The Times Square EDITION

The Times Square EDITION stands as a "modern sanctuary" amidst the relentless energy of its iconic location, offering a blend of sophisticated design, high-end amenities, and a generally positive guest experience that has earned it a Michelin Key selection.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Times Square EDITION is largely positive, with guests frequently praising its luxurious atmosphere and prime location. While official Michelin Key ratings aren't publicly scored like stars, the selection itself signifies a distinguished property. Guest reviews often describe the hotel as "exceptional" and "luxuriously enjoyable", with a common theme of appreciating the contrast between the hotel's serene interior and the bustling Times Square outside. However, some guests have expressed concerns regarding value for money and occasional service inconsistencies. On platforms like Marriott, the hotel maintains an average rating of 4.3 out of 5, with cleanliness and location scoring higher at 4.6, and value for money at 3.9.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love several aspects of The Times Square EDITION:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is celebrated for its "ultra-modern styling" and "lush interiors". The stark, minimalist aesthetic with black and white palettes, marble, and touches of greenery creates a "peaceful and elegant" oasis. The long white entryway with black granite floors and a blue-ish green stainless-steel sphere is particularly noted for providing "refreshing sensory deprivation" from the Times Square chaos.
• Location: Despite Times Square's chaotic nature, the hotel's central position is a significant draw for tourists, offering unparalleled access to Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and other major attractions. Many rooms offer incredible floor-to-ceiling views of Times Square.
• Amenities: The hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness center, a performance venue, and three unique dining experiences. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout. Guests also appreciate "cutting edge fixtures" like programmable showers and smart TVs with numerous USB ports. The Paradise Club, an on-site nightclub and cabaret, is a unique entertainment highlight.
• Service: While some experiences vary, many guests commend the staff for being "friendly, professional, and welcoming". Concierge services are also offered.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features 452 guest rooms and suites, including a penthouse. Rooms are described as "clean and well appointed," with a "minimalist luxury look" and a predominantly white color palette.

• Comfort: Guests frequently mention the "super comfortable" beds with pillowtop mattresses and down comforters, along with sumptuous towels and robes, contributing to a relaxing stay. Soundproofing is often highlighted, making it easy to sleep despite the Times Square location.
• Design & Features: Rooms come with flat-screen TVs with cable channels, private bathrooms, and designer toiletries from Le Labo. Many rooms offer stunning city views, with select rooms featuring private balconies and additional living space. In-room amenities include a minibar, Nespresso coffee machine, and steamers (irons available on request).
• Space & Layout: While some guests find the rooms, especially standard ones, to be "relatively small" for NYC, they are generally considered comfortable for one person. The open-concept bathroom design, where the toilet and shower are in small, separate frosted glass enclosures within the main room, can be a point of contention for some, though a curtain can be drawn for more privacy.

4. Dining Experience

The Times Square EDITION offers three unique dining experiences developed by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser.

• The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens: This signature restaurant blends American brasserie classics with a vegetable-forward approach, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients. While the space is often praised for its "Mediterranean retreat" ambiance with greenery and Moroccan-style lamps, some guests have found the food "a little underseasoned and a little overpriced," though certain dishes like the King Crab Tagliatelle and I Love NY Chocolate Soufflé have received positive remarks. Breakfast here is generally considered "very good," but service can sometimes be slow and haphazard.
• 701West: This fine-dining restaurant features a three-course prix-fixe and à la carte menu, and has been recognized by The New York Times with three stars.
• Lobby Bar: Serving coffee, cocktails, and light bites, the Lobby Bar is noted for its beautiful design and welcoming atmosphere.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff hospitality is somewhat mixed but generally leaning positive. Many guests describe the staff as "attentive and friendly". The front desk team is often highlighted for being "outstanding—friendly, professional, and welcoming". Concierge services are also highly praised, with specific mentions of staff members going "above and beyond" to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay. However, some guests have reported instances of unhelpful or rude staff, particularly at reception or during breakfast service, and communication issues regarding "destination fees".

6. Location & Accessibility

Located at 20 Times Square, 701 7th Avenue at West 47th Street, the hotel's location is undeniably central.

• Neighborhood: It's right in the heart of Times Square, offering immediate access to the bustling crossroads, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.
• Attractions: Major landmarks like Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Macy's are all within walking distance or a short distance away. The Museum of Modern Art is also nearby.
• Transport: The central location provides excellent connectivity to the rest of Manhattan via subway. However, guests should be prepared for significant pedestrian and vehicular congestion in Times Square itself, especially when arriving or departing by car.

7. Value & Pricing

The Times Square EDITION is a luxury 5-star property, and its pricing reflects that. Room rates can be high, with some guests reporting prices around $395 per night before tax for a standard room, plus a destination fee. Suites can go for significantly more, with the penthouse reportedly around $10,000 a night.

• Is it worth the cost? Opinions on value for money are varied. While many feel the luxurious experience, design, and prime location justify the expense, some consider it "overpriced". The destination fee, which can be around $35-$50 per night, is a recurring point of criticism, with some guests feeling it's an "absurd" extra charge. This fee typically includes credits for laundry or food and beverage, and sometimes a SoulCycle class.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring criticisms include:

• Destination Fees: The mandatory daily destination or resort fee is a frequent complaint, with guests feeling it adds an unexpected cost and that the included benefits may not always be useful or transparently explained.
• Service Inconsistencies: While many praise the staff, some guests have reported instances of unwelcoming or unhelpful reception staff, slow breakfast service, or general unevenness in service quality.
• Room Size & Bathroom Layout: Some guests find standard rooms to be quite small for the price, and the open-concept bathroom design (with separate, enclosed toilet and shower within the main room) is not preferred by everyone, especially those traveling with companions.
• Dining Value: While the dining spaces are aesthetically pleasing, some found the food at The Terrace to be "underseasoned and a little overpriced".
• Cleanliness Issues: Although overall cleanliness ratings are high, a few guests have reported specific instances of rooms not being as clean as expected, noting things like glass pieces or human nail pieces on the rug. There was also a complaint about dirty common toilets in the bar area.
• Noise (despite soundproofing): While rooms are generally soundproofed, some sensitive guests have still noted light and noise from Times Square can be bothersome.
• Fire Alarms: One guest reported being woken multiple times by fire alarms with poor communication from the front desk.

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