Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square

First Impressions

Walking into Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square, you’re immediately struck by how they’ve managed to create this calm, upscale bubble right in the middle of all the Times Square chaos. The lobby has this sleek, contemporary feel that somehow makes you forget there are probably thousands of tourists snapping photos just outside the revolving doors. I mean, you’re literally steps away from the TKTS red steps and all those flashing billboards, but inside it feels surprisingly sophisticated — not touristy at all.

Location That Actually Delivers

Honestly, the location is pretty much perfect if you want to be in the thick of things. You’re on West 47th Street, which puts you within walking distance of basically every Broadway theater (most shows are just a 2-3 minute walk). What I really appreciated was how easy it made getting around — the subway stations at Times Square and 49th Street are right there, so you can hop on the N, Q, R, W, S, 1, 2, 3, or 7 trains without any hassle. The couples’ rating of 9.7 for location makes total sense because you can walk to dinner in Hell’s Kitchen, catch a show, then stroll back without ever needing a taxi.

The Room Experience

The rooms feel more spacious than you’d expect for Midtown Manhattan — and trust me, that’s saying something in this neighborhood where hotel rooms can feel like closets. The four-star touches are evident in the bedding and bathroom fixtures, though the real winner is the soundproofing. You’d think being this close to Times Square would mean constant noise, but I was genuinely surprised how quiet it stayed at night. The windows offer some great city views, and if you’re lucky enough to get a higher floor facing the right direction, you’ll catch glimpses of the neon madness below.

Breakfast and Dining

The buffet breakfast is actually quite solid — not just the usual continental spread you might expect. They’ve got hot options, fresh fruit, and decent coffee, which honestly saves you from having to venture out into the Times Square tourist trap restaurants first thing in the morning. It’s one of those things that seems small but makes a real difference when you’re planning busy days of sightseeing. You can fuel up properly before heading out to Central Park or the museums without the hassle of finding somewhere decent nearby (which, let’s be real, can be challenging in this immediate area).

Why Guests Love It

What really sets Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square apart is how it balances being right in the center of everything with actually providing a comfortable, refined place to retreat. The 8.7 rating reflects what you experience — it’s not trying to be the fanciest hotel in the city, but it delivers exactly what most travelers want: a well-located, well-run place that doesn’t break the bank. You’re paying for that incredible location and the convenience of being able to walk everywhere, but you’re also getting a genuinely pleasant stay. For visitors who want to maximize their time exploring the city rather than commuting from some distant neighborhood, it’s honestly hard to beat.