Booked & Boarding Hotel Review
Hotel: Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square
Dates Stayed: July 16–19, 2025 (4 days, 3 nights)
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Travel Crew: Me (Ali), my husband Stephen (our first NYC trip), my aunt, and my grandfather (NYC pros)
When you’re doing New York for the first time, especially in your mid forties, you need a hotel that’s got location, comfort, and practicality. And when you’re doing it with your husband, aunt, and your 80 something grandfather, you need more than just vibes.
We spent four days at Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was exactly what two Big Apple first timers needed. Our two seasoned NYC veterans gave it the thumbs up too. My aunt also shared her perspective on the experience, and her feedback helped round out our overall view of the hotel. Here’s how it all went down.
Location, Lobby and Logistics
Perfect central location. Just off 8th Avenue & 46th, about a block and a half from Times Square and walking distance to Broadway theaters, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and subway lines. Planted directly on Restaurant Row, which means food options are endless.
Lobby seating was a lifesaver!
Breakfast buffet runs daily from 6 to 9 am in two locations. The Fashion Bar near the entrance left, offers lighter fare, and there is a full service buffet in the back right corner of the lobby level with eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, fruit, yogurt, pastries, and more. There is also a small cafe in the front right of the lobby entrance that sells coffee, tea, and pastries, but those are not included in the free breakfast. If you’re from Louisiana like us, the flavor may feel underwhelming. Functional, not flavorful.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fantastic location just steps from Times Square and Restaurant Row
- Spacious, clean, and comfortable lobby with plenty of seating
- Free daily breakfast buffet with two location options. (My aunt noted the selection was good, but some of the food items, like the pancakes, waffles and syrup were served cold)
- Helpful staff, especially the bellman who arranged a more affordable airport ride for us
- Concierge offers great access to local experiences like double-decker bus tours. The city tour we booked for lower Manhattan cost about $65 per person. We could have added Upper Manhattan for an additional $55, though we opted not to.
- Safe, clean environment in a very walkable area
- Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the rate
Cons
- Room floors were tacky underfoot and needed a better cleaning
- Rooms are small, which is typical for NYC, but tight with luggage
- Mini fridge did not cool items properly. My aunt mentioned that their room thermostat kept resetting to 68 degrees throughout the day, requiring frequent adjustments to stay comfortable
- Bedding was minimal: only two sheets and a thin blanket, one pillow and a decorative throw pillow per person
- Shower door leaked water onto the bathroom floor. My aunt mentioned they experienced this as well and used an extra towel on the floor to manage it
- Housekeeping arrived late in the afternoon, so no late naps
- Room electricity and elevators only work with key card inserted in the wall slot, which may be confusing at first
Hotel Pricing Breakdown
Security deposit was $50 per night per room and was fully refunded at checkout, provided there were no damages. The resort fee was $33.10 per night per room and is not refundable. If you are booking through a travel agent like we did, double check for hidden fees by the hotel, as we were surprised by these additional charges at check in.
For a 3-night stay, expect to pay approximately the following for one room:
- Room Rate: $200 x 3 nights = $600
- Facility Fee: $33.10 x 3 nights = $99.30
- Subtotal per room (before taxes and deposit): approximately $699.30
For two rooms, the total cost for the stay would be:
- $699.30 x 2 rooms = $1,398.60 (before taxes and refundable deposits)
Breakfast and Wi-Fi are included in this total. Note that taxes and a $50 security deposit per room, per night (refunded after checkout) will also be added at check in.
Check out time is 12:00 PM, which is later than many hotels and gives you a little extra breathing room on your final day. This was a welcome bonus and a definite pro.
Hotel Riu Plaza NYC Estimated Nightly Costs:
- Room Rate: approximately $200 per night
- Facility Fee: $33.28 per night
- Security Deposit: $50 per night, refunded post checkout (up to $400 max)
- Total Estimated Cost: approximately $280+ per night, per room before tax
- Breakfast and Wi-Fi: included
(Again, If you are booking through a travel agent, double check for hidden fees.)
Transportation Costs and Realities
Our taxi from LaGuardia Airport to the hotel for the four of us was $100 before tip. For our return trip, the hotel bellman arranged Uber XLs for each of our groups (my aunt and grandfather in one car, Stephen and me in another) for $70 each. The bellman also helped with our luggage, making it a smooth departure.
The concierge quoted us $112 for a private car and $165 for a shared shuttle… Use the bellman instead. Tip well.
Expect to walk. Taxi fares add up fast, and traffic is unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes.
NYC Local Transportation Price Ranges:
- Midtown cab rides: $14 to $22 depending on distance, traffic, and time of day
- Peak surcharge: $2.50 to $5 during high-traffic times
- Congestion pricing: may apply south of 60th Street
- Airport flat fare from JFK to Manhattan: $70 plus surcharges
- Taxi from LGA to Midtown: metered fare, typically $75 to $85
- NYC taxis are legally required to accept credit cards
Food and Restaurant Row
One of the biggest perks of staying at this hotel is being in the heart of Restaurant Row. You are surrounded by dining options in every direction. Choices range from a $10 pizza slice to a $68 per person steak dinner. Everything is walkable and options are endless.
Recommended Dining Near Hotel Riu Plaza
John’s of Times Square
Iconic NY-style pizza in a converted church. Great for groups. Budget-friendly.
Average cost: $10 to $25 per person
Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse
46th Street location. World famous steaks & chops, exquisite in-house hand-crafted cocktails, very rare bourbon, whiskey & tequila list, and an extensive and rich wine list.
Dinner Menu for Take Out available.
Average cost: $50+ per person
Sushi of Gari 46
Elegant sushi spot with creative rolls.
Average cost: $40 to $75 per person
Becco
Rustic Italian with all you can eat pasta trio. Lidia Bastianich’s place. Book ahead.
Average cost: $40 to $60 per person
Mom’s Kitchen and Bar
Comfort food with cocktails and over the top milkshakes. Great brunch spot.
Average cost: $25 to $45 per person
Bibble and Sip
Whimsical cafe with excellent matcha and pastries. Good grab and go option.
Average cost: $10 to $20 per person
Final Verdict
For our first trip to New York City as a couple, Hotel Riu Plaza Times Square was a strong choice. The location was unbeatable. It was clean, safe, and practical. Service was helpful, especially the bellman who saved us a ton on airport transport. The rooms were small and basic, but we knew that going in.
My aunt and grandfather, who have visited NYC many times, were also pleased with the hotel. That says something.
Booked and Boarding Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. My aunt agreed, specifically giving 4.5 stars for amenities and location
Stay here for the location, solid service, and walkability. Bring an extra pillow and some patience for the small quirks, and you will be just fine.
🫶🏼 – Ali
