Trip Reports - A visit to the HIlton Times Square

My friend RIck had some time to kill after driving me back into the city from QUeens (we had a quick visit, he had to work Sunday evening) So we made a quick tour to the new Times Square hotel.

RIck said it best: "It's a W hotel wannabe" Same fixtures, same design, same furniture, same staffers in dark Aramni type suits.

The lobby is on the 29th floor. You have to take an elevator up... IT's built on top of the AMC Theatre complex there.

Nice new facilities, except when I used the rest room the bathroom tissue was NOT hanging on rollers but rolls were on the floor. I wsa suprised they didn't have the full fixtures installed.

They did have an attendant to turn on the water and give you a paper towel. Seemed odd for a Hilton.

The bar had a nice view of Times Square. Very friendly bartender named Chris (MALE) and good service.

Negative: NO SAM ADAMS!!! They did have Sam Smith beer, which is a British brew and has a nutty flavor.
NEGATIVE TWO: SEVEN BUCKS FOR A BEER!!! AT A HILTON???

I will stay here sometime. I saw their rates a bit high for a Hilton.

Just some impressions for your amusement.


[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 05-29-2000).]

Samuel Smith stuff tends to carry a premium price; up here even in the normal places, the n.b.a, which is their most popular product, runs $5 or so. It's very nice, you'll admit, though maybe not worth $7 a pop.

Catman, you will find that Samuel Smith Old Brewery Pale Ale is a much better brew than Samuel Adams. This is just my opinion.

Beer Bruddar Newself... I will try that brew next time I have a chance too.

Love my SAMS though!!!! (the official U.S. beer of Flyertalk!)

And International beers: Becks and Guinness (the DUblin tap only.)

Hi - I just posted about my stay at the times square hilton over in the hilton section. Its under Catman's post with a link to this thread.


Brady Ho

I just checked out of the Hilton Times Square this AM, after a one night stay. Notes:

1. This hotel set a new record for me in price extortion: $400 for one night in a regular room. Every single hotel in NYC was booked solid yesterday. I think they were charging $50 to sleep on the subway.

2. It was grand opening day yesterday, and the mayor was here, causing them to completely block the 42nd street entrance. As a result, everyone had to use 41st street, and after waiting 25 minutes for a cab, I surrendered and rode the subway on both ends. Not letting people use 42nd street for over an hour was a very bad idea. The rain certainly didnt help.

3. The room was very nice, almost (but not quite) "W" like in amenities and appointments. Well lit, good chairs and desk, even TV internet access at high speed, although I just used my laptop.

4. As long as hotels think it is okay to charge $15 for a sandwich, plus $2, plus 19%, plus tax, I think I will order a pizza from Ray's.

So, having sounded all irritated about the hotel, I actually liked it. At $200-$240, it represents good value, and if you like theater, the location cant be beat. There are still a lot of rough edges.

Brian- If you don't like the "hoopla", then you should also best avoid the Waldorf Towers when the President is in town too! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif