Holiday Inn New York City – Times Square, an IHG Hotel

First Impressions

Walking into Holiday Inn New York City – Times Square, an IHG Hotel, you immediately get that \”we’re actually in Manhattan\” feeling without the overwhelming chaos that hits you at some of the bigger chain hotels right in the thick of Times Square. The lobby has a clean, modern vibe — nothing too fancy, but honestly, that’s exactly what you want from a solid three-star property in this part of town. The staff moves efficiently, which I appreciate when you’re dragging luggage through New York after a long travel day.

Location That Actually Works

Here’s what I love about the Hell’s Kitchen location — 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. The hotel sits on 8th Avenue, and honestly, this stretch gives you easy access to some fantastic local spots that most visitors miss. You know what’s great? You can grab authentic Thai food, hit up a proper New York deli, or find a quiet bar without fighting through crowds of people taking selfies.

The Room Experience

I’ll be straight with you — the room isn’t huge, but this is Manhattan, so you adjust your expectations accordingly. What surprised me was how comfortable the beds actually are. I mean, I’ve stayed at places twice the price where I tossed and turned all night, but here I slept really well. The windows offer decent city views (though don’t expect the Empire State Building), and the air conditioning works properly, which is more important than you might think during summer months. The bathroom is compact but functional, with good water pressure in the shower.

Breakfast and Practical Stuff

The breakfast setup is pretty solid for a hotel in this price range — they do both American options and a buffet, plus you can grab something to go if you’re rushing out to catch a Broadway show or meet friends. I actually used the breakfast-to-go option a couple times when I wanted to eat in Central Park instead of the restaurant. There’s also parking available, which is honestly a miracle in this part of the city, though you’ll pay for it (but that’s just New York reality).

Why Guests Love It

What really works here is that the hotel delivers on the basics without trying to be something it’s not. Couples seem to particularly appreciate the location — and I get why, since you can easily walk to dinner in Hell’s Kitchen, catch a show, then come back to a quiet street for the night. The location score speaks for itself, and after staying here, I understand why people rate it so highly. It’s that sweet spot where you get the New York experience without paying Manhattan luxury prices or dealing with the tourist circus every time you leave your room.