked when you see the final bill.
Also, the neighborhood changes character at night. It’s perfectly safe, but it’s busy. You’ll see a lot of commuters and some of the typical urban grit associated with being near a major transit hub like Penn Station. If you’re looking for a quiet, tree-lined street with boutiques, this isn't it. This is the heart of the machine.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Stay
- Book the Family Room even if you’re just a group of friends. Having that extra space and the bunk bed setup is way better than sharing two double beds.
- Use the 34th Street Entrance to Penn Station. Don't walk all the way around to the main 7th Avenue entrance. Use the smaller entrances to get to the subway faster.
- Skip the hotel breakfast once or twice. Walk a few blocks over to Best Bagel & Coffee on 35th. It’s one of the best in the city. Just be prepared to stand in line.
- The Rooftop Scene. While TRYP doesn't have a massive rooftop bar, you are very close to some of the best ones in the city, like the Skylark or the bars in the Hudson Yards area.
- Check the Wyndham Rewards app. Sometimes they have "member-only" rates that slash the price significantly, even if you aren't a frequent traveler.
The Verdict
If you’re a solo business traveler who wants a quiet, sterile room, you might prefer the Hyatt down the street. But if you’re traveling with a family, a group of friends, or if you just hate feeling claustrophobic, TRYP by Wyndham New York City Times Square South is hard to beat. It’s stylish without being pretentious. It’s functional in a city that often feels designed to be difficult.
You’re paying for the location and the square footage. In Manhattan, those are the two most expensive commodities.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
- Verify Room Layouts: Before booking, check the specific floor plan on the Wyndham website. Not all "Premium" rooms have the same layout; some emphasize the living area while others maximize sleeping space.
- Transit Prep: Download the Citymapper app. The intersection of 34th and 8th is a labyrinth of subway entrances, and Citymapper will tell you exactly which staircase leads to your specific train.
- Dining Strategy: If you have kids, the Gastropub is a safe bet, but for a real NYC experience, head three blocks west to Hell’s Kitchen (9th Avenue). The food options there are 10x better and significantly cheaper than anything in the immediate vicinity of Times Square.
- Luggage Logistics: If you arrive before check-in (usually 3:00 PM), the front desk is very reliable with luggage storage. Drop your bags, grab a coffee, and walk the five blocks to the High Line to kill time while your room is prepared.