Hotel Edison Times Square

At nearly 800 rooms, the Hotel Edison Times Square is a big, urban hotel in one of the city's liveliest locales, with a lobby bustling with tourists, including many tour groups. It is not a hotel for those who want a quiet, leisurely stay in Manhattan. There are Art Deco flourishes throughout, from its masonry and steel facade, to its lobby with a checkerboard floor, mirrored wall panels, and marble and brass chair rails and trim. Vibrant and brawny Art Deco murals depict a Jazz Era New York. The Rum House, a street-level bar of glossy mahogany, red leather stools, and 1920s pendant lights, has a retro, speakeasy feel. The property will hold particular charm for history and pop culture buffs: On its opening night, the hotel's namesake, Thomas Alva Edison, flicked the switches, and its interiors have appeared in "The Godfather" and "Sex and the City." Travelers should note that as of winter 2016, the hotel was renovating its hallways and guest rooms, so drilling and hammering noises might be an issue.

The Hotel Edison is situated on West 48th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue, in the city's most congested and bustling neighborhood. The hotel is within a 15-minute walk of major theaters and movie houses. Attractions like Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Saks Fifth Avenue, and the Museum of Modern Art are all around a 10-minute walk away, while the southern end of Central Park can be reached in about 15 minutes. The iconic Apple Store and a wealth of luxury shops lining Fifth Avenue are about a 15- to 20-minute walk away. Other top attractions can be easily reached via public transportation; the nearest subway station is three blocks away and there's a bus stop just down the street. The Empire State Building is an 11-minute train ride, while downtown sites like the 9/11 Memorial, Wall Street, Chinatown, and SoHo can be reached in 20 to 25 minutes via subway. LGA Airport is a 30-minute drive or about 40 minutes via public transportation, while JFK Airport is a 50-minute drive or about an hour by subway.

Rooms at the hotel are divided into two categories: Classic and Signature Collections. Classic Rooms and Suites are smaller than the Signature ones, and some are dated, though the hotel is mid-renovation as of winter 2016. Furniture in these rooms is dark and a bit dated, while beige walls, drapes, and sheers lend the spaces a generic, gloomy air. Wi-Fi incurs an extra fee, though it's free in Signature Rooms.The larger and pricier Signature Rooms are more stylish, with contemporary wallpaper that riffs on Art Deco motifs, modern furniture, leather headboards, and high, coffered ceilings. Amenities include Keurig coffeemakers and electric kettles, free bottled water, and iPod compatible clock radios. Some also have kitchenettes and terraces. All of the rooms are climate controlled and have high-end Frette linens, safes, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms in Classic Rooms are small and dated, with lackluster beige tiling and shower/tub combos. Signature Room bathrooms are chic, with attractive tiling, white marble sinks, and walk-in showers with power showerheads. All bathrooms have hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, bathrobes, and C.O. Bigelow toiletries.

The Edison has some atmospheric features and a few freebies that add to its appeal. The hotel's Rum House bar draws guests and locals alike with is speakeasy interiors and extensive cocktail menu. The Edison also hosts a free wine and cheese reception twice a week. The fitness center is open 24-hours and offers several treadmills, elliptical machines, and free weights. Six computers are free to use in the 24-hour business center, though the use of printers and fax machines incurs a fee. Some guests feel a bit nickel-and-dimed by the fees here, which also include fees for luggage storage and for Wi-Fi in some rooms. The hotel does provide free newspapers, however, as well as a neighborhood walking tour and a welcome gift. Other on-site features include a small gift shop in the lobby, as well as a newsstand and an ATM. There are fees for laundry and dry cleaning as well as valet and self-parking. An airport shuttle is available for a fee. Travelers should be aware that there are key card checks at the elevators; security is fairly tight sometimes, and it can lead to a bottleneck of people.