If OYO Times Square Hotel is on your radar for lodging in New York City, please read this thorough review about a firsthand experience in 2023. While it does have a few benefits, here’s why it’s the oddest hotel I’ll never stay at again – and why you need to reconsider.
Disclosure: This honest OYO Times Square is meant for informational purposes only and to give you the scoop on our firsthand visit. It’s not meant to bash the hotel chain, but instead to show you what they can definitely do better. Thanks for reading!
Truth? I’ve been to Manhattan plenty of times and each time is always a fun experience. New York City is filled with energy that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet and that’s why I keep going back. Additionally, I’ve stayed in everything from micro hotels to the ultra swanky ones in the city and have always enjoyed my stay because I’ve always have known what I’m getting into. Here’s my full, honest review on OYO Times Square so you won’t be thrown for a loop if you decide to stay there.
OYO Times Square – Where’s It Located?
I’m going to start this OYO Times Square Hotel review on a good note, so let’s talk a bout the location. If you love the Times Square area and want to be only a few steps away from the gigantic billboards, you can’t beat its location. At 157 W 47th Street in the heart of Manhattan, you’re right where the stadium seating in Times Square is, if you’re familiar with that sight.
OYO Times Square – Noise Level
Now, if you’re not into noise and Manhattan traffic sounds, it’s definitely not for you. When we checked in to our 8th floor king room, it overlooked 47th Street – not a great view as the street is super narrow and we essentially saw the brick building across from us. When we got our rooms keys, the person working the desk mentioned that the walls were not as thick as they’d like them to be, so we’d hear the noise from the street. And, yes, we did.
We heard car horns, construction noises from across the street, loud beeps from the equipment at all hours of the night, sirens, you name it. Having written that, my husband’s sleep thrives on ambient city sounds, so he slept very well. For me, I’m a lighter sleeper, so two nights out of the three I essentially tossed and turned. There are ear plugs provided to block out the noise but I feel that’s a safety issue, especially in the case of emergencies.
OYO Times Square – Massive (and I Mean Massive) Unexpected Charges
Okay, I know you’re probably chomping at the bit to read about what OYO Times Square Hotel can do better and I’m here to tell you, there are plenty of things. First, let’s talk about the mandatory “resort fee”. When I stayed recently, I booked my stay through a third party that shows taxes, fees, and resort fees, if any. For three nights, my stay for a party of 2 came in at $75 per night plus taxes and fees of $73.77 for a total of $298.77 – a really good deal.
When we checked in, I was told there was a $50 per night hold on our credit for incidentals, something that’s very common in hotels and resorts. I asked when it would come of the card and was told that $38 plus taxes and fees would per nigh would be left on my credit card each day for the resort fee. Additionally, there’s a sign at the front desk that states a mandatory $43.60 per night resort fee (the total of the fee plus taxes). Considering my room was $75 per night, that’s a 58% additional charge per night!
I asked what the resort fee was for and was told it was for the small fitness center and wifi, a pretty hefty charge for the two if you ask me. Considering I could have put that additional amount towards a larger room or higher star-level hotel, it’s a ridiculous amount to pay for wifi and a fitness center.
OYO Times Square – No Water or Ice Machine
At every hotel or resort I visit, I like to enjoy a glass of ice and water beside my bed because the dry, hotel air dries me out. I stopped at the front desk to ask where the ice machine was as I couldn’t locate it and was told they had none on property. Instead, if I wanted to get some ice, I could go to the hotel restaurant and bar for it. Not a big deal for me, I walked into the bar and asked for some ice – only to be told it was a $5 charge for a small bag! Mind blowing, considering there isn’t a fridge or freezer in my room to keep a bag of ice.
So, I headed literally across the street to Dunkin’ and grabbed a glass of ice with a small amount of water for a buck.
OYO Times Square – Cleanliness & Staff
Here’s where OYO Times Square excels – it’s very clean. Our bed was comfortable as well. The lobby area smelled super fresh every time we walked into it as well.
And lastly, I have to mention the staff that worked at OYO. They were super nice to us and were kind even with all of my questions.