Hilton Times Square

If you've stayed in a hotel in New York before doubtless one of the first things you discovered is that regardless of star rating and price New York hotel rooms are SMALL - hardly surprising considering Manhatten has some of the highest priced land in the world. However the Hilton at Times Square is the exception to the rule. Its tiny and uninspiring entrance is deceiving - upon entering the ground floor you enter a lift and are shot to the lobby high above West 42nd Street and exit into a spacious and airy reception area with a bar and restaurant. The reception staff are charming and the rooms by New York standards are huge with all the little comforts you'd expect from a five star hotel of Hilton's ilk. I had booked a standard room and wasn't expecting a room with much of a view but the skyline was breathtaking.
The hotel stands right in the heart of the Big Apple's entertainment district - right opposite BB Kings Blues club and a few steps away from the New Amsterdam Theatre where the Lion King is currently playing. Almost every food chain you can imagine is within a few steps.
I had expected a hotel in the centre of New York to - well....not be in the safest of areas but W 42nd Street isn't like Leicester Square - the streets were spotless and even the wanderers at 4am were unthreatening. The hotel does check all room keys as you enter the upper level lobby of the hotel, however, which is reassuring.
If you want to be right in the heart of New York with a room you can relax in and spread yourself out in comfort - The Hilton Times Square is a wonderful choice - I'll definitely be going back to stay there again.

Rachel Bell, Kent/England
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