W New York Times Square Delivers Luxury and Escape While Just Feet from All the Action

Times Square is fun, frantic and often overwhelming, with its thousands and thousands of tourists, flashing billboards and Naked Cowboys. But even after 23 years, I’m apparently still capable of learning something new. Because from the moment I stepped into W New York – Times Square Hotel (which is mere feet from the Times Square excitement), I was transported into a swanky, stylish and luxurious new home for a much-needed city staycation. Here’s how my three-night stay at W went.

The Room

Those who have visited NYC before will know that rooms at some hotels can be smaller than Carrie Bradshaw’s shoe closet, occasionally even featuring a Murphy bed. Not at W.

My first impression of the rooms was that they are surprisingly spacious for a NYC hotel. There is plenty of room to move around, get comfy and make myself at home. And speaking of getting comfy, the bed is quite luxe. I opted for a king so there was plenty of space to spread out. The pillows and bedding are just the right mix of soft and supportive, helping me achieve three incredible nights of sleep.

And perhaps the best part? With a corner room, I had a gorgeous view of both the city and the Hudson River.

The only (very minor) downside is that the bathroom features frosted glass rather than solid walls, meaning that little privacy is offered if you’ll be sharing the room with someone. That said, once in the bathroom, the shower is quite nice.

The Food and Drink

The real star of W Times Square is the Living Room bar and lounge just off the lobby. The throwback décor pays homage to New York City of yesteryear, featuring cool neon lights that will remind you of Broadway, but without the hustle and bustle.

The Living Room offers craft cocktails and tasty wines. I recommend sitting at the bar to chat up one of the friendly bartenders or opting for waiter service on a comfy couch in one of the lounge’s cabanas (great for a group).

The bar transforms into quite the scene come nighttime, with DJs playing tunes until the wee hours from a very cool New Year’s Eve ball-inspired DJ booth. But if lowkey is more your vibe, be sure to stop by a little earlier in the day. Happy hour is from 5 to 7pm.

When it comes to food, W offers room service (a must!). You can order food to your room from the fabulous Blue Fin or Dos Caminos (which are both right downstairs if you prefer an in-person dining experience).

And if you’ve tried both offerings and are looking to try some other local hot spots, may I recommend Dutch Fred’s for a lively brunch (a three-minute walk) or ViceVersa for more of a date night featuring tasty Italian (an eight-minute walk). ViceVersa also has killer happy hour specials. For those in the LGBTQ+ community, be sure to stop into the nearby VERS for one of the tastiest cocktails in the area and some of the best drag performances, depending on the night (a seven-minute walk).

The Amenities

The hotel boasts a 24-hour gym complete with Peloton bikes if that’s your thing. The lobby—which is on the seventh floor—features plenty of comfy seating around a grand-piano shaped bar. The hotel is also all about cool and quirky art exhibits (which may change depending on when you visit) so check those out in the lobby.

Upon entering the hotel on the ground floor, you’ll be greeted with a fun waterfall and take the elevators up to the seventh floor to check in. The fun continues in the elevator as the floor mat changes throughout the day (it reads ‘Good Morning’ in the morning, ‘Good Afternoon’ midday, and so on). And definitely take advantage of the complimentary photobooth so you can take those NYC memories home with you.

For those who want to really pamper themselves, W is offering a Summer Wellness Escape. They’ve partnered with Sage + Sound, a luxurious 5,000 square foot wellness center on the Upper East Side (about a 20-minute cab ride away). With this wellness partnership, the escape package offers you a $100 credit towards a signature facial or a men’s facial and $56 towards a pair of meditations. I personally took advantage of Sage + Sound’s facial, which was just what the doctor ordered. I left feeling relaxed and with my skin looking on point.

Know Before You Go

W truly is in the heart of it all, located on 47^th Street between Broadway and 8^th Avenue. If you want all the NYC action, turn right out of the front door and step into Times Square. If you prefer to get away from the crowds a bit, hang a left. That said, you’ll run into restaurants, bars and Broadway theaters regardless of the direction you turn.

And while nearly everything you’ll need on your trip is within walking distance, you’ll also be right by the Times Square subway station if you want to zip uptown or downtown for the day.

Parking garages are nearby and valet is available. Pets are welcome (though there is a daily fee). WiFi is available (also for a fee).