voco Times Square - Broadway by IHG

The hotel’s best feature is its location, just steps from Times Square, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, and more. But the rooms are small, with barely enough space to open a suitcase and get things in and out. My wife and I were visiting for the first time, shortly after the hotel opened. I also had a frustrating experience with the $30-per-night amenity fee, which they charged from the security deposit. In return, they offer a $20 credit each day for breakfast or overpriced lobby snacks, but unused credit doesn’t roll over. Nobody told me about this. I only learned at checkout, and ended up grabbing snacks because I didn’t want to feel I’d simply given away $60 for our two nights. I booked with points because I stay at their hotels at least 30-40 nights a year. I spoke to the manager to ask whether the fee could be waived, but there was no way around it. I think the fees should be explained much more clearly. Losing $60 this way felt completely absurd. It seems like this is how the hotel, like many others in New York, gets around the regulation that recently took effect prohibiting so-called resort fees.

For the price, it’s good, and the staff were great. The hotel is nicely renovated and has good furniture. The room was tiny for two adults and a four-year-old, but manageable as long as you know that ahead of time. Our main complaint was that it stayed warm unless we opened the window. The HVAC was set to 65, the lowest setting, but with the window closed the temperature kept fluctuating between 71 and 73. I’m not sure it even has AC. In such a cramped room, the heat made things less comfortable than they needed to be.

The design was cool, the location was great, and the staff were nice and accommodating. When a few things came up, management responded quickly and generously. I’ll definitely look at booking here again when I’m in town for a Broadway show.

Double-layer motorized blackout blinds and really impressive soundproofing gave me possibly the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had away from home. The lobby is gorgeous and gave me an instant, cozy place to unwind, and the staff were extremely courteous. Carnegie Diner on the second floor was just right for breakfast. I love this hotel.