Times Square may be the heart of the city, but often its beat can be erratic—and overwhelming. If you're staying in Midtown, you need a hotel that provides accommodation and escape. The Room Mate certainly shines in the latter, with sleek room design reminiscent of Westworld and an enchanting indoor pool. It sounds treacherous to suggest a Times Square hotel that is adored by locals, but Grace’s illuminated indoor pool (with a built in pool bar) and stellar sauna have hosted many a wet and wild NYC rager, particularly for the gay-oriented D.I.P. and Horizn Aqua parties.
Otherwise, Room Mate has the standard features of a boutique hotel: a shoebox-sized workout room, tiny TVs, and a breakfast-only kitchen right next to the pool—which will make you particularly regret last night’s alcohol-induced underwater shenanigans at breakfast time.
None of these shortcomings would be particularly egregious if the Room Mate weren't in such a taxing neighborhood. Without a proper restaurant in the hotel, tired guests have to find food for themselves—while shoving past street performers and the line for Hamilton. If Room Mate can become a full-service refuge with all the fixings to soothe an over-saturated Times Square traveler, it will be unbeatable. Until then, the hotel’s reasonable prices, tasteful design and killer pool make it a safe bet for a capricious neighborhood.
TIME OUT TIP: Walk over to the unassuming, outstanding X'ian Famous Foods at 24 W 45th street for some of the city's best noodles.