Econo Lodge Hotel Times Square

Situated on the corner of Eighth Avenue, just a short walk from Restaurant Row, the Broadway theaters and several subway lines, the two-star Econo Lodge Times Square offers comfort and convenience just beyond the glowing lights of its namesake location.

Quick read

Pros: Good location close to Times Square. Attentive, helpful staff. Free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

Cons: Small rooms. Street noise. Slow elevators.

Rooms

The 51 guest rooms at the Econo Lodge Times Square are neither unappealing nor especially stylish. They are simply clean and functional, with utilitarian furnishings, fluffy pillows, crisp white bedding and the occasional framed print.

Rooms are quite small can feel cramped (welcome to New York, folks), but they offer armoires for unpacking, and the friendly staff will store your luggage during your stay (in addition to after check-out) if you’re feeling claustrophobic.

All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a telephone, safe and TV. Mini-fridges are also available upon request, at no additional charge. Note that this super-central location means that rooms will pick up noise (pack ear plugs).

Bathrooms

The bathrooms are spic-and-span, with large white tiles and pedestal sinks. A hair dryer is provided and most rooms have bathtubs.

Hotel

The Econo Lodge’s lobby is simple and sparkling (it smelled a bit antiseptic when we entered, as though it had just received a good scrubbing). A few sofas offer a place to relax over a cup of coffee or tea (available for free throughout the day), and two Internet stations are available for an additional charge.

The Eono Lodge Times Square may not be the most luxe in accommodations, but it offers several friendly perks that aren't common in standard New York hotels. Wi-Fi is free throughout, a continental breakfast is included in the room rate and the hotel offers free bottled water and chips upon check-in.

Location

The Econo Lodge Hotel Times Square offers a prime location just off Eighth Avenue, where Hell’s Kitchen and the Theater District meet. Rockefeller Center, the MoMA, Times Square and Central Park are all within easy walking distance. A well-stocked Duane Reade drug store and the Gray Line Tours visitor center, both located across the street, offer added convenicne.

A diverse selection of restaurants and bars line Ninth Avenue, one block west of the hotel. Check out Room Service (690 Ninth Avenue), a hopping, trendy Thai restaurant with an affordable lunch special, or pick up some treats at local favorite Amy’s Bread (672 Ninth Avenue).

Transportation

Subways: The Econo Lodge Times Square is located within easy walking distance of four different subway stops. You can catch the A/C/E lines at Eighth Avenue and 42nd Street, the 1 train at 50th and Broadway or the N/Q/R lines at the 49th Street Station (which has an entrance on Seventh Avenue and 47th Street). Rockefeller Center, just one block farther (at 47th Street and Sixth Avenue), offers access to the B/D/F/M lines.

JFK: Take the Air Train to Howard Beach Station, then the Manhattan-bound A express to 42nd Street-Port Authority. Ride in the front car, and upon exiting the station, the Econo Lodge Times Square will be just three blocks.

LaGuardia: We recommend an airport bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. From there, walk four blocks north to the hotel.

Newark: Take the Air Train to the NJ Transit station, and then any NJ Transit train into New York Penn Station. From there it’s a quick cab ride to the hotel, or you can that an Uptown A/C/E train to 42nd Street, and the hotel is just three blocks from the station if you ride in the front car.