W Times Square
1567 Broadway, at 47th Street, New York, New York 10036, USA
Why We Like It
W Times Square is what it is, and owns every inch of it. If the loud, flashy “New York” in neon is what you crave, this W will satiate.
Fodor's Expert Review
This W towers above the neon-sign extravaganza of Times Square, absorbing much of its flash but keeping it real by evoking the site’s seedy and carnivalesque history. For all of its self-seriousness, the W has a wit about it, and it’s in Times Square that’s best showcased. The grand brass-and-glass DJ Booth modeled after the New Year’s Eve Ball (almost to scale), the neon bar signs of the Times Square of yesteryear, the artist graffiti-covered shop gates. This massive property (with 509 rooms) recently had a refresh to keep up with its hefty demand (it has has a nearly full yearly occupancy). This W also has provides its “whatever whenever” service, on top of a slew of curated and cross-branded experiences and activities that makes staying at the W a true luxury hotel experience.
You Should Know This is a buzzy hotel in a noisy midtown location—if you want quiet, look elsewhere.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
Modern floor configurations lend this property to having boxier and smaller rooms. However, as keeping on brand for the W, space is economized for storage and room flow. New graphic carpets were just installed, and the rooms grey color scheme is offset by pops of magenta and abstract photographs. The room comes equipped with 4-star amenities, including a soaring view of Times Square, which is either thrilling or eye-throbbing depending on the beholder.
Tip Rooms on higher floors have impressive views to the west (over the Hudson River).
Bathroom
Perhaps to offset the dark slate walls, the bathrooms are lit with fluorescents, which can be a bit harsh against morning mushface and bedhead. Stand showers and ample counter space. All the finer points of contemporary bathroom design are met in this sleek bathrooms, also stocked with Bliss products.
Lobby
The W’s lobby or the Living Room is the social hub of the hotel, where the waiting areas, shops and bar/lounge area all seamlessly blend. W Times Square is known for its DJ scene, and as such emerging acts and bold-faced names alike spin atop a motorized glass-and-brass New Years Eve ball-shaped booth. Just behind the booth is a clock that counts down to the next New Year. It’s quite a dramatic enterprise. The bar itself is festooned with neon signs, fashioned like those seen in Times Square in the 1920s through ‘50s, and the cast of characters who haunted the square.
Gym
The biggest of the New York properties, this state of the art gym offers Peloton bikes, the latest machines and a separate weight room for serious Arnold impersonators
Dining
Though the W has no official W-owned food & beverage outlet, this location has partnered with both Dos Caminos (on the ground floor) and Blue Fin (lobby-adjacent) to offer W guests specials for both dining and take-out (in-room) meals. Breakfast is a continental option at Blue Fin.
Drinking
The Living Room lounge is the den of debauchery around here that offers a well-stocked full-bar for classic cocktails.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Located on Broadway between West 46th and West 47th Streets, this hotel is in a prime location for the action of Times Square and the theater district. The landmarks of midtown east are also within easy walking distance. Subway access is nearby with the N, R, and W trains at 49th Street, the A, C, and E trains at 42nd Street/8th Avenue, and the 1, 2, and 3 trains at 42nd Street/7th Avenue. Taxis and Uber are available, but traffic congestion is a common problem.
Restaurants
Ippudo Westside (8-minute walk) is the midtown outpost of the beloved downtown ramen destination, serving steaming bowls of ramen and Japanese small plates. For an elegant, white tablecloth, martini kind of night on the town, check out Oceana (5-minute walk), a bright restaurant specializing in all things seafood. Modern Mexican fare is served at Toloache (8-minute walk), a lively restaurant with colorful tile and artwork.
Bars
More than 150 wines by the glass are available at Morrell Wine Bar (9-minute walk), a cozy spot near Rockefeller Center with a nice outdoor terrace during the warm months. Japanese beer and sake are the focus at Sake Bar Hagi (4-minute walk), a fun restaurant and bar that is open late.
Photos
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