Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square Review: A Stylish Stay in the Heart of Manhattan

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want to stay right in the middle of the action, Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square is one of those hotels that keeps popping up—for good reason. Located just steps from Times Square, this modern, high-rise hotel blends comfort, convenience, and surprisingly calm interiors despite its ultra-busy surroundings.

In this in-depth review, I’ll walk you through what it’s really like to stay at Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square, covering everything from location and rooms to breakfast, amenities, and whether it’s actually worth the price. Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time or returning for another Broadway-filled adventure, this review will help you decide if this hotel is the right fit.

First Impressions of Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

From the moment you step inside Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square, it’s clear that this isn’t your typical cramped Manhattan hotel. The lobby is large, bright, and modern, with high ceilings and sleek design touches that feel more upscale than many hotels in this price range.

Despite being located right in Times Square, the hotel manages to feel surprisingly relaxed. The check-in process is efficient, the staff is professional and friendly, and the atmosphere strikes a nice balance between business-friendly and tourist-ready.

This is the kind of hotel that feels polished without being stiff—perfect for travelers who want comfort and efficiency after long days exploring New York City.

Location: Why Times Square Is a Big Deal

Let’s talk about one of the biggest selling points: location.

Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square is located on West 46th Street, just off 8th Avenue. You’re literally steps away from Times Square, Broadway theaters, restaurants, and major subway lines. Whether you’re heading to a Broadway show, Central Park, or Lower Manhattan, getting around is effortless.

Nearby Attractions Within Walking Distance

• Times Square – 2 minutes
  
  

• Broadway theaters – 2–5 minutes
  
  

• Rockefeller Center – 10 minutes
  
  

• Central Park – 15 minutes
  
  

• Fifth Avenue shopping – 12 minutes
  
  

• Bryant Park – 15 minutes
  
  

If you’re visiting New York for sightseeing, this location alone makes Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square incredibly appealing. You’ll save time, transportation costs, and energy—especially helpful if you’re in the city for a short stay.

Rooms at Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

New York hotel rooms are infamous for being small, but Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square does a solid job of maximizing space.

Room Size and Layout

Rooms are modern, clean, and thoughtfully designed. While they’re not huge (this is Manhattan), they feel comfortable rather than cramped. Many rooms feature:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows
  
  

• Comfortable beds with quality linens
  
  

• Functional work desks
  
  

• Plenty of storage for short stays
  
  

Some rooms even offer partial city views, which is always a nice bonus in New York.

Comfort and Cleanliness

Beds are supportive and comfortable—ideal after walking 20,000 steps around the city. Soundproofing is impressive considering the location, and most guests report quiet nights despite being so close to Times Square.

Housekeeping is consistent and thorough, which adds to the overall feeling that Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square is well-managed and guest-focused.

Bathrooms: Modern and Practical

Bathrooms at Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square are modern, clean, and well-maintained. Expect:

• Walk-in showers with good water pressure
  
  

• Sleek, contemporary design
  
  

• Quality toiletries
  
  

• Plenty of lighting
  
  

While the bathrooms aren’t oversized, they’re practical and comfortable, which is exactly what you want after a long day exploring NYC.

Breakfast at Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

One of the most talked-about features of Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square is the breakfast—and for good reason.

What’s Included

The breakfast buffet is generous and varied, especially by New York standards. You’ll typically find:

• Eggs, bacon, and sausages
  
  

• Fresh fruit and yogurt
  
  

• Pastries and breads
  
  

• Cereals and granola
  
  

• Coffee, tea, and juices
  
  

The dining area is large, organized, and efficiently managed, even during peak hours. This is a big plus for families and travelers who don’t want to hunt for breakfast every morning.

Is Breakfast Worth It?

In a city where breakfast can easily cost $15–$25 per person, having breakfast included at Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square adds real value—especially for longer stays.

Amenities and Facilities

While you probably won’t spend much time in the hotel when visiting NYC, Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square offers a solid range of amenities.

On-Site Features

• 24-hour front desk
  
  

• Modern fitness center
  
  

• Luggage storage
  
  

• Business center
  
  

• On-site restaurant and bar
  
  

The gym is clean and well-equipped, making it easy to keep up with workouts—even on vacation. The bar area is a nice place to unwind in the evening, especially if you’re too tired to venture out again.

Service and Staff Experience

Service is one area where Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square consistently earns positive reviews.

Staff members are professional, helpful, and used to dealing with international travelers. Whether it’s answering questions, storing luggage, or handling check-in and check-out, everything runs smoothly.

This level of reliability makes a big difference in a fast-paced city like New York, where small inconveniences can quickly become stressful.

Who Should Stay at Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square?

This hotel isn’t for everyone—but it is perfect for certain types of travelers.

Ideal For:

• First-time visitors to New York City
  
  

• Tourists focused on sightseeing
  
  

• Broadway theater lovers
  
  

• Families and couples
  
  

• Travelers who value location over luxury extras
  
  

Maybe Not Ideal For:

• Travelers seeking a quiet, residential neighborhood
  
  

• Those looking for boutique or ultra-luxury experiences
  
  

• Visitors planning long stays with lots of in-room time
  
  

If your priority is being close to everything and having a comfortable, reliable base, Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square fits the bill beautifully.

Value for Money in NYC

New York hotels are expensive—there’s no way around it. Compared to other hotels in Times Square, Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square offers strong value.

You’re paying for:

• A prime location
  
  

• Modern, clean rooms
  
  

• Included breakfast
  
  

• Reliable service
  
  

When you factor in transportation savings and convenience, the overall value becomes even clearer.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros

• Excellent Times Square location
  
  

• Clean, modern rooms
  
  

• Surprisingly quiet interiors
  
  

• Generous breakfast buffet
  
  

• Friendly, efficient staff
  
  

Cons

• Rooms are not large (typical for NYC)
  
  

• Can be busy during peak tourist seasons
  
  

• Limited “luxury” extras
  
  

Final Verdict: Is Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square Worth It?

After considering location, comfort, service, and overall value, Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square stands out as one of the better hotel options in its category.

It doesn’t try to be overly luxurious or boutique-styled—instead, it focuses on doing the essentials very well. For travelers who want to be in the heart of Manhattan without sacrificing comfort or convenience, this hotel delivers exactly what it promises.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and want a reliable, modern hotel steps from Times Square, Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square is absolutely worth considering.