Staying at OYO Times Square Hotel: Honest Review From My NYC Trip

Staying at OYO Times Square puts you right in the heart of Manhattan’s most chaotic, electric, never-sleeps core,  and that’s either exactly what you want, or exactly what you don’t.

I stayed here for four nights in November 2025 with my brother while visiting New York for John Cena’s final WWE Monday Night Raw at Madison Square Garden. This wasn’t a luxury getaway or a “stay-in-the-room” kind of trip. The goal was simple: be close to the action, walk everywhere, and experience New York without spending luxury-hotel money.

If you’re wondering whether OYO Times Square is too cheap to be good or too basic to be worth it, this review answers that honestly, based on what it’s actually like to stay there, not just what the reviews say.

Location Benefits: You’re Basically in Times Square

The location is the entire selling point of this hotel, and it delivers.

OYO Times Square is so close to Times Square that the walk feels almost unreal. You step outside, take a few steps, and you’re there. Giant screens. Crowds. Energy. Broadway theaters. It doesn’t feel near Times Square, it feels inside it.

During my stay, I walked everywhere:

• Times Square (multiple times a day)
• Food spots like Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s
• Late-night eats
• Subway stations
• Midtown attractions

No Uber. No stress. No long walks after a full day out.

What surprised me most was how convenient everything felt, especially for a first-time or event-based NYC trip. Madison Square Garden was easily accessible, Broadway theaters were steps away, and subway access made moving around Manhattan effortless.

Despite being right in the middle of everything, noise wasn’t an issue for me at all. I slept well each night and didn’t deal with street noise or hallway disturbances, which honestly surprised me given the location.

If your goal is to be out all day, experience NYC fully, and crash somewhere central at night, this location is hard to beat at this price point.

Room Details: What You Actually Get

I stayed in a Standard Queen room, and the best way to describe it is practical, clean, and exactly what you need,  nothing more, nothing less.

When I first walked in, the room felt cold and chilly, which was actually welcome after being out in November NYC weather. The temperature control worked well, and the room stayed comfortable throughout the stay.

In terms of size, it’s what I’d call average for Manhattan. Not spacious, not claustrophobic. You won’t be laying out multiple suitcases or hanging out in the room for hours, but there’s enough space to move comfortably, sleep well, and reset between outings. For a hotel this close to Times Square, that’s honestly expected.

Bed & Bathroom Comfort

The bed was comfortable, which matters more than anything after long days walking New York City. I slept well every night and never felt stiff or restless.

The bathroom was fine, nothing fancy, but functional. Shower worked properly, water pressure was decent, and there were no cleanliness issues. It did the job without frustration, which is exactly what you want on a busy trip.

Cleanliness & Housekeeping

This is one area where OYO Times Square performed better than expected.

Housekeeping checked in every day, asking whether I needed towels or wanted the room cleaned. The room stayed clean throughout the stay, and I never had to chase anyone down for basics. That daily presence makes a difference, especially for multi-night stays.

The TV Issue (And How It Was Handled)

The only real issue I experienced in the room was with the TV not working initially. That said, this is where the hotel handled things well.

As soon as I reported the problem, a technician came within a few hours and replaced the TV entirely with a new one. No back-and-forth, no excuses, no waiting days. It was fixed quickly, and I didn’t have to think about it again.

What’s Missing (But Manageable)

One thing I did wish the room had was a refrigerator. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it would’ve been convenient. That said, the hotel does have a water cooler, which I didn’t even realize until I was leaving,  definitely something to take advantage of during your stay.

There’s also an ATM inside the hotel, which is useful given the location.

Bottom Line on the Rooms

The rooms at OYO Times Square aren’t designed to impress,  they’re designed to support your trip. If you’re spending most of your time outside exploring, eating, and experiencing the city, the room does exactly what it’s supposed to do.

If you expect luxury, space, or in-room amenities like a mini-fridge and lounging areas, this won’t be the right fit. But for a clean, comfortable place to sleep steps from Times Square, it holds its own.

Staff and Service Experience: Quietly Reliable, Genuinely Helpful

One thing worth saying upfront: I didn’t need the staff much,  and that’s a good thing. When a hotel runs smoothly, you don’t spend your trip troubleshooting or chasing help.

That said, when I did interact with staff at OYO Times Square, the experience was consistently positive.

Luggage Storage & Early Check-In

I arrived before official check-in time, and the hotel had a dedicated place to store bags, which immediately made the day easier. I dropped my bags, stepped outside, and within minutes was walking around Times Square instead of sitting around waiting.

What stood out was the staff member handling the bags,  he was friendly, helpful, and put in a word for me so I could check in early. That small favor made a big difference after traveling, and it set the tone for the rest of the stay.

Front Desk & General Interactions

I barely needed to speak with the front desk after check-in, which tells you things were running smoothly. No confusion, no unnecessary follow-ups, and no service issues that required escalation.

When something did come up, like the TV issue, it was handled quickly and professionally without friction.

Elevators: A Small Learning Curve

The elevators worked well overall, but there is a bit of a learning curve.

At first, navigating the floors can feel confusing because of how many rooms are on each level. After a day, though, it becomes second nature.

Here’s a pro tip most guests don’t realize:

• The front elevators are usually busy
• There’s an additional elevator toward the back of the building that’s typically much less crowded

Once you know about the back elevator, getting to and from your room is quicker and easier, especially during peak hours.

Housekeeping & Security

Housekeeping was consistent and reliable. Someone checked in every day, asking if cleaning or fresh towels were needed, which kept the room comfortable throughout the stay.

Security also felt solid. Staff rotate shifts, so there’s always someone present, during the day and at night,  which added to the overall sense of safety, especially in such a busy area.

Airport Transportation Tip

When it was time to leave, hotel security recommended using the hotel’s driver service to get to the airport instead of Uber.

It ended up being:

• Cheaper than Uber
• A nicer vehicle
• Smooth and stress-free

That recommendation alone saved time and money,  something you appreciate at the end of a NYC trip.

Overall Service Takeaway

OYO Times Square doesn’t overwhelm you with over-the-top service, and that’s intentional. The staff does what matters: they’re helpful when needed, invisible when not, and efficient when problems arise.

For a high-traffic Times Square hotel, that balance is exactly what you want.

Common Complaints vs My Actual Experience: What Reviews Get Right (and What They Don’t)

If you read through reviews of OYO Times Square online, you’ll notice a pattern: the same complaints come up repeatedly. Some are valid depending on expectations,  others didn’t line up with my stay at all.

Here’s how the most common complaints compare to what I actually experienced.

“The Rooms Are Too Small”

What reviews say:
Rooms are cramped, tight, and barely usable.

My experience:
The room was average-sized for Manhattan. Not big, but not uncomfortable. I could move around, sleep well, and store essentials without feeling boxed in. If you’re expecting a spacious hotel room near Times Square, that’s unrealistic at almost any price.

Verdict: Expected NYC sizing, not a dealbreaker.

“It’s Noisy Because It’s in Times Square”

What reviews say:
Street noise, sirens, and crowd sounds make sleeping difficult.

My experience:
Noise was not an issue at all for me. I slept well every night, with no hallway noise or street noise bothering me. This likely depends on room placement, but my experience was calm despite the location.

Verdict: Not a problem in my case.

“The Hotel Feels Old or Outdated”

What reviews say:
Worn décor, aging fixtures, and visible wear.

My experience:
The hotel isn’t luxury-modern, but it didn’t feel run-down either. Everything I used worked properly. When something didn’t (the TV), it was replaced the same day. The lobby itself actually felt nice and welcoming.

Verdict: Basic, not broken.

“Staff Isn’t Helpful”

What reviews say:
Unresponsive or disengaged service.

My experience:
The opposite. From early check-in help, to daily housekeeping, to airport transport advice, staff were helpful when needed. I didn’t need constant interaction, and when I did, it was smooth.

Verdict: Quietly effective.

“Hidden Fees Ruin the Value”

What reviews say:
Resort fees, deposits, and extra costs catch guests off guard.

My experience:
There were no surprise fees that disrupted my stay. That said, this is something travelers should always check before booking. Compared to other Times Square hotels, pricing still felt fair for the location.

Verdict: Read the fine print, but value holds.

“Elevators Are a Nightmare”

What reviews say:
Slow, crowded, and frustrating.

My experience:
The elevators worked fine. Yes, the front ones get busy,  but once you know about the back elevator, it’s much easier. After day one, it wasn’t an issue at all.

Verdict: Learning curve, not a flaw.

The Bigger Picture

Most negative reviews come from expectation mismatch, not catastrophic problems. If you book OYO Times Square expecting:

• Luxury
• Space
• In-room lounging

You’ll be disappointed.

If you book it expecting:

• Prime location
• Clean room
• Reliable basics
• A place to sleep between adventures

It delivers.

Value Assessment: Is the Price Justified?

Here’s the honest truth: for the location alone, the price makes sense.

Staying at OYO Times Square is about maximizing where you are, not what’s in the room. And when you frame it that way, the value becomes clear.

About the Fees (Let’s Be Clear)

Yes, there is:

• A resort fee
• A refundable deposit in case of room damage

But in my experience:

• The deposit did not ruin the value
• It was refunded the day after checkout
• There were no surprises or delays

This is standard for many NYC hotels, especially in Times Square. As long as you know it upfront, it doesn’t feel shady or frustrating.

What You’re Really Paying For

You’re paying for:

• Being steps from Times Square
• Walking access to food, shows, subway lines, and Midtown landmarks
• Not needing Ubers constantly
• The ability to drop bags, check in smoothly, and explore immediately

I walked everywhere. That alone saved money over the course of the trip.

Price vs Experience

Would this hotel feel expensive if it were anywhere else? Probably.

But in Times Square, with this level of convenience, cleanliness, and service responsiveness, it earns its price.

I’d rather spend less on the room and more on:

• Food
• Shows
• Events
• Experiences (like WWE at Madison Square Garden)

And that’s exactly what this hotel enables.

Who Gets the Best Value Here

OYO Times Square is worth it if:

• You plan to be out most of the day
• You want to experience NYC, not hide from it
• You value location over luxury
• You’re staying a few nights, not a full week indoors

It’s especially good for:

• First-time NYC visitors
• Event-based trips (concerts, WWE, Broadway)
• Budget-conscious travelers who still want prime access

Final Value Verdict

Knowing what I know now, I would 100% stay here again.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a hotel this close to Times Square at a similar price that delivers:

• Clean rooms
• Comfortable beds
• Reliable housekeeping
• Helpful staff
• Walk-everywhere convenience

It’s not perfect,  but for what it offers, the value is real.

Who This Hotel Is Best For (and Who Should Avoid It)

This Hotel Is Best For:

OYO Times Square is a great fit if you:

• Want to be right in Times Square, not “near” it
• Plan to walk everywhere and use the subway often
• Are in NYC for events, shows, concerts, or sightseeing
• Only use the hotel to sleep, shower, and reset
• Prefer spending money on experiences instead of luxury rooms

It’s especially ideal for:

• First-time NYC visitors
• Short stays (2–5 nights)
• Event-based trips (WWE, Broadway, concerts)
• Travelers who don’t mind compact, functional rooms

If your goal is to experience New York City at full speed, this hotel supports that perfectly.

This Hotel Is NOT Ideal For:

You may want to look elsewhere if you:

• Plan to stay indoors most of the day
• Want a hotel room that doubles as a lounge or workspace
• Need in-room amenities like a refrigerator or coffee maker
• Are sensitive to the idea of compact NYC-style rooms
• Expect luxury finishes or high-end hotel extras

This isn’t a “hotel vacation” hotel,  it’s a base camp.

Final Verdict: Would I Stay Here Again?

Yes, without hesitation.

Knowing what I know now, I would 100% stay at OYO Times Square again. The location is simply too good to ignore, especially at this price point. Being able to walk out the door and immediately be in Times Square is something you can’t fully appreciate until you experience it.

The room was clean, the bed was comfortable, housekeeping was reliable, and when an issue came up (the TV), it was handled quickly. Staff were helpful when needed and stayed out of the way when not. Security felt solid, and even small tips, like using the back elevator or the hotel’s airport driver,  made the stay smoother.

My one small wish was a refrigerator in the room, but that didn’t outweigh the overall convenience. Between the water cooler in the hotel, nearby food spots, and how little time I spent indoors, it wasn’t a dealbreaker.

To sum it up honestly:

OYO Times Square is worth it if you want to be close to all the action and live in Times Square,  but not if you love staying indoors.

If your priority is location, walkability, and value, this hotel delivers exactly what it promises.

Ready to Book? Here’s the Smart Way to Stay in Times Square

If you’re planning a New York trip where location matters more than luxury, booking OYO Times Square is a practical move that pays off the moment you arrive.

You’ll step out the door and be inside Times Square, walk to food spots and shows, move easily by subway, and save money for the experiences that actually define NYC. That’s exactly how I used it, and why I’d stay again.

If this sounds like your kind of trip, check current availability and prices below. Rates in Times Square change fast, especially around events and weekends, so locking in early can make a real difference.

Check prices & availability for OYO Times Square

Quick booking tips before you click:

• Aim for interior or higher-floor rooms if you’re sensitive to noise
• Factor in the refundable deposit + resort fee (you’ll get the deposit back after checkout)
• Use the back elevator during busy times
• Take advantage of luggage storage if you arrive early
• Look for event-week pricing spikes and book ahead

If you want to experience New York at full speed, shows, streets, food, and energy, this hotel puts you exactly where you need to be.

Book smart. Stay central. Spend your time outside, not commuting.