Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square review

Location and first impressions

Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square earns a 4.7 rating from 9225 Google reviews, with location and staff service driving much of the positive feedback. Reviewers place the hotel at the corner of 46th Street and 8th Avenue, within a short walk of the centre of Times Square. Broadway is also close, making the property particularly convenient for travellers planning theatre outings and late evenings in Midtown Manhattan.

Despite the lively setting, one reviewer noted that the glow from Times Square was visible at a distance without becoming disruptive inside the room. That balance is a recurring part of the hotel’s appeal: guests can step quickly into one of New York’s busiest districts, then return to a modern interior that feels removed from some of the street-level commotion.

Rooms and comfort

Public reviews consistently describe the rooms as modern and clean. Beds also receive specific praise for comfort, and one guest highlighted the pleasant scent of the complimentary bathroom products. A corner room on the 17th floor was mentioned positively, although there is not enough recurring feedback to establish whether higher floors or corner layouts are consistently preferable.

Space is the principal compromise. One reviewer staying in a room with two beds found it tight, a useful warning for families, friends sharing or anyone arriving with several large bags. The sleek, contemporary style also feels more formal than a basic roadside hotel. Most comments treat that as a strength, but one traveller said the property felt fancier than expected and left them somewhat out of place.

Breakfast and hotel facilities

Breakfast is one of the clearest highlights. Reviewers describe a buffet with an extensive choice, suggesting that it works well for groups with different preferences. Its popularity creates pressure at peak morning times, however. Guests report busy elevators and possible delays when heading to breakfast. Feedback also indicates that the hotel has an organised process for managing the rush, preventing a crowded period from becoming overly chaotic.

The lobby cafe is relevant for another practical reason. A reviewer reported that there were no guest ice makers and that ice had to be requested from cafe staff. The same review noted that the cafe closed, although no reliable closing time was provided. Guests who regularly need ice may want to ask about availability before settling in for the evening.

Service and overall verdict

Staff interactions are a major strength across the supplied reviews. Front desk employees are described as welcoming at check-in, while broader service is characterised as attentive and well managed from arrival through departure. Even the guest who felt awkward repeatedly asking the cafe for ice found the staff helpful.

Taken together, public ratings and reviews position Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square as a polished, highly convenient base for sightseeing and Broadway visits. It best suits travellers who value immediate access to Midtown Manhattan over generous room dimensions. The breakfast operation can be busy, but its range and organisation draw praise. For a short New York stay centred on Times Square, the combination of comfortable beds, modern rooms and consistently positive service makes a persuasive case.

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