StuartOn my recent visit to New York, I decided to stay in the Riu Manhattan Plaza Times Square. For those of you who have not heard of Riu, they are a hotel chain based in Spain and are expanding further afield to places such as New York City.
Location of Riu Manhattan Plaza Times Square
I chose this location as it was in the centre of everything being only steps away from Times Square. In fact, my room had a view of Times Square itself (more on the room later). Being this close to Times Square meant that you could easily get a subway across Manhattan and beyond. It also meant I could get the hop on hop off bus from the main stop. Across the road was also a Dunkin’ Donuts but there were many other places to eat in the area.
Check In
Check in was a breeze. I was checked in straight away and given a room on the 37th floor (as with most buildings in Manhattan, the hotel is very tall). The receptionist was very friendly and efficient. I had to pay the facility fee at this point which is common across hotels in the USA. Make sure you budget for this when looking for hotels in the USA. The room was ready so I made my way upstairs.
The Room
There are two banks of lifts to go up to the rooms in the hotel. Three of the lifts serve the lower floors and three of the lifts serve the higher floors. Make sure you know which one to get! Luckily, I had to tap my card on the sensor in the lift to select a floor so this meant I knew I was in the correct lift.
Upon arrival at my room in Riu Manhattan Plaza Times Square, I was pleased to find that the room was very modern. Although it was small, it had everything I could need, including storage space under the bed. The view of Times Square was an added bonus. The wardrobe was open and easily accessible, but there were no tea or coffee-making facilities. However, there was a coffee shop located in the reception area. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and the room was very quiet. The bathroom was well-equipped, with toiletries and a convenient walk-in shower. It was a great place to retire to after a busy day walking the streets of New York.
Facilities at the Riu Manhattan Plaza Times Square
As there were plenty of places to have breakfast in the area, I decided that I would only book the hotel on a room only basis. In fact, I was able to have a light breakfast in the coffee shop in the reception of the hotel. A few times I had either a coffee and a croissant or a coffee and a muffin. The coffee shop also doubled up as a bar. You could get alcoholic and soft drinks here and relax with them in the lobby bar seating area.
I made full use of the free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel which is more than I could say for the gym. There is a 24 hour gym available at the hotel but after all the walking I did across the city, I did not need it!
I had late check out in the hotel (it costs up to $100 to keep the room until 5pm). However, if you didn’t want this, then you could store luggage with the hotel whilst you went out and about before the transfer back to the airport.
Overall
I would stay here again as it had a great location although if you are looking for somewhere less hectic, then you would probably prefer a hotel further away from Times Square. The lack of tea and coffee in the room was a surprise as most hotels in the USA have these but, saying that, it was easy to get a coffee in the lobby bar.
If you are looking for a hotel in the thick of it then this is definitely the hotel for you.
