Riu Plaza New York Times Square

Staying at the Riu Plaza Times Square was OK. It was early December and the location suited us for visiting all the main attractions. Check in was concerning as we were advised that if you’re not at breakfast for 6am it might be difficult (and then the receptionist cackled and said “you’ll see why!!”). I’m not a morning person but I got up at 6am for the first few days and we just managed to get a seat at breakfast. The latter few days we just gave up and went to a diner, which defeats the object of paying for breakfast. The queues into the dining room actually blocked access to the lifts in the morning so this side of things was a little chaotic and poorly thought out. The room was actually ok for NYC. Cleanish (some hairs in the bed) and water was meant to be restocked every other day but never was during our week despite mentioning it to reception several times. If you’re not travelling with your partner then please don’t shower with the bathroom light on as it’s quite a show you put on through the glass wall into the bedroom. Mildly embarrassing even with my partner. General feeling that staff really weren’t interested at all. The hotel is surrounded by restaurants and I asked the concierge for any recommendations for places that stand out nearby. The response was “if the restaurant is near here it will be good”. So no recommendations? I asked? “No, just choose one you like the look of”. Not exactly helpful. We were on the 28th floor, an upgrade if you book direct with a Riu was promised but that didn’t materialise. Even that high up there was plenty of noise from traffic and sirens (it’s to be expected in midtown) and after the first few nights I got used to it and slept. Would I stay here again? Probably not. But it was a most memorable holiday in an amazing city.

I stayed here with my 2 daughter's for 3 nights. The hotel is in the best location just round the corner from Times Square. The hop on hop off bus is just opposite the hotel. I expected the rooms to be small after reading some reviews but they are a good size and the frosted glass in the bathroom is not a problem as all that can be seen is a slight shadow. The rooms are very clean and comfortable. We only queued for a couple of minutes at the most each morning for breakfast. There is plenty of choice from cooked breakfast to pastries bagels fruit yogurt and cereal etc. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I would definitely stay here again.