Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG: An Honest Review of Location, Comfort, and Value in Midtown Manhattan

When planning a trip to New York City, choosing the right hotel can make or break the experience. With thousands of options competing for attention, travelers often find themselves stuck between luxury prices and budget compromises. That’s exactly where Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG positions itself — promising comfort, convenience, and reliability right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan without the sky-high rates of luxury brands.

But does it actually deliver?

In this in-depth review, we’ll take a realistic look at what it’s like to stay at Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG, covering everything from location and rooms to amenities, dining, service, and overall value. Whether you’re visiting for sightseeing, business, or a quick city getaway, this guide will help you decide if this hotel is the right fit for your New York adventure.

Prime Location: Steps from Times Square and Transit

One of the biggest selling points of Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG is its unbeatable location. The hotel is situated on West 39th Street, just off Eighth Avenue, placing guests within easy walking distance of some of the most iconic attractions in the city.

From the moment you step outside, you’re immersed in the energy of Midtown Manhattan. Times Square is only a few minutes away, making it easy to catch a Broadway show, explore flagship stores, or simply take in the bright lights that define New York City.

Nearby Attractions Within Walking Distance

• Times Square
  
  

• Broadway theaters
  
  

• Madison Square Garden
  
  

• Bryant Park
  
  

• Hudson Yards
  
  

• Empire State Building
  
  

• Rockefeller Center
  
  

The hotel is also incredibly well-connected to public transportation. Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal are close by, and multiple subway lines are easily accessible. This makes getting to other neighborhoods like Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Harlem fast and straightforward.

For first-time visitors, the location alone makes Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG a practical and stress-free choice.

First Impressions and Check-In Experience

The hotel occupies a tall, modern building typical of Midtown Manhattan. While the exterior is simple and functional, the interior feels polished and welcoming.

The lobby is compact — which is common for New York City hotels — but thoughtfully designed. Check-in is usually efficient, and the front desk staff are accustomed to handling a steady flow of international and domestic travelers.

IHG Rewards members often benefit from faster check-in and occasional room upgrades, depending on availability. Even during busy periods, the process tends to be smooth and professional.

Rooms: Compact but Comfortable

Space is always at a premium in New York City, and Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG is no exception. Rooms are smaller than what many travelers might expect from suburban or resort hotels, but they are well-designed to maximize comfort and functionality.

Room Features and Amenities

Each room typically includes:

• Comfortable bed with quality linens
  
  

• Flat-screen TV
  
  

• Work desk and chair
  
  

• Mini-fridge
  
  

• Coffee and tea maker
  
  

• In-room safe
  
  

• Blackout curtains
  
  

• Climate control
  
  

The beds are one of the highlights, offering a restful night’s sleep after long days of walking the city. Soundproofing is generally good for a Times Square location, though light sleepers may want to request a higher floor.

Bathrooms are modern and clean, featuring walk-in showers, fresh towels, and standard toiletries. While not luxurious, everything feels reliable and well maintained.

Cleanliness and Housekeeping

Cleanliness is an area where Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG consistently performs well. Housekeeping staff do a thorough job, and common areas are regularly cleaned throughout the day.

Rooms are serviced daily unless guests request otherwise, and fresh linens and towels are readily available. For travelers who prioritize hygiene and consistency, this hotel meets expectations without issue.

Views of the City That Never Sleeps

One underrated feature of this hotel is the view — especially from higher floors. Many rooms offer impressive views of Midtown Manhattan, with glimpses of skyscrapers, city lights, and sometimes even the Hudson River.

While it’s not guaranteed, requesting a higher floor during booking or check-in can enhance the overall experience. Watching the city wake up or wind down from your room adds a special touch to the stay.

Dining Options: Simple and Convenient

The hotel offers an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, which is convenient for guests looking to start their day quickly before heading out.

Breakfast Experience

Breakfast typically includes a mix of hot and cold options such as:

• Eggs and breakfast meats
  
  

• Pastries and bread
  
  

• Cereals and fruit
  
  

• Coffee and juices
  
  

While it’s not a gourmet experience, it’s filling and practical — especially for travelers with packed itineraries.

That said, the surrounding neighborhood offers endless dining options. From classic New York delis to international cuisine and late-night eats, you’ll never be short on food choices just steps from the hotel.

Fitness Center and Amenities

For guests who like to stay active, Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG features a small but functional fitness center. It includes cardio machines and basic equipment suitable for maintaining a workout routine while traveling.

Other amenities include:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
  
  

• Business center services
  
  

• 24-hour front desk
  
  

• Luggage storage
  
  

These features cater well to both leisure and business travelers.

Business Travelers: A Smart Midtown Base

Business travelers will appreciate the hotel’s location near major transit hubs and office districts. The work desks in rooms, reliable internet, and quick access to meeting locations make it a practical option for short business stays.

The proximity to Penn Station is particularly useful for those arriving by train or commuting to meetings outside Manhattan.

Family and Group Travel

While rooms are compact, Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG can still work well for families or small groups, especially those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city rather than staying in the room.

Connecting rooms or double bed options are available, though booking early is recommended due to high demand.

Value for Money in New York City

New York City hotel prices can be overwhelming, especially in Midtown. One of the strongest arguments for choosing Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG is the balance between price and location.

You’re paying for:

• A central, walkable location
  
  

• A trusted global hotel brand
  
  

• Clean, comfortable rooms
  
  

• Reliable service
  
  

While it doesn’t offer luxury frills, it delivers exactly what many travelers want: a dependable place to sleep, recharge, and explore the city from.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent Times Square location
  
  

• Comfortable beds and clean rooms
  
  

• Good soundproofing for Midtown
  
  

• Strong value compared to nearby hotels
  
  

• Reliable IHG standards
  
  

Cons

• Small room sizes
  
  

• Limited lobby space
  
  

• Breakfast not always included in room rate
  
  

Who Should Stay at Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG?

This hotel is best suited for:

• First-time visitors to New York City
  
  

• Tourists focused on sightseeing
  
  

• Business travelers needing central access
  
  

• Couples and solo travelers
  
  

• IHG Rewards members
  
  

If you’re looking for a luxury retreat or a boutique experience, this may not be the ideal choice. But if location, comfort, and value matter most, it’s a solid option.

Final Verdict

Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG does exactly what it promises. It offers a comfortable, clean, and convenient stay in one of the busiest and most exciting parts of New York City — without unnecessary complications or inflated luxury pricing.

While the rooms are compact and amenities are straightforward, the unbeatable location and dependable service make it a smart choice for travelers who want to experience New York City to the fullest.

If you’re searching for a well-located hotel that balances affordability with comfort, Holiday Inn New York City Times Square by IHG deserves a spot at the top of your list.