IC Times Square

So I was in New York for a work conference so the rate was booked through the conference provider. I don’t actually think it ended up being much cheaper in all honesty….

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a standard king room. Initially allocated a king room low floor when booking transferred from conference team through to IC team.

Upgraded on the app at T-7 to a king premium low floor, then subsequently at T-2 upgraded to a king premium corner room on the 24th floor

How are the rooms?
I think the polite way to describe the room would be “classic”. There really isn’t a lot to write home about. It was sufficiently functional.

Perhaps my only gripe is that the television faces the one chair in the roo, rather than the bed. So if you wanted to watch the TV from your bed it’s a rather contortionist affair.

I also still struggle with the no kettle in American hotels thing. I like my hotels to have a selection of teas, but I guess when in Rome, do as the Romans do

Pillows were soft and flat (if you like that), bed similarly soft (I prefer Asian firm beds).

Good bathroom with functional shower.

How is the exec. lounge?
Didn’t get 40 nights last year and there is no lounge here anyways

What was good and what was bad?
In terms of the good:
- location for musicals/broadway
- easy access to the NY subway - right on top of the A/C/E train and a short walk to 42 st/Times Square for 1/2/3/7 trains
- breakfast was adequate (though extortionist in terms of pricing)
- diamond status acknowledged and breakfast offered

In terms of the bad:
- more junk fees. However, may rate waived the junk fees so it was unclear if I even ‘qualified’ for any of it. Turns out when I asked on day 3 of 7, I did qualify for it through the conference rate. Inconsistent messaging from staff
- interesting crowd around the hotel
- overpriced

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?

I don’t think I would return to this hotel. Given the cost, I don’t think it delivered appropriately. As usual, New York has ridiculous hotel prices which are out of proportion of the comfort that one receives while on premises. The one benefit was diamond breakfast was completely covered (unlike the ridiculous $15 voucher at the indigo LES).

Having said all this, your other IHG options are the Barclays, Theta and Eventi in terms of midtown. All the same price range.