The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel is basically a city within a city. If you’ve ever stood on the corner of 7th Avenue and 53rd Street, you’ve seen it—that massive, towering block of glass and steel that seems to swallow up half the sidewalk with travelers dragging rolling suitcases. It’s huge. Honestly, with over 1,750 rooms, it’s one of the largest hotels in all of Manhattan, and that scale defines everything about the experience there.
You aren't going here for a boutique, quiet, "hidden gem" vibe. Not even close. You go to the Sheraton New York because you want to be exactly three minutes away from a Broadway theater or because you're attending a massive convention and don't want to deal with the subway in the rain.
The Reality of Staying at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Let’s be real: Midtown Manhattan is loud. If you stay at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, you are signing up for the quintessential New York soundtrack—sirens, honking, and the low hum of millions of people. But that's the trade-off for the location. You’re situated right between Central Park and Times Square. It’s a sweet spot. Walk North for ten minutes and you’re looking at the Bethesda Fountain; walk South for ten and you’re blinded by the neon lights of 42nd Street.
The lobby is often a sea of people. It’s chaotic. You’ll see business travelers in sharp suits leaning against marble pillars next to families from Ohio wearing matching "I Heart NY" t-shirts. Because it’s such a high-volume property, the check-in process can sometimes feel like an airport security line, though the staff generally moves with that specific New York efficiency—abrupt but effective.
Rooms here are surprisingly consistent. While many older NYC hotels have "quirky" (read: tiny and weirdly shaped) rooms, the Sheraton was built for volume and functionality. Most rooms offer a standard Marriott-brand level of comfort. You get the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience bed, which is legit. It’s one of those beds that makes it hard to get up for an 8:00 AM meeting. However, if you're stuck on a lower floor, the view might just be the side of an office building. You’ve gotta aim for the higher floors if you want that iconic skyline view that makes the price tag feel justified.
The Business and Event Side of Things
This place is a titan in the world of corporate events. We’re talking about 60,000 square feet of meeting space. The Metropolitan Ballroom is legendary in certain circles—it’s hosted everything from political fundraisers to high-stakes tech launches. If you’re a corporate traveler, the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel is basically your home base.
The fitness center is actually impressive for a hotel of this age. It’s not a cramped closet with two broken treadmills. It’s a massive 4,000-square-foot space with Peloton bikes and Life Fitness equipment. For people who need to sweat out the stress of a 12-hour workday, this is a major win.
Then there’s the Club Lounge. If you have Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, this is where you live. It’s one of the largest lounges in the city, offering breakfast and evening appetizers. Is it gourmet? No. Is it convenient when a bagel in Midtown costs nine dollars? Absolutely.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
People hear "Times Square" and they immediately think they’ll be trapped in a tourist cage. That’s not quite right for this specific Sheraton. Because it’s on 53rd Street, it’s technically in the "quiet" part of the neighborhood. You aren't stepping out directly onto the "Red Steps" where the Elmos and Naked Cowboys hang out. You’re actually closer to the 53rd St/7th Ave subway station (the B, D, and E lines), which is one of the best-connected spots in the city.
You can hop on the E train and be at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) in minutes, or take it all the way down to the World Trade Center. This makes the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel more of a transit hub than just a tourist trap.
Dining: To Eat In or Venture Out?
Hudson Market is the hotel’s main dining spot. It’s fine. It does a solid buffet. But honestly, you’re in New York. If you spend every meal inside the hotel, you’re doing it wrong. Just around the corner is the famous Halal Guys food cart—the original one at 53rd and 6th. The line is long, but it’s a rite of passage.
If you want something more "old school NYC," you’ve got Carnegie Diner & Cafe nearby, or if you want to drop some serious cash on a steak, Quality Meats is just a few blocks away. The hotel’s bar, Library Bar, is a decent spot for a nightcap, but it feels very "hotel-y." If you want character, walk three blocks into Hell’s Kitchen. The vibe shifts instantly from corporate to local.
Navigating the Challenges of a Mega-Hotel
It’s not all sunshine and room service. The biggest gripe most people have with the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel is the elevators. When a 2,000-person convention lets out at the same time as check-out, getting an elevator can be an exercise in patience. It’s a bottleneck.
Also, keep an eye on the "Destination Fee." Like many Manhattan hotels, they tack on a daily charge that covers things like high-speed internet and certain food credits. Some people find it annoying, others find a way to use the credits so it breaks even. Just make sure you read the fine print so you aren't surprised when the bill slides under your door on the final morning.
A Few Insider Tips for a Better Stay
- Ask for the 40th floor or higher. The city views are genuinely stunning, especially at night when the lights of the Chrysler Building or the newer Hudson Yards towers start to twinkle.
- Use the side entrances. The main 7th Avenue entrance is always crowded. Sometimes slipping out the side can save you the headache of navigating the crowd.
- The subway is your friend. The E train entrance is right there. It’s the fastest way to get to the West Village or even JFK Airport (via the AirTrain).
- Mobile Check-in. Use the Marriott app. Seriously. Skipping the main desk line during peak hours will save your sanity.
The Verdict on the Sheraton New York
The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel is a workhorse. It’s reliable, it’s massive, and it’s right in the thick of it. It’s not the place you go for a romantic, candlelit anniversary stay—unless your idea of romance is being in the center of the world's busiest intersection. It’s the place you stay when you want efficiency, proximity to Broadway, and a bed you know will be comfortable.
It’s a classic piece of the New York skyline for a reason. While newer, flashier hotels pop up every year, the Sheraton remains a staple because it handles the scale of New York in a way few other places can.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Convention Calendar: Before booking, look up if there’s a major convention at the hotel or the nearby Javits Center. Prices skyrocket during these times.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even the lowest tier can sometimes get you a later checkout or a slightly better room assignment.
- Pack Earplugs: Even with double-paned glass, the "City That Never Sleeps" is loud. If you're a light sleeper, don't risk it.
- Explore Hell’s Kitchen: Walk West toward 9th Avenue for the best food in the area. It’s where the locals actually eat, and it’s far cheaper than the tourist-heavy spots on 7th.
- Book Broadway in Advance: If you're staying here for theater, use the TodayTix app or hit the TKTS booth in Father Duffy Square (47th St) early in the morning to snag discounted seats.