Hotels in Times Square, New York: Our Best Picks

One of the best neighborhoods to stay in New York is Times Square, no question. It's one of the most central and famous spots in the Big Apple. If you're visiting for the first time and want to be in the middle of all the action, we recommend it!

That said, there are plenty of hotels in New York and in Times Square, so we put together this list of good-quality, reasonably priced places in this part of Manhattan.

Take a look at this selection of the best hotels in Times Square:

5 Hotels in Times Square, New York City

Why staying in Times Square works

• The best reason to stay in Times Square is the location. You can literally walk to a huge number of New York attractions.
• It's a dazzling spot where you only have to look out the window to see the most famous lights in the city that never sleeps.
• You'll be close to plenty of famous restaurants, like Ellen's Stardust Diner, Bubba Gump and Junior's, which has been serving authentic New York cheesecake since 1950.
• Times Square is loud, so we looked for hotels with soundproofed windows.

1. Hard Rock Hotel New York (our pick)

Who doesn't know the Hard Rock brand? The decor, as in every one of its cafes, restaurants, hotels and casinos, is one of this hotel's main selling points. The walls are lined with music memorabilia and mementos from many of the legendary artists who found inspiration in New York City.

A night at the Hard Rock Hotel New York costs more than the other hotels on this list, but the experience is one of a kind.

Why we like the Hard Rock Hotel New York

• It's perfectly located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan-.
• The standout on the food side is NYY Steak Restaurant, run in partnership with the famous baseball team the New York Yankees.
• It's pet friendly, has free wifi throughout the property and a 24-hour front desk, including express check-in and check-out.

2. Arlo Midtown

The Arlo Midtown is one of the best-value hotels in New York on this list, with rates starting around US$ 170 a night, which, trust us, is cheap by Times Square standards.

It's very close to the New York branch of the famous Madame Tussauds museum, as well as train stations and several subway lines, so you can get to any New York attraction fast.

The rooms are soundproofed with triple-glazed windows so street noise won't bother you while you sleep.

They also come with air conditioning, heating and upscale amenities, all set off by wood, leather and marble details. Family rooms are available.

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3. The Knickerbocker

The Knickerbocker is a 5-star hotel in the center of New York, steps from Seventh Avenue and very close to attractions like the Empire State Building and the MoMA.

It originally opened in 1906 and was renovated in 2015 by acclaimed interior designers Gabellini Sheppard. There are 330 rooms, including 31 suites, a restaurant (called Charlie Palmer) and the exclusive St. Cloud bar up on the roof.

Rooms have all sorts of comforts: free toiletries, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and a mini fridge, plus incredible city views. The hotel also has a gym and a rooftop terrace.

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4. Hampton Inn Manhattan Times Square North

If you're watching your budget, this is one of the cheapest hotels in Manhattan with a genuinely good location. Rates run lower than at other 3-star hotels in New York (from roughly US$ 150 a night), depending on the season.

Considering it sits in the heart of Hell's Kitchen and one block from Broadway, it's an excellent choice.

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5. CIVILIAN Hotel

We'll close this list of hotels in Times Square with this cutting-edge design property in Hell's Kitchen, which describes itself as «a microcosm of the Theater District, full of creativity and innovation».

The Civilian Hotel has several interesting places to eat and drink, from the Rosevale Cocktail Room + Kitchen, which serves a continental breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m., to Emmy Squared Pizza & Spirits, handling lunch and dinner between 11 a.m. and midnight.

Every room has striking views of the Manhattan skyline, and the design evokes the feel of theater dressing rooms (click through if you're looking for hotels with views in New York).

If you want to catch the best shows in New York, this hotel is perfect, it's steps from the most famous theaters in New York. Here are my tips for getting discounted Broadway tickets.

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My pick of hotels in Times Square

• Hard Rock Hotel New York from €276
• Arlo Midtown from €165
• The Knickerbocker from €270
• Margaritaville Resort Times Square from €97
• CIVILIAN Hotel from €117