Row NYC Review: A Sleek Hotel in Times Square

A few weeks ago, a few friends from out-of-town and I had the chance to catch up in New York City. Instead of rushing back home to Connecticut, like I usually do, I decided to spend the weekend in New York City. Since this was last-minute, I used the As You Stay app to search for hotel deals that fit my budget. The Row NYC Hotel was at the top of the list. With irresistible views of the city skyline and only a block away from Times Square, Row NYC had everything that I was looking for. So without further ado, let’s jump into this Row NYC review.

Row NYC Review

Row NYC features a ton of amenities catering to a variety of travelers – this includes a fitness center and a café that transforms into a lounge at night. Row NYC also houses an impressive iMac internet lounge, a beauty bar, and a pastry shop.

Row NYC Location

If you’re looking for a 4-star hotel near Times Square, The Row NYC is a great choice.

Right on 8th Avenue between 44th and 45th Street, Row NYC Hotel is conveniently one block away from Times Square. It’s within walking distance to the Times Square 42nd Street subway station, Jacob Javits Center, and the beginning of The High Line.

From the hotel, you have access to everything you need.

Close to all the action in Midtown, you can watch a Broadway show, shop on 5th Avenue and visit other iconic NYC landmarks. Dine at nearby restaurants and eateries and grab drinks at a bar or lounge.

Although dining near Times Square is pricey, I recommend checking out Shake Shack if you like burgers, fries, and milkshakes. I love their Shroom Burger! Or head over to Two Boots for finger-lickin’ Cajun-inspired pizza. Starbucks and Pret A Manger are my top picks for coffee.

However, if you don’t feel like leaving the hotel, you don’t have to.

Row NYC has a variety of interesting in-house dining options. City Kitchen, the indoor food market features bites from seven popular New York restaurants. I’m hoping to try the dulce de leche doughnuts by Dough next time!

Checking-In at Row NYC

I arrived at Row NYC Hotel early Friday evening. From the entrance, I could immediately sense that The Row Hotel was glamorous yet it had an urban grit vibe which is classic New York City.

The stylish Hollywood style lights made a bold statement which complimented the large glass revolving doors.

From the street level, I climbed a short flight of steps and walked into a bright and spacious lobby. The lobby was bustling with lots of people. This is exactly what I would expect from a hotel near Times Square.

 

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Although I didn’t get to try the mobile check-in, it looked like a cool check-in alternative.

And after a lengthy check-in process (6 p.m. rush hour), I was delighted to hear that I got a complimentary upgrade. My deluxe city view room on the 24th floor was waiting for me.

Deluxe City View Room

My contemporary-styled, white room had a minimalist but sleek design. Adding a splash of color, the red wall mural was eye-catching.

The plush Euro Top platform bed was extremely comfortable. Maximizing comfort, I loved the soft cotton linens. I could also easily adjust the room’s temperature with the thermostat.

In my room, there was plenty of storage and closet space to store my belongings.The full-length mirror, iron and ironing board also came in handy. Lots of hotels don’t offer this amenity anymore so this was refreshing to see.

My window looked out to the back of the hotel. I had an incredible view of New York City’s skyline. From my room, I could see Times Square’s flashing lights at night. To ensure a restful night’s sleep, my window shades conveniently doubled as blackout curtains.

Book a “City View” room if you’re looking for a similar view.

Although I was sleeping all the way up on the 24th floor, at night I could still hear sounds of honking cars from the city streets down below. If you’re a light sleeper, I recommend grabbing a pair of complimentary ear plugs from the front desk. There’s a reason Frank Sinatra coined New York City, “a city that never sleeps”.

Lastly, my bathroom was small and simple. It showed signs of wear, especially the tub. Nevertheless, the LED mirror had a modern touch.

When I forgot my toothbrush at home, the front desk saved the day!

Within a few minutes, a hotel staff member knocked on my door with a toothbrush and plenty of toothpaste to last my entire stay.

Row NYC Hallways

 

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Row NYC’s hallways are so cool! They featured captivating floor-to-ceiling New York City inspired murals. From phone booths and corner stores to kids playing with gushing fire hydrants, the murals authentically depicted New York City.

Row NYC Check-Out

Check-out was at noon.

A copy of my bill was left underneath my door with instructions on how to check out in English, Spanish and Portuguese. In addition to the room cost, one thing that caught me by surprise was the “Facilities Fee” and the “Facilities Fee Sales Tax”. I was charged $27.50 USD and $2.44 USD per day. So add these costs to your travel budget.

Since I paid with a credit card, I did not have to visit the front desk to check-out. All I had to do was drop my room key in the Express Check-Out box in the lobby.

In case you need to store your luggage, drop your bags off with the bellman at the street level main entrance. Luggage storage is free, but don’t forget to leave a tip.

You can’t beat staying at a reasonably priced hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

After reading this Row NYC review I hope you consider staying at a hotel like Row NYC near Times Square for its convenient location near Times Square and thoughtful amenities.