Official NYC landmark with a $40 million renovation under its belt
Contemporary rooms in a variety of sizes; some spacious suites
Underground entertainment venue on the premise
A range of impressive meeting facilities
Rooms have bright furnishings and quality linens
Half a block from Times Square and its 8 subway lines
Stylish rooms with flat-screen HD TVs and iPod docks
Dimly lit, see-and-be-seen lobby with DJ sessions nightly (except Sundays)
A clean fitness room with (of course) good lighting
Daily fee for Wi-Fi (per device)
Certain rooms are tiny and/or have no view
The futuristic bathrooms lack counter space
No pool or spa on-site
Long lines are common during check-in
The neighborhood will not appeal to those seeking a local experience
Since its 1928 official grand opening, this architectural hotel landmark in French Renaissance style has undergone many changes. Past designers have included Ian Schrager and Philipe Starck, and interior designer Meyer Davis -- the man behind such NYC hotels and restaurants as The Nolitan and Locanda Verde. Stylish rooms (some really tiny, even by New York standards) have modern furnishings and quality linens, but lack counter space. And be prepared to spend for Wi-Fi -- for every device.
Scene
A hip (but not too hip) hotel with live DJ music and stylish rooms
Street-side, the Paramount looks like it could be any other classic Midtown hotel. Inside, however, the design from Meyer Davis is trendy and impressive. The main attraction is the jaw-dropping two-story lobby and wide fireplace (if lucky it will actually be on) and a nightly DJ who sets up shop from the second floor. Though there isn’t a lobby bar, guests can walk to the New American restaurant (also quite chic), order a drink and take a seat in one of the attractive lounge areas. There is a special mirror by the elevators on each floor that denotes the weather of the day: words such as "snow," "rain," or "sun" will be lit up. The hotel does appeal to business types with its stand-out meeting facilities, but the smallest rooms are not ideal for working. The clientele here is mostly leisure tourists, not surprising given the hotel's prime Theater District location. Though hip in design, the hotel is not pretentious and it attracts people of all ages and nationalities.
Location
Central location near Times Square and close to major theatres
The Paramount is located on 46th Street off Broadway in the heart of Times Square. This stretch of street is lined with theaters, and there’s a virtually constant stream of people -- mostly tourists -- filling the sidewalks. The TKTS booth, where same-day theater tickets are available for up to 50 percent off, is just steps away. Times Square is busy around the clock with food, souvenir shops, and sightseeing options, but the sheer volume of bike and foot traffic can induce sensory overload. However, the area is a convenient base for exploring the city’s sights, both on foot and via public transportation**. **Numerous subway lines are within blocks, and Midtown attractions such as Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center are an easy walk. Lots of restaurants can be found on Restaurant Row and in Hells Kitchen.
Rooms
Stylish and well-equipped -- but some are tiny
The Paramount features 597 stylish and cheerful rooms with bright decor and great amenities. Lower-category units are tiny even by New York standards, so those who need more space might want to book a Deluxe Room or a Suite. Bathrooms are small but attractive, with tub/shower combos, futuristic metal sinks (though zero counter space), and accent walls with red tiling. The spacious one-bedroom suites and specialty suites are magnificent with designer furnishings and separate living areas. The Couture Suite is meant for VIPs and is as big as an apartment.
Features
An impressive restaurant, meeting rooms and fitness center
The hotel's common spaces exude a hip atmosphere. The restaurant serves all three meals in spacious surroundings with a chic exposed wine cellar, bar and lounge area. For post-dinner entertainment, guests can go underground for a live theatre performance at the Diamond Horseshoe (shows subject to change). This original fixture of the Paramount when it opened has been revived and keeps a 1940s theme.
Fitness Center
A well-equipped, 24-hour gym
Services
All the basics, including room service and a concierge
Handicap
A few accessible rooms
The hotel offers a few accessible rooms, but some have tubs instead of roll-in showers. The only room types that offer accessible features are the Broadway Classic and the Superior Queen Room.