I recently stayed 4 nights at the Novotel Times Square as my normal haunt the Sofitel was just too expensive.

The hotel is centrally located at 52nd St/Broadway and ideally located for any tourist activities (if one must). The entrance at street level is rather glum and down heel, up an elevator to the 7th floor lands you on the lobby and restaurant floor. The lobby is bright and airy. Unfortunately at 1 pm my booked room was not ready and I was told by the altogether not too friendly receptionist at the separate A-Club check in counter that I would have to wait til 3 pm which is official check in time. I wasn't too happy about the lack of welcome or the wait time after a TATL flight but at least one of the other staff got on the case and after an hour I got my room. Despite the reservation stating "KING BED WONDERFUL TIMES SQUARE VIEW" the view was of the back of buildings onto 8th Av. so technically not what I had booked but I was happy to get to my room.

A voucher for an A-Club Platinum drink was handed over at check in.

The corridors are bland and slightly worn out as was the room. Wear and tare has not been kind to the hotel and while there was nothing seriously wrong with the room it certainly showed its age and lack of upkeep. The bathroom was standard tourist size and not exactly spotlessly clean. Toiletries were unbranded Novotel and nothing special.

The bed was large with a thin duvet and a good choice of pillows. Sleep quality was ok though unfortunately the air condition (despite what the display said) had only two settings: off and arctic rendering the duvet too flimsy to be warm (outside temperature was 39c so aircon was a must).

Internet access was only available via paid wifi and if like me you travel with more than one laptop and iphone you must pay for each gadget's access separately which was very expensive and not acceptable.

Very positive (and better than the Sofitel) was the fact that all TV channels were available in HD.

The restaurant served a decent buffet breakfast ($25) which was good and offered great views over Times Square. The best part of the hotel was the outside terrace which had plenty of seating (limited service during the day) and is available to smokers.

Room service was good and well priced. I had a fantastic steak and frites one night which was better than the equivalent in the Sofitel.

I had arranged for a late check out which was confirmed on the day of departure for which I was very grateful.

The rates were very high and 4 nights came to $1840. However it should be noted that all hotels during this week were expensive or sold out.

Verdict: The Novotel is a standard tourist hotel and while basic in many respects offers a decent service. It is not luxury or even upmarket but if you get a good rate it should be fine. Some more loving attention to maintenance, customer service (though some receptionist were great, the initial welcome was not) and cleaning would make it better.

While A-Club Platinum members per rules get nothing other than points at Novotel I was offered a drinks voucher and late check out. Points were credited correctly within 24 hours.