A team of Oyster reporters spent weeks exploring 193 hotels in New York. We slept in the beds, ate in the restaurants, tested the service, and lounged by the pools, all with an eye toward selecting the most distinguished properties. Here's a list of the best hotels for the buck in Times Square.
The Best Western underwent a full renovation in September '09 and has some of the lowest rates in Times Square. The clean rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, brand-new appliances, and a new look that's reminiscent of an Urban Outfitters clothing store.
An excellent location and up-to-date (if snug) rooms make the Comfort Inn a deal. It's situated on a safe, quiet street just a half-block from Time Square's buzz and a short walk from Central Park and Rockefeller Center. Plus, all its rooms have flatscreens, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi.
Renovated in 2008, this 369-room Hilton comes with some snazzy features, especially for the price: a top-notch gym; free printing from the business center; free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel; and large rooms with superb beds. It's a great value, even if it is just outside the heart of Times Square.
In the heart of Times Square but just outside most of the noise, the 228-room Mela boutique brings a little South Beach style to Manhattan. Free Wi-Fi, great beds, and a high-quality fitness center make the Mela an excellent alternative to the Marriott Marquis or Westin Times Square.
A homey boutique in the heart of Times Square, the Casablanca is a small treasure among massive hotels. A daily wine and cheese reception and free breakfast in the cozy lounge add to its charm. Rooms are nothing special, but overall, the Casablanca is a great pick for the price.
Clean rooms, an excellent, uncommonly quiet Times Square location, and a happening lounge -- for the price, the Time is a fine option. The clean, bright guest rooms come with flat-screen TVs, iPod-compatible Bose radios, and terry cloth robes.
For the price, this colorful 139-room Times Square boutique hotel offers more: great beds; free Wi-Fi; free healthy breakfasts; sauna, steam room, gym; great rates on four-person rooms; and a small indoor lobby pool and swim-up bar that hosts a popular gay pool party every Wednesday.