Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square West

With its sleek interior decor, low lighting, and pops of color, Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square West offers a restful spot in the midst of a busy area. The lobby is punctuated by colorful carpets with rectangular patterns, floor-to-ceiling windows, funky lights, and contemporary, boxy armchairs and sofas. While the lobby isn't overly spacious, there are other public areas, such as the charming outdoor courtyard, where guests can sit and have a drink or meal from the hotel’s Bistro. The Bistro has its own distinctive decor -- pops of orange complement the geometric-patterned carpet, and several tables have their own built-in TV screens. All in all, it's a laid-back scene that hardly breaks the chain-hotel mold, but it's location and reliability draws tourists -- mostly families and couples -- and business travelers.

This Courtyard is well positioned to do a sightseeing blitz. It's about a 15-minute walk to Times Square, a nine-minute walk to Penn Station, a five-minute walk to the Port Authority bus terminal, and it's close to several subway lines -- helpful to access attractions farther afield, like the 9/11 Memorial (an 18-minute ride). The Empire State Building might be a bit of a hike at 17 minutes, but it's easy to grab a crosstown bus to visit this iconic sight. Madame Tussauds, the famous wax museum, is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and the Broadway theater district is a 15-minute walk or an 11-minute trip via public transportation. This lively area doesn't lack for restaurants and shopping on the hotel's surrounding streets (Macy's is about a 15-minute walk). LaGuardia Airport is close to a 40-minute drive from the hotel, while JFK International Airport is a bit more than an hour's drive.

The 224 rooms at the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square are contemporary and decorated in by-the-numbers chain-hotel decor: beige-toned walls, white linen bedding, dark-wood furniture, and New York-inspired wall art. They're not especially spacious, but that's expected for a Midtown property. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and irons and ironing boards. Higher-category rooms have cityscape views. Rooms are air-conditioned, but guests have complained that it's noisy, and that housekeeping sometimes falls short. Bathrooms have a bit more personality with bold, teal-blue accent walls, silver-trimmed mirrors, and dark-wood vanities. They have either shower/tub combos or glass showers. Paul Mitchell toiletries and hairdryers are provided. 

As expected for the brand, the Courtyard New York Manhattan/Times Square West packs in some nice amenities. The Bistro is well laid out and serves snacks, meals, and drinks throughout the day and evening, including Starbucks coffee. Breakfast is not included in the rates, and past guests have complained that it's pricey (you'd likely fare better on your own at one of the nearby eateries). The property's 24-hour gym isn't large but has a range of cardio and weight-lifting machines, exercise balls, and free weights. For business travelers, there’s two fully equipped meeting rooms and two desktop computers and a printer in the lobby. Other features include a coin-operated laundry and free Wi-Fi. There’s no on-site parking, but nearby garages can be less expensive than elsewhere in the city.