Riu Plaza New York Times Square

Riu Plaza New York Times Square Overview

You know what caught me off guard about the Riu Plaza? It’s actually got this sleek, almost Miami vibe going on right in the middle of Hell’s Kitchen – which sounds way more intimidating than it is, by the way. Walking up to it on 46th Street, you’re surrounded by all these pre-war buildings and then boom, there’s this modern glass tower that somehow doesn’t look completely out of place. I mean, it’s definitely newer than everything around it, but in a good way.

The lobby hits you with this polished marble and warm lighting situation that makes you feel like you’ve stepped up from the typical Midtown hotel experience. Honestly, for a 4-star place, they’ve really nailed that upscale feel without being stuffy about it. The check-in was surprisingly smooth – no twenty-person line snaking around like you get at some of the bigger chain hotels closer to Times Square. And speaking of Times Square, you’re literally a three-minute walk from all that chaos, but here’s the thing: you can actually escape it. The rooms on the higher floors (and there are 35 floors, so plenty of higher floors) face west toward the Hudson, which means you get these incredible sunset views instead of staring into someone’s office window across the street.

The Hell’s Kitchen location is actually perfect if you want to feel like you’re staying somewhere real New Yorkers go. You’ve got Ninth Avenue with all its food spots just a couple blocks west – I’m talking about places like Joe Allen for that old-school theater crowd vibe, or you can grab incredible Korean BBQ at Her Name is Han. The subway situation is solid too; you’re equidistant from the Times Square-42nd Street station (which, fair warning, is absolutely insane during rush hour) and the 50th Street stop on the C and E lines, which tends to be way less of a madhouse.

One thing I really appreciated – and this might sound weird – is that the elevators are fast and there are enough of them. You’re not standing there for five minutes watching floor numbers light up while you’re late for a dinner reservation. The rooms themselves are clean and modern, with those floor-to-ceiling windows that make even the standard rooms feel bigger than they are. The bathrooms are actually spacious by New York standards, which is saying something. The only minor gripe I’d have is that if you’re on a lower floor facing 46th Street, you’ll definitely hear some street noise – it’s not exactly a quiet residential block, but that’s kind of the trade-off for being so close to everything.

The 8.6 rating makes total sense when you consider what you’re getting for the price point in this neighborhood. You’re paying for location and quality without the tourist trap markup of being directly on Times Square itself. Plus, the staff actually seems to know the area – they can point you toward the good stuff instead of just handing you a generic pamphlet.

Riu Plaza New York Times Square Accommodations

Reviews of Riu Plaza New York Times Square

• Leticia from Brazil (9/10)

  The hotel was very good, comfortable, amazing location for who is visiting new york, 5 min from the times square! The room is small, but very nice, clean! The breakfast was delicious and complete, recommend this hotel very much!

• Ndewey from United States (7/10)

  room and shower were fine. TV lousy, kept disconnecting from internet. The buffet breakfast for $22 was fantastic!

• Jordan from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Location was perfect breakfast incredible

• Adam from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Perfect location, great facilities and breakfast was very good. Friendly staff and room was exactly what you need for a break in the city.

• Sherry from United States (9/10)

  Location, security, over all appearance and onsite breakfast. The food was fantastic.

• Sherry from United States (9/10)

  Location, security, appearance, decor, cleanliness, breakfast area, foods and service.

• Abraham from United Kingdom (9/10)

  Breakfast was great, can't ask for anymore. Room was good size and comfortable.

• Karen from United Kingdom (7/10)

  Location great.
  Rooms were good

• Nuala from Ireland (7/10)

  It was a great hotel, only thing we missed was tea/coffee making facilities in our room, these would have been a lovely addition

• Reilly from Ireland (8/10)

  Proximity to all major attractions. Very clean

Surroundings

Facilities