Candlewood Suites NYC -Times Square, an IHG Hotel ⭐⭐⭐

Hotel Description

Look, I’ll be honest with you – when I first walked up to the Candlewood Suites on 39th Street, I wasn’t expecting much. It’s tucked into Hell’s Kitchen in this spot that feels sort of industrial, you know? But here’s the thing about this place that actually surprised me: it gets the extended-stay hotel thing right in a way that most don’t.

The lobby’s nothing fancy, but once you get upstairs, the rooms are legit spacious for Manhattan standards. I mean, we’re talking actual kitchens here – not those sad little mini-fridges with a microwave on top. Full-size fridge, stovetop, dishwasher, the works. The first time I opened that kitchen cabinet and saw real plates and actual wine glasses, I actually did a little fist pump. After staying in shoebox hotels where you can barely open your suitcase, having counter space to spread out your takeout from Joe Allen (just two blocks away, by the way) feels like luxury. The beds are surprisingly decent too – none of that rock-hard hotel mattress nonsense that leaves you walking around Times Square like a hunchback.

What I really appreciate about this location is that you’re close enough to all the Times Square madness without being right in the thick of it. You can walk to the theater district in like five minutes, but when you come back at night, you’re not dealing with the Elmo costume guys and aggressive ticket hawkers right outside your door. Hell’s Kitchen has this great mix of actual New Yorkers going about their lives and tourists figuring things out – it feels more real, if that makes sense. The 9th Avenue food scene is right there too, which honestly might be my favorite thing about staying here. You’ve got everything from dollar pizza to places that’ll make your credit card weep, all within a few blocks.

Now, I won’t sugarcoat everything – the hotel itself shows its age in spots. The hallway carpets have seen better days, and sometimes the elevator sounds like it’s having an existential crisis. But the staff actually seems to care, which goes a long way in a city where customer service can be… well, let’s call it “efficient.” Check-in was smooth both times I’ve stayed, and when my key card died at 11 PM (because of course it did), they fixed it without making me feel like I’d ruined their entire evening.

The neighborhood gets a little sketchy late at night – it’s not dangerous, just that urban grittiness that some people love and others hate. You’ll hear sirens occasionally, and yes, there are some colorful characters around Port Authority, but that’s just Manhattan being Manhattan. If you’re the type who needs everything pristine and quiet, maybe stick to Midtown East. But if you want space to actually live a little during your stay, plus easy subway access and real New York character, this place delivers more than you’d expect from a 3-star rating.

Rooms

• Studio Suite with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Queen Studio with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Queen Studio – Disability Access with 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Queen Studio City View with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• One-Bedroom Queen Suite with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Queen Suite with Roll-In Shower – Disability Access with large double bed, 1 large double bed, sofa bed and 1 sofa bed for 4 adults, 3 children
• Studio Queen Suite – High Floor with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child
• Studio Queen Suite – City View with 2 × 1 large double bed for 2 adults, 1 child

Reviews

• Mariel from Argentina (8/10)

  The location is excellent: within easy walking distance of Penn Station, all public transport (including the ferry to Staten Island) and the theatres, yet on a relatively quiet street. What struck me first was the sheer size of the suite and the outstanding furnishings, including a wonderful bed, a comfortable armchair, 2 chairs, a well-equipped kitchen with even a dishwasher! The bathroom was a good size as well. Laundry facilities free of charge in the basement were a welcome addition. The staff was most attentive from the word go.

• Simon from United States (8/10)

  The room was very clean and the elevators fast. It was one of the more affordable hotels in the Times Square area (although nothing is really affordable in NYC).

• Tina from United Kingdom (8/10)

  The hotel was in a great location, is was comfortable and quiet. The staff were very friendly.

• Jennifer from United Kingdom (8/10)

  Great location and the room was great, especially with a little kitchen

• Manuel from Peru (9/10)

  large room and bathroom, well equipped kitchen. Staff was polite and welcoming. hot chocolate and muffins at the entrance were well appreaciated.

• João from Brazil (9/10)

  Good room space, awesome location, room clean.

• Camacho from Mexico (7/10)

  I liked the concept of the suite witn accomodations to cook.
  
  I am the type of person who choose the hotel based on location and with a standard service for me to rest after spending all day outside in the city. This is not a fancy hotel but it works if you are looking for a place to recharge after walking in the city for hours.
  
  If you are arriving by plane in JFK Airport you can get to the hotel by Subway via the E line. The Port Authority bus station is also near.
  
  The hygiene products were good quality, the location was good. It’s near Times Square and many subway stations or attractions in Midtown Manhattan can be reached by subway or walking. If you don’t like the noise or general chaotic atmosphere near Times Square I don’t recommend staying in this or any other hotel nearby.
  
  Getting food and beverages is no issue. You can easily shop in convience stores or if you walk further you can go to Target or Whole Foods. Rooms have a big fridge to store food and enough utensils to cook and eat.
  
  I read a few comments about the rooms not being clean upon arrival. That was NOT my experience. My room was clean.
  
  I’ve also read a few comments about rooms not having a view. The location of this hotel is not in Times Square is on 39th street but you have to walk for 10 minutes to reach Times Square. The only view you can get from this hotel is from the buildings in front and that should be expected given the location.
  
  If you like a view, is better to stay near Central Park or go outside 🙂
  
  The staff was friendly and from the start they explained due to the concept of the rooms, clean service would be done after one week of staying, but housekeeping could still be requested directly.
  We requested getting our trash picked up and they left us a new set of towels as well.

• Anja from Slovenia (8/10)

  Perfect location, near subway, elevators were just fine- no problems whatsoever, fast wifi. We stayed in 16 floor.

• Mike from Netherlands (8/10)

  A charming hotel in an unbeatable location! While the rooms have a somewhat dated decor, they are cozy and well-maintained, offering a comfortable stay. Loved the full kitchen in the room, very convenient for longer stays or those who prefer to prepare their own meals. Overall, it’s a great choice for both comfort and practicality.

• T from United States (9/10)

  Love the kitchen, stovetop, glassware. Also the free rentals for movies and books was a great plus. Free coffee was excellent. Staff held our luggage before check in and after check out. Very friendly, helpful, and efficient.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities