Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square

Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square Overview

First Impressions

Walking into Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square feels like stepping into the eye of the storm — and I mean that in the best possible way. While the neon chaos of Times Square pulses just outside, this four-star hotel manages to create this surprisingly calm bubble right in the middle of it all. The lobby has that sleek, modern feel without being cold, and honestly, after navigating the tourist crowds on 47th Street, you’ll appreciate how the staff here actually knows what they’re doing. There’s something reassuring about checking into a place that clearly gets the whole “location, location, location” thing right.

The Heart of Everything

You know what’s wild about staying here? You’re literally surrounded by everything that makes New York, well, New York. I’m talking about being steps away from Broadway theaters — and I mean the real ones, not the knockoff ticket booths. The subway entrances are right there (Times Square-42nd Street is basically your backyard), which means you can actually explore the city without spending a fortune on taxis. Couples seem to get this location thing — they’ve rated it 9.7, and honestly, I can see why. When you can walk to Central Park, the High Line, or catch a show without planning your entire evening around transportation, that’s when you know you’ve picked the right spot.

The Room Experience

The rooms here strike that perfect balance between comfort and practicality that you need in Manhattan. They’re not massive — this is New York, after all — but they’re smartly designed with enough space to actually unpack your suitcase. The windows offer views of the city (though let’s be real, some face other buildings, which is just part of the Manhattan experience). What I really appreciated was how well the soundproofing works; considering you’re in Times Square, being able to sleep without hearing every street performer and taxi horn is actually pretty impressive. The beds are solid, and the bathrooms have that clean, updated feel that makes you forget you’re in a city where some hotels still have fixtures from the 1980s.

Morning Fuel

The breakfast setup here is straightforward buffet style, which works perfectly when you’re trying to fuel up for a day of city exploration. It’s not going to win any culinary awards, but there’s something to be said for having options — fresh fruit, pastries, hot items — without having to venture into the Times Square breakfast scrum. I mean, have you tried finding a decent, reasonably priced breakfast in this neighborhood? The hotel’s approach saves you both time and the headache of navigating tourist trap cafes where a bagel costs more than lunch should.

Why Guests Love It

This hotel gets the fundamentals right in a way that matters when you’re visiting New York. The location puts you at the center of everything without making you feel like you’re camping out in a theme park. The service feels professional but not stuffy, and the whole place has this energy that matches the city — busy but organized, vibrant but not overwhelming. For travelers who want to be in the thick of things while still having a reliable, comfortable home base, Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square delivers exactly what it promises, nothing more, nothing less.

Early hotels booking in New York secures jazz supper clubs, skyline helicopter tours, and Hudson sailing picnics.

Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square Accommodations

Reviews of Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square

• Jonathan from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Breakfast was well worth the value off money

• Lucille from United States (9/10)

  Location is fabulous for our holiday season visit.

• Leigh from United States (9/10)

  Hotel was excellent location to Times Square and Rockefeller Center. It was clean, beautifully decorated for Christmas as well as normal decor. Every staff member encountered was pleasant and extremely accommodating. The hotel held our baggage for us the day of checking prior to being able to get into our room as well as the day we checked out until we got our train so that we didn’t not have to lug it around the city all day while taking in the sites.
  The room was extremely clean, modern and carpet free which was so refreshing to not have to worry about what I was stepping on.
  Soap and shower supplies smelled amazing!!

• Patrice from United States (8/10)

  Location

• Dorota from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Amazing hotel and great location with affordable prices. Highly recommended

• Frank from United States (9/10)

  Rooms were clean and nice. Times Square at Christmas time is pricey but it is all about location

• Michael from United States (9/10)

  The Riu Manhattan's location was perfect for our stay in the city. We specifically chose this hotel due to its proximity to Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. The room is modern, with thoughtful energy and water conservation. It is a good size, considering the location of New York City. We didn't mind our clothes hanging from an exterior closet rather than having a closet door. When we walked into the hotel we were greeted by a friendly front desk attendant and beautifully decorated entrance. We did not come to check in at a typical time, so there was no wait for us.

• Niamh from Ireland (9/10)

  Location, price and comfortable

• Smith from United States (9/10)

  Great location and clean, comfortable room.

• Julie from Ireland (9/10)

  Location and cleanliness

Surroundings

Facilities