Hilton Garden Inn Times Square

In this big Times Square hotel, common spaces are minimal. Aside from a rooftop lounge, the only other place for guests to “lounge” is in the small lobby. With a quiet atmosphere -- despite a continual influx of guests -- the lobby is a cozy space with several gatherings of comfy chairs, a large table for those working remotely, attractive decor details, and flat-screen TVs.

On Eighth Avenue in the west 40s, this Hilton Garden Inn boasts an extremely convenient location for both business and leisure travelers. Five subway lines are within a one-block radius, and Times Square, Rockefeller Center, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and Bryant Park are all within walking distance. While an often traffic-congested Eighth Avenue address means the location isn’t particularly quaint, it makes up for it in convenience. Plus, most New York hotels look out onto similarly busy streets.

A common complaint with New York City hotel rooms is that they feel cramped, but this is not the case with the 369 rooms at this Garden Inn. Even standard rooms are spacious and up-to-date. Plush white bedding, attractive sepia-toned cityscape photos framed on the walls, small (but modern) bathrooms, and soothing blue accent walls make for relaxing spaces. Plus, all rooms come with mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, large work desks, big flat-screen TVs with free HBO, and free Wi-Fi, which can be used to connect your laptop to the business center for free printing. Closets have with laptop-sized safes and irons and ironing boards.

The on-site French bistro is a real highlight, attracting guests and non-guests alike with its cozy vibe, bar with leather stools, and large dining area decorated with prints of Parisian posters. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and room service is available for three hours during the evening). Another excellent perk is a chic rooftop lounge with views of Times Square. In addition to a 24-hour fitness center, the hotel provides Stay Fit Kits for guests to use throughout their stays; these come with bands, mats, straps, blocks, weights, medicine balls, and exercise tips. A small business center is off the lobby. Guests can either use one of its four computers to access the center’s free printer, or they can connect to the printer via their own devices with the free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel. A 24-hour mini-mart is also located in the lobby and sells snacks and basic toiletries. A meeting room can fit up to 60 people.