Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square: An Honest Review of One of NYC’s Best-Located Hotels

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want to stay right in the heart of the action, Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square is likely already on your radar. Located just steps away from the bright lights, Broadway theaters, and iconic attractions of Midtown Manhattan, this modern hotel has quickly become a popular choice for both first-time visitors and returning NYC travelers.

In this in-depth review, we’ll take a close look at Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square, covering its location, rooms, amenities, dining options, service quality, and overall value. Whether you’re visiting New York for sightseeing, shopping, business, or a Broadway show, this guide will help you decide if this hotel is the right fit for your stay.

Prime Location: The Biggest Advantage of Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square

One of the standout features of Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square is its unbeatable location. Situated on West 48th Street, just off Times Square, the hotel places you at the epicenter of New York City’s most famous neighborhood—without being directly on the noisiest stretch of Broadway.

From the moment you step outside, you’re surrounded by:

• Times Square (less than a minute away)
  
  

• Broadway theaters within walking distance
  
  

• Rockefeller Center
  
  

• Radio City Music Hall
  
  

• Fifth Avenue shopping
  
  

• Bryant Park
  
  

• Central Park (about a 10–15 minute walk)
  
  

Multiple subway lines are nearby, making it easy to reach downtown Manhattan, Harlem, Brooklyn, and even Queens without hassle. For travelers who want to maximize sightseeing time and minimize commuting, Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square offers one of the most convenient bases in the city.

First Impressions and Check-In Experience

The hotel’s exterior blends modern architecture with the sleek style you’d expect from a newer Times Square property. Inside, the lobby is contemporary, clean, and efficient rather than overly luxurious—which fits the fast-paced NYC vibe perfectly.

Check-in is generally smooth and well-organized, even during busy travel periods. Staff members are accustomed to international travelers and tend to be professional, efficient, and helpful. While Times Square hotels can sometimes feel chaotic, Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square manages to maintain a calm and organized atmosphere.

Rooms and Accommodations: Modern, Comfortable, and Well-Designed

Rooms at Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square are modern and thoughtfully designed, especially considering the limited space typical of Manhattan hotels. While rooms aren’t oversized, they are functional, clean, and comfortable—ideal for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city.

Room Features

Most rooms include:

• Comfortable beds with quality mattresses
  
  

• Flat-screen TV
  
  

• Mini refrigerator
  
  

• Desk and seating area
  
  

• Climate control
  
  

• In-room safe
  
  

• Modern bathroom with rainfall shower
  
  

Soundproofing is surprisingly good for a Times Square location. Even though you’re in one of the busiest areas in the world, rooms are generally quiet enough for restful sleep.

Cleanliness and Comfort

Cleanliness is one of the hotel’s strong points. Housekeeping is consistent, and rooms are well-maintained. The modern décor, neutral color palette, and smart lighting give the space a fresh and welcoming feel.

Dining and Breakfast: A Major Highlight

One of the most talked-about features of Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square is its breakfast offering. Unlike many NYC hotels that provide only a basic continental breakfast—or none at all—this hotel is known for its generous and well-organized breakfast service.

Breakfast Experience

The breakfast buffet typically includes:

• Hot dishes (eggs, bacon, sausages)
  
  

• Fresh fruit and pastries
  
  

• Bread, cereals, and yogurt
  
  

• Coffee, tea, and juices
  
  

• Options for different dietary needs
  
  

For travelers who want to start their day fueled up before sightseeing, this is a big plus. The breakfast area can get busy during peak hours, but staff work efficiently to keep things moving.

Other Dining Options

While the hotel does not heavily focus on fine dining, its location means you’re surrounded by countless restaurants, cafes, and bars. From quick bites to upscale dining, you’ll have endless choices just steps from the hotel.

Amenities and Facilities

While Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square is not a resort-style property, it offers all the essentials most NYC travelers need.

Fitness Center

The hotel features a well-equipped gym, ideal for guests who want to maintain their workout routine while traveling. The fitness area includes cardio machines, free weights, and enough space to exercise comfortably.

Business and Common Areas

There are business-friendly amenities, including meeting spaces and common seating areas in the lobby. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and generally performs well, even during busy periods.

Service and Staff: Efficient and Professional

Service at Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square is generally professional and efficient. Staff are used to handling high guest volumes and tend to be quick and solution-oriented.

While this isn’t a boutique hotel where staff know you by name, the service matches what most travelers expect from a modern international hotel brand: reliable, courteous, and organized.

Who Should Stay at Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square?

This hotel appeals to a wide range of travelers, but it’s especially well-suited for:

First-Time Visitors to New York City

If you want to be close to iconic landmarks and experience the energy of Times Square, this location is hard to beat.

Couples and Friends

Comfortable rooms, great location, and easy access to nightlife and entertainment make it ideal for short city breaks.

Tourists and Sightseers

Being able to walk to major attractions saves time and transportation costs.

International Travelers

The hotel is accustomed to guests from around the world and offers a consistent, familiar experience.

Business travelers may also find the hotel convenient, although those seeking a quieter, more corporate-focused environment might prefer areas like Midtown East.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Considering its location, modern rooms, included breakfast, and overall quality, Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square offers solid value compared to many nearby hotels. Times Square accommodations are rarely cheap, but this hotel delivers a good balance between price and comfort.

When factoring in the breakfast savings and reduced transportation costs due to the central location, the overall value becomes even more attractive.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional Times Square location
  
  

• Modern, clean rooms
  
  

• Excellent breakfast buffet
  
  

• Good soundproofing for the area
  
  

• Easy access to public transportation
  
  

Cons

• Rooms are not very large (typical for Manhattan)
  
  

• Can feel busy during peak travel seasons
  
  

• Limited on-site dining beyond breakfast
  
  

Final Verdict: Should You Book Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square?

If location is your top priority, Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square is an excellent choice. It delivers exactly what many New York City travelers are looking for: comfort, convenience, and modern amenities in one of the most iconic locations in the world.

While it may not offer luxury spa facilities or oversized suites, it excels where it matters most for a city hotel—clean rooms, good service, and unbeatable access to New York’s top attractions.

For travelers who want to step outside their hotel and immediately feel the pulse of NYC, Hotel RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square is a smart, reliable, and highly recommended option.