The Hilton New York, Times Square provides an oasis away from the hub of the Times Square area, while the central location gives easy access to many of New York’s main attractions.
In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the hotel is within blocks of popular sites such as The Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Bryant Park – where I went each morning for a quick pre-breakfast walk – and Grand Central Station, with bars, restaurants and Broadway shows on its doorstep: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was playing across the street at the Lyric Theatre, with Aladdin on at the New Amsterdam Theatre located next to the hotel.
The check in
There are two entrances, on 41st and 42nd Street, at either end of a passageway. Halfway along, I was greeted by the concierge. A lift took me to the 21st floor, which is home to the hotel lobby, reception and bar areas – and a first glimpse of the Manhattan skyline.
After a speedy check-in, another set of lifts took me to my room on the 40th floor, where the views were even more impressive.
The room
I stayed in a King Bed Deluxe High Floor room, which was spacious (360 sq. ft) with stylish design elements. The room had large windows, a work desk with ergonomic chair, and a comfortable armchair with an ottoman. Other features included a mini-fridge, coffee maker, safe (that was largest enough to fit in a laptop), iron/ironing board, hairdryer and a 65-inch HDTV. The bathroom had a shower over bath, vanity and Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries.
The facilities
The large lobby area has plenty of places to sit, and a buzzy bar which also sells snacks.
Located on the 15th floor, 42nd and Sky is a stylish sky bar and lounge with a 1920s Gatsby-esque theme. Guests can take in the views while enjoying a dinner menu and one of the hotel’s signature cocktails.
Breakfast in the High Rise Buffet set me up for a day exploring the city.
It includes a wide range of hot and cold favourites, and a few unexpected (roast veg felt like something more appropriate for lunch but went surprisingly well with a smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel). The hot special changes each day. Breakfast costs the $45pp (plus taxes).
Long Acre Market offers “all things New York”, including fresh salads, sandwiches, alcoholic and other drinks as well as snacks.
For anyone with energy to burn after a day pounding the big city streets, the gym on the 22nd floor has a good range of cardio machines, free weights and other equipment.
The verdict
For a city stay that places you at the heart of the action and within easy walking distance of many of the attractions you likely visited New York to experience, The Hilton New York, Times Square is hard to beat. The rooms are super-comfortable and the ambience throughout the hotel was stylish, relaxed and friendly.
Book it
243 West 42nd Street, New York, New York, 10036, USA. The lead-in price is $259 per night (but can go up to $1,400 over New Year’s Eve for Ball drop view rooms).
