A hotel needs to tick at least three boxes for when you’re visiting New York City—it’s got to be clean, comfortable and centrally located. Aura Hotel Times Square checks these off easily, and it all begins when you enter the lobby on West 44th Street.
As soon as we stepped inside the soothing space (with a dreamy scent immediately gracing us), the chaos of midtown quickly faded away. Our check-in was seamless and pleasant (we were given two drink tickets to the bar next door, The Long Room), and we got to head up to our room straight away, one of the penthouse suites overlooking part of Times Square and the Theater District—a reminder of just how perfectly located Aura Hotel is.
Why stay at Aura Hotel Times Square?
Set across from Belasco Theatre, a block or two from Bryant Park, Times Square and many other Broadway theaters, it is one of the more convenient stays in the area, and it doesn’t skimp on vibes.
Aura Hotel was previously Hotel Mela, but it underwent an extensive renovation, with a grand reopening in 2024 by Rebel Hotel Company. So, what’s new here? A fresh aesthetic with newly redesigned rooms with modern furnishings, state-of-the-art technology and better cityscape views is what.
The stylish design found in each room is both calming and pleasant with upscale touches across the space, from plush rugs to light wood accents and more. Plus, there are lovely Molton Brown toiletries and Nespresso coffee machines in each room. Aura Hotel Times Square also has a dedicated 24/7 front desk service in case you need anything around the clock.
What are the rooms like at Aura Hotel Times Square?
There are nine types of rooms to choose from at Aura Hotel Times Square: the Standard Full (165 square feet, sleeps two), the Superior Queen (190 square feet, sleeps 2), the Deluxe Queen (220 square feet, sleeps two), the Deluxe King (220 square feet, sleeps two), the Deluxe Double (220 square feet, sleeps four), the Executive Queen (330 square feet, sleeps two), the Executive King (300 square feet, sleeps two), a One Bedroom Suite (365 square feet, sleeps two), and the Penthouse Suite (500 square feet, sleeps four).
I stayed in the Marquee Penthouse Suite, which had an executive desk with its own alcove and couch that overlooked 44th Street, a stylish lounge with a comfortable couch, a TV, a round coffee table, a wet bar, a king-size bed framed by Broadway views (180 degrees of windows), all with hardwood floors, plush rugs, smart tech, and two rainfall showers (with Molton Brown products).
It was incredibly comfortable and spacious (so we didn’t have to share a bathroom if we didn’t want to, what a novel concept in New York!) and had everything we could ever need. The dressing room, between the lounge and the bedroom, was a lovely experience with two mirrors to help you get dressed, a window to provide great lighting and closets for those staying a bit longer. The bedroom was stunning—the king-sized bed was framed by windows with views of the Theater District and of 1 Times Square with its massive screens. During the day, it was fun to see it all and at night, it was magical.
On a hot New York day, a struggle we had was getting the room cool enough on the smart thermostat, even after we requested some help from the lobby. The rainfall showerheads were nice, but the water pressure in the front bathroom was on the lower side, and the bedroom’s bathroom didn’t get hot enough for me.
What is the service like at Aura Hotel Times Square?
The front desk and staff throughout the hotel were very welcoming and helpful, though we weren’t sure if someone attended our room to try and solve the AC issue.
What are the best places to eat and drink nearby?
The Long Room is right next door if you want to get drinks before a show (especially if its at the Belasco across the street), but there are so many other spots to check out, including Gatsby’s Landing, a New American spot next door, Yard House down on 41st Street, Los Tacos No. 1 on 43rd, and The View (the newly renovated spinning restaurant in Times Square).
We visited Hudson VU over on 11th Avenue for dinner. The rooftop bar and restaurant is on top of the Ink 48 Hotel, which is owned by the same hotel group. Hudson VU is independent of the hotel, but it is worth checking out if you want incredible views of the Hudson River and midtown paired with delectable drinks and food. It was undoubtedly a highlight.
What’s the area like around Aura Hotel Times Square?
It’s busy. Since the hotel is in the heart of the Theater District and Times Square area there will be loads of congestion, but it’s a perfect spot to stay in if you want to take advantage of all the best of the city, from Broadway to famous NYC attractions. Nearby, you’ll find RiseNY, Madame Tussauds, Birdland Jazz Club, Bryant Park, Summit One Vanderbilt, Rockefeller Center and more.
There are plenty of ways to get around, too: The 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center subway station (the BDFM trains) and the Times Square-42 Street station (123NQRW trains) are just three and five blocks away. There is also the M42 bus running along 42nd Street in case you need to get across Manhattan.
Why you should book a stay at Aura Hotel Times Square
Aura Hotel Times Square won’t let you down if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of Manhattan. I enjoyed how easy it was to check in and check out and the overall calming and stylish vibe of the hotel.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, book here during the shoulder seasons (before and after the holidays) and I’d go with one of the deluxe or executive rooms, which are spacious enough.
DETAILS
Address: 120 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Price per night: From $220 per night.
Closest transport: The 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center Subway station (the BDFM trains) are close by.
Book now: via Booking.com
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