Holiday Inn Express – Times Square, an IHG Hotel

First Impressions

Walking into Holiday Inn Express – Times Square, an IHG Hotel, you immediately get that \”okay, this works\” feeling. It’s not trying to be something it isn’t — this is a solid three-star hotel that knows exactly what travelers need when they’re staying in the heart of New York. The lobby is clean and efficient, with that familiar Holiday Inn Express vibe that honestly feels reassuring when you’re dealing with the chaos of Times Square just outside.

Location That Actually Matters

Here’s the thing about being on West 39th Street in Hell’s Kitchen — you’re close enough to Times Square that you can walk there in about five minutes, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the constant tourist madness right outside your door. I mean, couples seem to really get this location (they rate it 8.9, which is pretty impressive for Manhattan), and I can see why. You’ve got actual neighborhood restaurants around you, not just overpriced tourist traps, and the subway access is solid without the Times Square station crowds.

The Room Experience

The room itself is what you’d expect from Holiday Inn Express — clean, functional, and surprisingly quiet considering where you are. The beds are comfortable enough after a long day of walking around the city, and there’s actually decent space to spread out your stuff, which isn’t always a given in New York hotels. The bathrooms are small but well-designed, and honestly, the water pressure is better than some fancier places I’ve stayed at in the city.

Breakfast and Practical Perks

The continental breakfast setup is actually pretty decent — they do both continental and buffet style, so you can grab something quick or sit down for a proper meal before heading out. What really surprised me though is that they have private parking available, which is like finding gold in Manhattan. Sure, you’ll pay for it, but if you’re driving into the city (and I know, I know, most people don’t), it’s a huge relief not to worry about street parking or hunting down a garage.

Why Guests Love It

Look, this isn’t a luxury experience, but it gets the fundamentals right in a city where that’s harder than it sounds. You’re paying for location and reliability here, and the hotel delivers on both. The staff seems to understand that most guests are using this as a base to explore the city, so they keep things efficient and helpful without unnecessary fuss. For the price point in this area of Manhattan, it’s honestly a pretty smart choice — especially if you’d rather spend your money on Broadway shows and good dinners instead of an overpriced hotel spa you’ll never use anyway.