Times Square is loud. It's chaotic. Honestly, it's a sensory assault that some people spend their whole lives avoiding, but for everyone else, it’s the literal center of the universe. If you’re staying at the W New York Times Square, you aren’t just visiting the city; you’re hovering right above the neon heartbeat of it. Most people think these high-energy hotels are just for the party crowd. They're wrong. It’s actually one of the most strategic places to drop your bags if you want to actually see New York without spending half your life in a yellow cab or an Uber stuck on 7th Avenue.
The hotel sits at 1567 Broadway. That’s 47th Street. You walk out the front doors and you’re basically face-to-face with the TKTS booth. It’s intense.
The Reality of Staying at W New York Times Square
Let's talk about the "Living Room." In most hotels, the lobby is a place where you wait for your luggage. Here, the Living Room is a mood. It’s on the 7th floor, which is high enough to escape the immediate smell of street carts but low enough to feel the energy of the crowds below. They’ve got these blue acrylic "cool stools" and DJ booths that kick in when the sun goes down. It’s very 2000s-glam-meets-modern-tech.
People expect the rooms to be quiet. They aren't always. Look, it’s Manhattan. Even with the heavy-duty glass, you might hear a faint siren or the distant bass of a tour bus. But the beds—the signature W beds—are legitimately some of the best in the industry. They’ve got this plush top that makes you forget you just walked 15,000 steps through Central Park and the MoMA.
The room design is... specific. You’ve got the "Wonderful," "Spectacular," and "fabulous" room tiers. It’s a bit cheeky. The "Cool Corner" rooms are the ones you actually want because they give you those wrap-around views of the skyscrapers. If you’re lucky enough to snag an "Extreme Wow" suite, you’re basically living in a music video.
Why the Location Is Actually a Cheat Code
If you’re a theater geek, this is your Mecca. You can literally roll out of bed at 7:55 PM and be in your seat for an 8:00 PM curtain at the Palace Theatre or the Ethel Barrymore. I’m not exaggerating. I’ve seen people do it.
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- Dining: You have Dos Caminos right there for upscale Mexican and Blue Fin for high-end seafood.
- Transit: The N, R, W, and 1 trains are essentially underneath the building. You can get to the Tip of Manhattan or the Upper West Side in twenty minutes.
- The Vibe: It’s "Whatever/Whenever." That’s the W service philosophy. If you want a late-night cheesecake from Junior’s delivered to your door at 3 AM, they’ll generally try to make it happen.
Beyond the Neon: What Most Travelers Miss
Most tourists stay in Times Square and never leave the three-block radius of the Disney Store and M&M's World. Huge mistake. When you stay at the W New York Times Square, you’re actually on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen. Walk two blocks west to 9th Avenue. That’s where the real New Yorkers eat. You’ll find Thai food that’ll blow your mind, tiny Italian spots where the grandma is still in the kitchen, and dive bars that have been there since the 70s.
There’s a misconception that this hotel is only for "young people." I’ve seen CEOs in tailored suits drinking martinis next to kids in streetwear. It’s a melting pot. The staff—the "Talent" as W calls them—are surprisingly knowledgeable about things that aren't on a standard tourist map. Ask them where the best late-night pierogis are in the East Village. They'll know.
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the gym. The FIT fitness center isn’t some dark basement room with a broken treadmill. It’s got Peleton bikes and enough free weights to actually get a workout in. Though, honestly, walking through Manhattan is usually enough cardio for anyone.
Navigating the Costs and Logistics
NYC is expensive. We all know this. The W New York Times Square carries a "destination fee" or "resort fee" like most big hotels in the area now. Usually, it’s around $35-$40 a day. It feels like a cash grab, but it usually includes things like a daily F&B credit or tickets to local attractions. Read the fine print. Use the credit. Don't leave money on the table.
Parking? Forget about it. Unless you have a burning desire to pay $70+ a night to keep your car in a concrete box, take the train from JFK or Newark. The hotel doesn't have its own lot; they use a nearby garage, and the "valet" is really just a guy driving your car two blocks away.
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The Design Evolution of a New York Icon
When the W brand first hit the scene, it changed the hotel game. Before W, hotels were either "Grand Dames" with dusty carpets or budget motels. W introduced "lifestyle" hotels. The Times Square location was the flagship for a long time. It’s gone through several renovations to keep the "Bling" factor high.
The lighting is intentionally moody. It’s dark. It’s sexy. It’s purple. If you’re trying to do detailed makeup, you might need to use the ring light on your phone because the bathroom mirrors are designed for "vibes" more than surgical precision. But that’s the trade-off for staying somewhere that feels like a nightclub.
Comparison: W vs. The Competition
- Marriott Marquis: Right across the street. It's massive. It feels like a convention center. If you want a giant lobby with 40 elevators, go there. If you want something that feels more curated, stay at the W.
- The Edition: Just down the street. It's more "quiet luxury"—lots of beige and wood. The W is the loud cousin.
- The Knickerbocker: Historical and classy. Great rooftop, but lacks the "party" energy of the W.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Stay
Check-in is at 4:00 PM. If you show up at noon, your room probably won't be ready because the hotel runs at near 100% occupancy most of the year. Drop your bags at the bell desk. Go get a bagel at Liberty Bagels nearby.
If you want a quiet room, ask for something on a high floor away from the elevators. The "01" and "02" stacks often have the best vantage points.
One real-world tip: the Starbucks right outside is always packed. Like, thirty-minute-wait packed. Use the mobile app to order before you even leave your hotel room, or better yet, walk a block away to a smaller coffee shop where the line doesn't wrap around the building.
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Moving Toward Your NYC Experience
Staying at the W New York Times Square is a choice to be in the middle of the noise. It isn't for people who want a zen retreat or a silent library. It’s for the person who wants to see the lights through their window at 2 AM and feel like they’re actually in New York City.
- Check the Broadway schedule: Many theaters are dark on Mondays. If you’re coming for shows, time your stay for a Tuesday through Saturday stretch.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the free tier often gets you better Wi-Fi or late checkout if they aren't slammed.
- Explore 9th Avenue: Don't eat every meal in the hotel or at a chain restaurant. New York’s best food is two avenues west.
- Book the "Cool Corner": If the price difference is within $50, the view upgrade is statistically the most cited "worth it" expense for this specific property.
- Use the Concierge: They have better connections for "sold out" restaurant reservations than your OpenTable app does.
Stop looking at the standard travel brochures. New York is messy and brilliant. Staying at a place that embraces that energy rather than hiding from it makes the whole trip feel more authentic. Pack some comfortable shoes, a decent jacket, and prepare to be slightly overwhelmed in the best way possible.