Times Square is a chaotic place—and that’s putting it lightly—and while the landmark junction, with all its billboards, bright lights and that massive M&M store is somewhere most local New Yorkers will avoid if they can, I called it my home for one night, with a stay at the Times Square EDITION.
A self-described ‘modern sanctuary’, the Times Square EDITION was designed to bring a bit of class and elegance to the square, and with its lush interiors and Michelin-Starred chef, I have to admit it’s been a success.
Why stay at Times Square EDITION?
You want a view of Times Square without all the, shall we say, Times Square-ness of it all? The Times Square EDITION gives you peace and perspective among the frenetic energy of the neighborhood. Once you pass through the hotel’s steel entry doors, you’ll find what you’ve been looking for all along: silence. Yes, the hotel’s first act of hospitality lies in its stillness, as the long white entryway with black granite floors gives you some refreshing sensory deprivation. Adding to the serenity of it all, a blue-ish green stainless-steel sphere hovers at the end of the hallway, inviting a bit of introspection before ascending to the check-in desk.
What are the rooms like at Times Square EDITION?
The Times Square EDITION features 452 guestrooms and suites, offering a mix of single and double accommodations. A super deluxe penthouse sits on the 42nd floor at the super price of around $10,000 a night, but even if you don’t shell out the big bucks, there’s range and variety to be had.
After a swift check-in, I found myself on the 20th floor searching the hall for my King Balcony Suite. While the black and white color palette continued in the hallways, the room was such a light contrast that I had to blink my eyes just to adjust. My corner room, which had two walls featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, had nothing less than stellar views over the bustling metropolis below which stretched all the way to the Hudson River in the distance. The mix of white and light brown woods gave a certain softness to the space, from the king bed with a fake fur draped across it to the living area with its white couch, leather chair and marble table with a single orchid perched on top.
A frosted sliding door that’s as tall as the ceiling separated the room, revealing the bathroom with its privacy toilet hidden behind a wooden door, an enclosed waterfall shower stocked with Le Labo hair and skin products and a handsomely deep (albeit plastic) tub parked right in front of the window. But no need to worry about privacy, as the entire room, bathroom included, was politely encased in both sheer and room-darkening curtains that can be drawn open or closed with the press of a button found conveniently around the room, including next to each bedside table.
But naturally, the balcony drew me in. From the zoomed-out perspective, it was easy to be a quiet observer, spying on people who parked it on the iconic red stairs to unsuspecting tourists suckered into showtime. But from up there, the chaos seemed to make sense and was even, dare I say it, a pleasant sight.
Where are the best places to eat and drink nearby?
Don’t get stuck in a tourist trap, there are actually good eats to be found in Times Square. A relative newcomer to the area, Gui Steakhouse is hawking shio kombu and koji-rubbed meats, Korean sides and a power lunch deal (think an app, entrees like the steak frites and a dessert) that will run you $37. If you’d rather have a classic New York City steakhouse experience, Gallagher’s Steakhouse continues in its old school ways, dry-aging its meats in a locker viewable from 52nd Street. Dear Irving, one of our best rooftops in the city, takes over both the 40th and 41st floors of the Aliz Hotel, bringing a touch of retro to the modern day. And if you happen to get a room in the sky, it is quite possible that you can peep the top of The View, New York’s only revolving restaurant that’s spinning once again thanks to the one and only Danny Meyer.
But you might be thinking, doesn’t the hotel house its own restaurant? It does: The Terrace and Outdoor Gardens at EDITION. Inside mimics a Mediterranean retreat, green with plants in every nook and cranny and illuminated by Moroccan-style lamps. But just like the square itself, it feels manufactured rather than authentic: the seemingly lush plants that pepper the ceiling, corners and even tickle your arms at the table are mostly fake, and tall shrubs which attempt to insulate the terrace from the flash of the billboards are ultimately unsuccessful. As for the food, it’s a little underseasoned and a little overpriced, yet there were a few standouts. Namely, the King Crab Tagliatelle, which was well dressed and had plenty of flaky crab and even some claw meat for the eating, and the I Love NY Chocolate Soufflé, emblazoned with the classic logo and all, was soft, airy and decadently indulgent.
The saving grace is that the service staff is kind and attentive. The drinks are well-balanced and boozy, particularly the Paradise Punch, but come at a price starting at $28.
What is the service like at Times Square EDITION?
Cordial, efficient and not too in your face where it feels like you are being smothered. The team members who staffed the restaurant were particularly knowledgeable, including one staffer who rattled off a number of house favorites just five months on the job.
What amenities are offered at Times Square EDITION?
There is a 24-hour fitness center on the 12th floor. Just like the suites, the floor-to-ceiling windows show off the glow of the square, giving you something to look at as you sweat on your choice of treadmill, stairmaster or one of the Peloton bikes. There are free weights, a few modern machines and a small corner of open space with yoga mats. There’s a hands-free station to fill your water, a basket of wired headphones if you happened to have forgotten yours and the fridge is full of cold washcloths for a needed cool down. The open-air wellness deck surely would’ve offered a nice reprieve as well, but the door was locked the day of my visit.
However, if you’d rather sweat it out on the dance floor, down below, the hotel hides the immersive theater and dance showcase, the Paradise Club, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays.
What’s the area like around Times Square EDITION?
They don’t call it the ‘Center of the Universe’ for nothing. If you are a first-timer, then soak it all in on the iconic red stairs and take in a dazzling Broadway show. But, if you’d rather explore, the central location is only a quick skip and a hop to other nearby landmarks such as the Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, and is well connected to pretty much the rest of Manhattan.
Keep in mind that the square is perpetually congested nearly all times of day, so take it easy and plan your route before you get lost in the crowd. And if you happen to get lost, pull over to the side—no one likes a slow walker.
Why should you book a stay at Times Square EDITION?
Whether you’re a first-timer to the Big Apple and are keen to be on the doorstep of the action, or you’re a local after a convenient stopover, this hotel offers classy and chic respite which actually gives Times Square its dues.
DETAILS
Address: 20 Times Square, 701 7th Avenue New York, New York 10036
Price per night: Starting at $301 per night
Closest transport: 49th Street and 47-50 Rockefeller Center
Book now: via Booking.com
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