The Gallivant Times Square

The Gallivant Times Square is, by New York standards, a budget hotel. For the low price, though, it's hard to find another decent hotel in Times Square, or anywhere in Manhattan for that matter, that measures up to this hotel.

After a remodel from its former days as a Best Western, the lobby is decidedly modern. In an attempt to be both a front desk, lounge area, and nighttime bar, the space is jam-packed yet still retains a laid-back vibe. Unique lighting and destination marker signs mimic the feeling of Times Square. There's leather seating throughout, large flat-screen TVs, huge white columns, and a striking mosaic-tiled wall. 

Most guests, both leisure and business travelers, are in-and-out of the lobby, unless they're eating the buffet breakfast or grabbing a drink at the bar. 

The hotel is on 48th Street between Eighth Avenue and Broadway. This is still Times Square, though it's half a block removed from the bright lights and pedestrian traffic. On the block, there are two theaters, as well as several restaurants and bars. Numerous subway lines and sights, such as Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, are within walking distance.

New York City has three nearby airports: JFK, La Guardia, and Newark (in New Jersey). Flying into JFK or LaGuardia is typically easiest and the least time-consuming. From JFK, it's a (one-hour) $52 plus tolls flat-rate taxi ride to anywhere in Manhattan. From LaGuardia, it's about a (30-minute) metered cab ride to Midtown Manhattan. Rides from Newark cost at least $40 (plus tolls), and can take more than 90 minutes. Don't forget to tip your driver 15-25 percent.

Starting at 168 square feet, the rooms are small, even by New York City standards. The design is modern with wooden floors and furniture, white tufted headboards, and white bedding. Some have an accent wall of wallpaper showing a map of New York City and its well-known spots. Bathrooms are small and simple with white tile, a toilet, and a walk-in glass shower. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV, iPod dock, free Wi-Fi, and a coffeemaker. Suites have a mini-fridge and a minibar.

Noise is an issue, since the hotel is situated on a busy street. Guests I spoke to and TripAdvisor reviewers agree that floors two through four get an unacceptable amount of noise, making sleep difficult. Guests can request a higher floor, if it's available, or pay extra for one of the suites, which are all located on the top floors of the hotel.

Family suites with bunk beds are available, as are Fitness Rooms complete with free weights and either a treadmill, stationary bike,or elliptical. There's also a penthouse suite.

The lobby, referred to as Plaza Central, includes a concierge, ATM, and the bar Primary. The lobby lounge serves a continental breakfast buffet, which includes pastries, juice, and coffee, in the mornings. 

There's a small fitness center with a handful of cardio and strength-training machines and free weights. A business center with four computers and two printers, and a meeting room are also available.