Hilton Times Square is one of the more popular hotels in Manhattan. Strategically located at 234 W 42nd St, New York, Hilton Times Square is a favorite for those visiting the famed Times Square area in New York. Not to be confused with Millennium Times Square New York or New York Hilton Midtown, this property is an iconic 44-story hotel located in the heart of Times Square.
And with thousands of reviews and consistently high ratings, I wanted to see if this property was worth staying in.
Booking
At the time of the stay, there were 2 main options:
- Redeem 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night
- Pay $417 per night including taxes and fees ($360 per night without taxes and fees)
Ultimately, this would’ve netted a 0.52 cents per point value with Hilton points, which is actually above the fair value of 0.4 cents per point.
Nonetheless, I decided to pay cash for this visit because I knew I could get superior value at a resort hotel, such as the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
Location
After I checked out of the St. Regis New York, where I redeemed points for a $4,000 suite, I headed from the heart of Midtown Manhattan to Times Square. Times Square tends to be more touristy and perfect for sightseeing, while Midtown tends to be focused on shopping, business, and arts.
Upon arrival at the hotel, there was a large protrusion with Hilton Times Square’s facade. One of the best parts of this hotel is the astoundingly convenient location. It’s located just a 2-minute walk from Times Square-42nd Street subway station. Parking is extremely pricey here — the only option is self-parking at 150 West 38th Street, and you’ll pay $85 per night with in/out privileges until 10 p.m.
Hilton New York Times Square exterior
When you enter the building, you’ll find a lobby that houses the porter service and the elevators.
Hilton New York Times Square first floor
From the street level lobby, you have to take an elevator to the 15th floor, where the main hotel lobby is.
Hilton New York Times Square elevators
Check-in
As you leave the area, you’ll immediately see a large open space with seating areas. As it turns out, this is the location of the lobby restaurant/bar.
Hilton New York Times Square lobby
The lobby is located immediately to the right of the elevators.
Hilton New York Times Square check-in desk
The check-in process was relatively seamless. I handed the hotel my driver’s license as well as a credit card for incidentals. I was thanked for being a Hilton Honors Diamond member, which is their top-tier elite status.
Hilton New York Times Square concierge
The concierge was located just before the check-in desk.
Elite Benefits
There are numerous benefits of Hilton Diamond status, including complimentary room upgrades (including standard suites), executive lounge access, bonus points, and a welcome amenity.
Hilton Times Square doesn’t have an executive lounge and all the suites were sold out, so the main benefit received was complimentary breakfast for 2 guests.
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast vouchers
Hilton Times Square 1 Queen Bed Room ($400 per night)
Hilton Times Square has spacious rooms, especially by Manhattan standards. The oversized rooms start at 330 square feet. I was booked into the 39th floor, but rooms start at the 23rd floor. Because of its height, you’ll be much less likely to be disturbed by street noise.
Hilton New York Times Square door
Hilton New York Times Square room number
As I entered the room, I noticed that these rooms were indeed spacious.
Hilton New York Times Square bedroom
Most of the property consists of king bed rooms, but the base-level rate I booked was in a room with a queen bed.
Hilton New York Times Square queen bed
The room also housed an armchair with ottoman, which were both in great condition and comfortable.
Hilton New York Times Square armchair and ottoman
Hilton New York Times Square armchair ottoman and side table close-up
Along the wall was a work desk with an ergonomic office chair and an adjustable lamp.
Hilton New York Times Square work desk
Directly next to it was a 46-inch LCD HDTV, plus lots of storage space.
Hilton New York Times Square TV
The TV stand housed a coffeemaker, a safe, a mini-fridge, and an ice bucket.
Hilton New York Times Square coffeemaker
Hilton New York Times Square coffeemaker and safe
There was a small closet that provides enough storage for 1 small carry-on bag and hangers for miscellaneous clothes and articles.
Hilton New York Times Square closet
The bathroom was on the smaller size, though it contains a shower tub with a rotating showerhead, a single vanity, a lighted mirror, and various toiletries.
Hilton New York Times Square bathroom
Hilton New York Times Square vanity
Hilton New York Times Square lighted mirror
Hilton New York Times Square shower
Hilton New York Times Square shower
Hilton New York Times Square showerhead
Located underneath the sink are extra amenities like toilet paper, a hairdryer, and facial tissues.
Hilton New York Times Square hairdryer extra toilet paper
Hilton’s bath amenities on offer are Crabtree & Evelyn.
Hilton New York Times Square amenities
The room was incredibly spacious, which was a pleasant surprise considering the real estate premium commanded in Manhattan. The amenities were simple but solid, the room was clean, and the location was phenomenal.
Food and Beverage
Breakfast at Pinnacle Bar
Hilton New York Times Square restaurant
Pinnacle Bar is the name of Hilton Times Square’s lobby bar/restaurant. Also, it shares the same seating area for the breakfast buffet.
Hilton New York Times Square restaurant seating
Hilton New York Times Square restaurant bar
Hilton New York Times Square restaurant seating
The breakfast buffet itself was located in a separate room just across from the main area.
You can get free breakfast perks by being a Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond member.
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast section
Arranged in a U-shape, the breakfast buffet contained a surprising number of options, despite a lackluster presentation.
First, there was a toaster, multiple bread choices, and cereal dispensers.
Hilton New York Times Square bread and cereal
Next, you’d find hot oatmeal and a selection of different toppings.
Hilton New York Times Square oatmeal toppings
After that, there was a small section for a mini croissants and rolls.
Hilton New York Times Square croissant and rolls
Next up was the yogurt chiller.
Hilton New York Times Square yogurt
The main hot food items were at the center of the buffet. The first items consisted of waffles, bacon, and sausage.
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast protein and waffles
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast waffle
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast bacon
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast sausage
Then, there were breakfast potatoes, breakfast wraps, and scrambled eggs.
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast potatoes
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast potatoes eggs and wraps
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast wraps
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast scrambled eggs
There were also condiments and assorted milk choices in the corner of the buffet.
Hilton New York Times Square milk and condiments station
Up next was the fresh fruit section, followed by an odd placement of tomatoes and cucumbers.
Hilton New York Times Square fruit station
Hilton New York Times Square tomatoes and cucumbers
Immediately after that, there was a hard-boiled eggs section.
Hilton New York Times Square hard-boiled eggs
Lastly, there was a selection of pastries, including cinnamon rolls and muffins.
Hilton New York Times Square breakfast pastries
Restaurant Above
Hilton Times Square Restaurant Above. Image Credit: Hilton
Hilton Times Square’s full-service restaurant is called Restaurant Above. This sleek restaurant is perched 21 stories above Times Square and offers panoramic views of Times Square.
I personally didn’t have a chance to visit this restaurant; however, Restaurant Above typically serves American cuisine. The main attraction, however, is the atmosphere and the sweeping views of Times Square and the Theater District.
Although the complimentary breakfast buffet at Hilton Times Square appeared unappetizing, it was one of the most well-rounded, full, and plentiful breakfast buffets I’ve ever seen in New York. There were lots of different choices and options that would fit most palettes, as long as you’re open to eating an American-style breakfast. The complimentary breakfast for 2 guests was a much-appreciated benefit of being a Hilton Diamond member.
Fitness Center
The fitness center is located on the same floor as the main conference level, the 23rd floor. Upon entering the fitness center, I was pleasantly surprised by how much equipment this fitness center had. There were lots of free weights, medicine balls, yoga balls, and more.
Hilton New York Times Square gym
As far as exercise machines go, there were multiple treadmills and ellipticals.
Hilton New York Times Square treadmills
Hilton New York Times Square ellipticals
There were also numerous Peloton bikes.
Hilton New York Times Square exercise bikes
There were a few ordinary exercise bicycles.
Hilton New York Times Square exercise bicycles
The cable machines were all Precor-branded. Plus, there were numerous kettlebells atop storage racks across the fitness center.
Hilton New York Times Square cable machine and kettlebells
And lastly, there was a station for drinking water, fresh towels, and soiled towels.
Hilton New York Times Square towels and water dispenser
Business Center
The business center was very straightforward. There were a total of 4 desktop computers — 2 Mac computers and 2 PC computers. In the corner, there was also an ATM for convenience.
Hilton New York Times Square business center
Final Thoughts
Hilton Times Square, at first glance, looks like a sprawling hotel with tons of rooms. And while the hotel itself is dated, the rooms were well-maintained and clean.
The rooms were spacious, the bed was plush and comfortable, and the complimentary breakfast buffet for Hilton Gold and Diamond members was generous and plentiful.
There are tons of facilities throughout the property, including a well-appointed gym, a business center that was almost always empty, and 2 dining options serving American fare.
The best aspect of this hotel, however, is the location. With such a central location in the heart of Manhattan and close proximity to public transit, Hilton Times Square is one of the best choices for the value-minded traveler looking for a full-service hotel with an amazing location. Although the room rates are pricey, you’ll still save a lot compared to opulent hotels like the Four Seasons.