Hello, I’m SINAE, a travel writer who spends nearly 300 days each year abroad.
For this trip, I planned a relatively relaxed 15-night stay in New York. Many visitors come for about ten days, but since it isn’t a city I visit often, I chose to stay longer and experience it at a slower pace.
After booking my flights, I began searching for hotels – and honestly, the prices were nothing short of a culture shock. Even considering New York’s status as one of the world’s financial capitals, the rates felt extraordinary. Seeing properties approach $400–$500 per night was almost unbelievable.
If you are currently deciding where to stay in New York, I hope this review helps guide your decision.
Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – First Impressions
Out of my 15 nights, I spent five at the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel. I had been choosing between the Marriott Marquis, the W Hotel, and the Renaissance, ultimately selecting this property after hearing consistent praise about its view. Looking back, if we evaluate Midtown hotels purely by their vantage point, this one truly stands apart.
- Marriott Marquis: Typically offers a partial or side-facing Times Square view
- W Hotel: Does not provide a Times Square view
- Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel: Direct, front-facing panorama
Few hotels allow you to look straight onto Times Square. Once you see it in person—especially from the breakfast restaurant—you immediately understand the appeal. The sweeping view creates one of those rare travel moments when the reality of being in New York truly settles in.
I expected a strong location; I did not expect it to feel this immersive.
Yes, the price may cause hesitation. But some experiences are worth having at least once. Money comes and goes – memories tend to stay.
Is the Price Justified?
I booked during the low season for approximately $250 per night, which felt reasonable for this location. (For stays longer than three nights, the official website often provides a 10–20% extended-stay discount.)
However, average nightly rates frequently approach $500, often without breakfast and sometimes for entry-level rooms with limited views.
Online reviews are mixed, which initially made me hesitate. But expectations are closely tied to price- had I paid $500, I might have noticed more flaws. At $250, the overall experience felt like strong value.
At peak pricing, I might reconsider. At the right rate, I would gladly return.
👉 Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – Check rates on Agoda
👉 Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel – Check rates on Expedia
Rooms & Upgrade Experience
If you stay here, securing a high-floor room is essential – the view transforms the experience. As a Marriott Titanium Elite member, I was upgraded accordingly.
I politely asked whether a terrace room upgrade might be possible, even for one night, but availability was extremely limited. Suite Night Awards can occasionally help, though with so few terrace rooms, early check-in is unlikely. Expect access closer to mid-afternoon.
The room itself was more spacious than many New York hotel rooms, featuring a sofa bed, a clean bathroom, and a separate shower booth. While not overtly luxurious, it was comfortable and well-suited for a city stay. The lobby, meanwhile, is thoughtfully designed – an understandable balance given Midtown’s premium real estate.
One notable detail: complimentary bottled water is not provided, with bottles priced around $5. Travelers familiar with Marriott properties in Asia may notice the contrast in generosity.
Additionally, many NYC hotels apply a destination fee of roughly $30–$40 per night, which can make the final cost feel higher than expected.
Check-In & Service Style
The front desk embodied a distinctly New York style – efficient, direct, and fast-paced rather than overtly warm. The staff spoke quickly, and when I asked for clarification, the response felt somewhat hurried, which was slightly unexpected.
Having traveled extensively across Europe, including Paris and Milan, this was not a style of service I frequently encountered. International travelers, particularly those who are not native English speakers, may find the pace of interaction a little overwhelming at first.
Housekeeping, however, was consistently reliable. During my five-night stay, I noticed that tipping appeared to influence the level of detail in service – a small but very New York reminder of how strongly tipping culture shapes the hospitality experience
Location – A Genuine Advantage
If location is your priority, it is difficult to surpass this property. Times Square is one of the few areas in Manhattan where late-night walks feel natural, and here, it is quite literally at your doorstep.
The Disney Store sits across the street, M&M’s is just behind the hotel, TopView bus departures are nearby, and the TKTS booth is directly in front. In many ways, the location feels less like a convenience and more like a strategic advantage.
Breakfast – Worth It for the View Alone
Breakfast is not an elaborate buffet – expect fruit, yogurt, pastries, egg dishes, and lighter fare – but the view is what defines the experience. Looking down over Times Square as the city wakes up is a rare pleasure and one of the strongest reasons I would consider staying again.
If breakfast is not included, adding it is well worth considering. Marriott Titanium members receive breakfast for two, which significantly enhances the overall value.
While the welcome at the restaurant entrance felt somewhat brisk, the atmosphere inside grew warmer over time. By the third morning, casual conversations began to unfold – a reminder that genuine hospitality often reveals itself gradually.
Interestingly, most guests appeared to stay only one or two nights, suggesting this hotel is frequently part of shorter city visits.
Bowtie Bar – One of Midtown’s Best-Kept Secrets
Located on the second floor, Bowtie Bar offers a striking elevated view over Times Square. Many visitors seem unaware of it, which makes the experience feel pleasantly hidden.
Watching the movement of the square from above – removed from the crowds yet fully immersed in the energy – creates a perspective few venues can match.
Prices are surprisingly reasonable for such a setting. A meal including pizza, salad, beer, and sparkling water came to about $60. After several visits, I found the burgers particularly enjoyable, and the oversized pretzel is also worth trying.
This is less a place for a heavy dinner and more somewhere to unwind with a drink while absorbing the city. The bar operates from 5 PM to 11 PM, making it an easy stop even after a full evening out.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it is expensive – but it is also memorable enough to make me want to return.
For the best experience:
- Choose a high-floor room
- Include breakfast whenever possible
- Leverage elite benefits if available
For travelers seeking a quintessential Times Square view, the Renaissance New York Times Square hotel delivers a perspective that is remarkably difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Some hotels provide comfort. Others provide location.
A select few provide a sense of place – and this is undeniably one of them.
※ This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.