Riu Plaza New York Times Square
by the TopOfHotel team
Riu Plaza is the Spanish 4-star chain with the closest Times Square location in this article — and a buffet breakfast reviewers rate as the best in its class.
Riu Plaza is the Spanish 4-star chain with the closest Times Square location in this article — and a buffet breakfast reviewers rate as the best in its class.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
Riu Plaza New York Times Square runs 647 rooms in the chain's signature purple-and-white palette, sized a standard 22-28 sqm. You pick a Queen or a Double Twin, and the rooms come with good bedding, a work desk and a clean bathroom. High floors catch a partial view of Times Square, and reviewers note that both the rooms and the soundproofing hold up better than you'd expect for a hotel this close to the square. Rates start at around $300 a night.
Food and amenities
The buffet breakfast is the feature guests keep pointing to — reviews call it the best in this price tier, with American, continental and lighter health options on the spread. The building also has a bar and restaurant that stay open all day, plus a fitness center, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. As a Riu Hotels property out of Spain, it carries a clear service standard and a warmer feel than the American chains.
Location and getting there
This is the closest hotel to Times Square in the article — under a 2-minute walk to the Countdown corner where the New Year's ball drops, on 46th Street. Several Broadway theaters sit within easy walking distance, and stepping out the door puts you straight into the lights and crowds. If your trip is built around being in the thick of Times Square, the address is hard to beat.
Things to know before booking
The trade-off for that location is constant energy: it's lively and noisy around the clock, so light sleepers should think twice or request a high floor. It also prices higher than several other hotels here, with rates running from about $300 up toward $570 a night. And being right on the Countdown corner means crowds at the door at all hours — a draw for some travelers, a deterrent for others.
Our take
Riu Plaza is for travelers who want Times Square at full intensity — you walk out and the lights and crowds are immediately there. The strong buffet breakfast and the warmer feel of a Spanish chain set it apart from the American options nearby, and the high 8.5 guest score backs that up. Skip it if you're after quiet; book it if proximity to the square is the whole point.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The closest hotel to Times Square in this article — under a 2-minute walk to the Countdown corner where the New Year's ball drops, with several Broadway theaters nearby.
- A buffet breakfast guests single out as the best in its tier — American, continental and lighter health options, plus a bar and restaurant in the building that stay open all day.
- Part of Spain's Riu Hotels chain, which brings a clear, consistent service standard and a warmer feel than the American chains.
- Rooms run a standard 22-28 sqm in Riu's signature purple-and-white palette, with a Queen or Double Twin, good bedding, a work desk and a clean bathroom.
- Soundproofing holds up better than you'd expect this close to Times Square, and high floors catch a partial view of the square.
- The location is lively and noisy around the clock — not the place to book if you want quiet.
- It prices higher than several other hotels in this article, with rates from about $300 and running up toward $570 a night.
- Being right on the Countdown corner means crowds at the door at all hours, which is the point for some travelers and a deterrent for others.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
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Insider Tips
- Ask for a high floor at check-in — those rooms get a partial Times Square view and sit further from the street noise.
- Build your morning around the buffet breakfast; it's the feature guests rate highest, so eating in beats heading out for food.
- You're under 2 minutes from the Countdown corner, so book this one specifically if you plan to be in Times Square for New Year's Eve.