Hotel Shocard at Times Square

Given its Times Square location and reasonable rates, Hotel Shocard draws tourists from around the world. The property proudly emphasizes its location near Broadway theaters with a marquee above the entrance giving it a little showtime razzle-dazzle. Lights here cascade down from the awning to the stylish black front door. Inside, the small but chic lobby has a tiny front desk illuminated by three petite brass pendant lights. Screens cover the ceilings, emitting an amber glow on the polished marble and light-wood floors. A black leather bench sofa and a few bar stools provide limited seating, and the space is warmed up by wood shelves with leafy plants. The popular Gleason’s Tavern, which serves as the hotel’s de facto restaurant, is next door. 

The Hotel Shocard is located on West 41st Street at the southern end of world-famous Times Square, next to the historic Nederlander Theater. It’s surrounded by a glut of options in dining, entertainment, and shopping, with several other theaters within a brief walks. Access to several subway lines are less than one block away at the Times Square 42nd Street station.

• Four-minute walk to the 42nd Street Port Authority Bus Terminal
• Four-minute walk to the Regal Cinema Complex
• Six-minute walk to the heart of Times Square
• Seven-minute walk to TKTS Broadway ticket booth
• Seven-minute walk to Bryant Park 
• 12-minute walk to the Empire State Building
• 13-minute walk to Grand Central Terminal
• 15-minute walk to Rockefeller Center
• 25-minute drive to Laguardia Airport
• 40-minute drive to JFK International Airport
• 40-minute drive to Newark Liberty International Airport

Tidy, chic, and modern, guest rooms at Hotel Shocard deliver on looks. Modular white oak furniture fits together to assemble streamlined headboards, nightstands, and work surfaces. Soft, cream-colored wallpaper, white down comforters, and large, backlit mirrors mounted above the beds brighten the space and emphasize a modish minimalism. Despite the clever design that makes the rooms functional, the most striking aspect of the rooms is their diminutive size. Whether a Double, Queen, or King (the standard bed options), the beds take up most of the space. Closets are tiny, and there’s precious little room for luggage -- the only seating is on leather stools tucked under the desks. Bathrooms are also cramped, but they’re attractive, with lovely black-and-white tiling in dot patterns and white ceramic sinks. The showers have rainfall showerheads and clear glass half-doors framed by brass. Bathrooms are separated from the rooms by handsome, frosted glass doors. 

Standard amenities include mini-fridges, coffeemakers, safes, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, free Wi-Fi, Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, and air-conditioning -- though some guest have complained about noisy units. Two spacious penthouse suites provide a serious upgrade with private outdoor terraces, separate living rooms, and soaking tubs separate from the showers. Views from the standard rooms are mostly of neighboring buildings, and some face brick walls that allow little natural light to enter through the small windows. Given its location, guests should expect some noise from the raucous streets below. 

As a boutique property, Hotel Shocard has limited features, but what it does, it does well. The adjacent Gleason’s Tavern serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a focus on American classics. It has a long, narrow bar that seats more than 20 people, and stylish black leather button sofa benches along back walls. Offering daily happy hour specials, it’s a popular place before and after theater performances. The hotel will help with theater and tour tickets, as provides valet dry cleaning and laundry. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and free newspapers are offered in the lobby every day. Parking isn't offered, and it's difficult to find in this busy and traffic-clogged area.