Hampton Inn Manhattan / Times Square Central

Opened in 2015, this Times Square hotel stays busy with tourists from around the world. However, given its convenient Midtown location and proximity to office towers, the Hampton Inn hosts business travelers too. Decorated in neon colors like fuchsia, lavender, and lime green, the two-story lobby provides its own dose of dazzle. Dozens of stainless-steel cylinders suspended above the entrance add sparkle, but handsome wood paneling and floors keep the modern motif from being garish. It’s not a big lobby, and it can get crowded, although people don’t tend to linger here. Another crowded spot can be the breakfast room, which can get a little congested with guests helping themselves to the free meal. A better spot for a breather could be the scenic top-floor observation deck, which has sweeping views of the heart of the city.

The Hampton is on West 41st Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, adjacent to the historic Nederlander Theater at the southern end of iconic Times Square. The area is thick with dining, shopping, and entertainment, including several other Broadway theaters. But it's also an area heavy with crowds and traffic, bringing the hustle of the city right to the hotel's doorstep. Many subway lines converge at the Times Square 42nd Street Station, which is less than one block away.

• Four-minute walk to the 42nd Street subway hub
• Four-minute walk to the Port Authority Bus Terminal
• Five-minute walk to the heart of Times Square
• 12-minute walk to the Empire State Building
• 13-minute walk to Grand Central Station
• 15-minute walk to Rockefeller Center
• 25-minute drive to LaGuardia Airport
• 40-minute drive to John F. Kennedy Airport
• 40-minute drive to Newark Airport

Bold colors, including fuchsia carpeting, drapes, and upholstery, accent these surprisingly stylish Hampton Inn rooms. White duvets, espresso-toned wood furniture, and photographs of nighttime New York provide a tasteful backdrop. Between 210 and 250 square feet, the guest rooms are not overly large, but they're in line with New York City standards. Work-style desks come with leather office chairs, and armoires provide limited storage space. King Rooms include armchairs, and smaller Doubles have ottomans. Bathrooms are smartly decorated with espresso-colored tile floors and striking wallpaper in a shimmery metallic look. The roomy wood vanities have lovely white ceramic tops. King Rooms include walk-in showers with clear glass doors, while Doubles have shower/tub combos. Standard amenities include safes, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges are available upon request, with a surcharge. Some rooms on the top floors offer impressive skyline views, while others simply face surrounding buildings. Given its hectic location, the rooms are relatively quiet, but lower floors might pick up some traffic noise. 

This Hampton Inn features many of the amenities that the brand is known for, adding to its value. Although there's no full restaurant or bar, the hotel does serve a hot breakfast, included in the rates, with eggs and breakfast meats. Helpful grab-and-go breakfast bags are available for those dashing out the door to do sightseeing or business meetings. Between meals, the 24/7 convenience store sells food, drinks, and sundries, including microwaveable entrees. A free coffee station is in the lobby, and fresh-baked cookies are available each afternoon -- one of the brand's beloved perks. 

For a mid-range, Times Square hotel, the Hampton Inn has a solid fitness center; it's spacious, open 24/7, and well equipped with cardio and weight-training equipment. Business guests are also catered to with a small boardroom-style meeting room, and a 24/7 business center has multiple PCs and printers. Wi-Fi is free throughout. One of the more notable features is the hotel's observation deck on the top (32nd) floor with sweeping views that’s open to guests. 

Concierge services include valet dry cleaning and laundry, and a coin-operated laundry. Parking is valet only and while expensive, it’s not outrageous for its location. But there are no in/out privileges, and the hotel warns guests it can take up to 40 minutes to get their cars.