Holiday Inn Express – Times Square by IHG

First Impressions

Walking into Holiday Inn Express – Times Square by IHG, you immediately notice how they’ve managed to create a calm oasis in one of the busiest neighborhoods on earth. The lobby feels modern and clean — nothing fancy, but honestly, that’s exactly what you want when you’re staying in the heart of New York. This three-star hotel knows what it is and does it well, without trying to be something it’s not.

Location Magic

Here’s the thing about staying on West 39th Street in Hell’s Kitchen — you’re literally a five-minute walk from Times Square, but you escape the absolute chaos when you turn down this block. I mean, you can still hear the city humming, but it’s not the overwhelming sensory overload you get right in the thick of it. The subway stations are everywhere around here, and you’ll find yourself walking to so many places instead of taking cabs because everything feels surprisingly close. Plus, Hell’s Kitchen has some incredible food spots that most tourists never discover.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in was exactly what you’d expect from Holiday Inn Express — clean, comfortable, and efficiently designed. The beds are actually really good (I’m picky about this), and the blackout curtains work well, which is crucial when you’re dealing with all those neon lights outside. You know what impressed me? The shower pressure was solid, and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped. The windows face the street, so you get a real New York view of fire escapes and neighboring buildings — it’s not glamorous, but it’s authentic.

Practical Perks

The complimentary breakfast is honestly better than I expected — it’s not just pastries and coffee, but actual hot options that’ll fuel you for a day of walking around the city. The staff here really knows their stuff about the neighborhood too. When I asked about getting to Brooklyn, the front desk person gave me three different route options and told me which one would be fastest during rush hour. There’s also a fitness center that’s small but functional, and the Wi-Fi actually works well throughout the building, which isn’t always a given in older New York buildings.

Why Guests Love It

What really makes this place work is how it balances location with value — you’re paying for that Times Square proximity without the Times Square premium that some hotels charge. Couples seem to particularly appreciate this spot because you can easily walk to Broadway shows, but you’re not staying somewhere that feels like a tourist trap. The neighborhood has character, with local bars and restaurants mixed in with the tourist spots. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re experiencing real New York while still being steps away from all the iconic stuff you came to see.