Even Hotel New York - Times Square South By Ihg

This hotel offers a unique urban retreat with a strong emphasis on wellness, setting it apart with in-room workout equipment and a comprehensive fitness center. Its prime location near Penn Station and Madison Square Garden makes it an ideal choice for business travelers attending events and sightseers eager to explore the city's iconic landmarks. Families also find the hotel accommodating, with comfortable rooms and a dedicated game room. Guests consistently praise the hotel's modern design, cleanliness, and the exceptional friendliness of its staff. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for a quieter experience, and be sure to take full advantage of the unique in-room fitness amenities for a refreshing visit. While most aspects receive high marks, some guests advise being aware of the additional facility fee upon check-in.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel is well-equipped with a variety of facilities and amenities designed to enhance guest comfort and well-being. A standout feature is the provision of in-room workout equipment, including yoga mats, resistance bands, and vertical bars, complemented by guided workout routines available on the TV. For more extensive exercise, a fantastic gym is on-site, featuring LifeCycle and Peloton bikes, with the added convenience of free laundry service for workout gear. Guests also enjoy the shared spaces, such as a game room equipped with a Ping Pong table and foosball, which is particularly popular with families. Complimentary free Wi-Fi is available, and guests appreciate the free water stations in the lobby, offering filtered and lemon-mint water, along with a complimentary water bottle in their rooms. Each room also includes a mini-fridge and a Keurig coffee and tea maker. Some guests noted that ice machines were occasionally out of order, and there is no microwave for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel for its exceptional cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, immaculate, and well-maintained, with daily housekeeping ensuring a fresh environment. The beds are frequently praised as ultra-comfy, like sleeping on a cloud, and super comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep. While some guests found the room size to be small, many considered them spacious and practical for New York City standards, often equipped with thoughtful touches like PowerPoints next to beds and automatic blackout shades. Noise levels generally receive positive feedback, with many rooms reported as quiet, especially on higher floors, though some guests experienced street noise or loud HVAC units. The bathroom experience is mixed; many appreciate the spacious showers with rain heads and handheld options and good water pressure, but some encountered issues with drainage, clogged tubs, or dirty toilets upon arrival. A recurring concern is the sliding barn door on the bathroom, which lacks a lock and can compromise privacy. Additionally, some guests noted limited wardrobe space and a lack of luggage racks.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers on-site dining options that receive varied feedback from guests. The restaurant is generally praised for its good food, with many appreciating the healthy options available and finding the overall quality to be surprisingly good. The bar area is described as a nice spot for drinks, with friendly bartenders, though some found it quiet. Breakfast receives mixed reviews; while the food is often described as tasty and good quality, many guests found it to be expensive, not a buffet, and menu-based with limited selection. Some experienced long wait times and issues with service, particularly concerning the policy that breakfast is only included for two people, even when a room is booked for four, leading to additional charges. Room service is mentioned as being inconsistent, with some guests reporting slow service and issues with replenishment of items. Despite these points, the convenience of having on-site food and beverage options is generally valued.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an exceptional central location, making it a highly convenient base for exploring New York City. Guests consistently highlight its proximity to major landmarks and transportation hubs, being just steps away from Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and various subway lines, providing easy access to all parts of Manhattan and airports like JFK and Newark. It is also within easy walking distance of popular attractions such as Times Square, Broadway theaters, the Garment District, Hudson Yards, the High Line, and the Empire State Building. The immediate area offers an abundance of restaurants, food options, and 24-hour markets. While the hotel is situated on a side street that some found quiet, a few guests noted the surrounding area could appear dirty or feel less safe after dark, though the presence of an NYPD station on the same block provides a sense of security. Parking is available in a garage directly across the street, though it is noted to be expensive.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, with many guests describing them as phenomenal, kind, and going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process is frequently highlighted as quick, fast, and seamless, often allowing for early check-in. Guests appreciate specific services such as luggage storage, assistance with directions and recommendations, and the provision of complimentary welcome drinks and water bottles. Housekeeping is generally commended for being attentive and ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained. However, there are some isolated reports of less positive interactions, including instances of rude staff or management, and issues with staff being understaffed at times. Some guests also experienced a lack of proactive updates regarding room issues or a failure to recognize IHG status. Despite these few concerns, the staff's commitment to providing excellent service is a recurring theme, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests frequently mention an additional facility fee charged per night, which covers amenities like a welcome drink, late check-out (if available), baggage storage, and gym access. While some guests find this fee unclear or feel these services should be included, it is a common point of discussion. Several guests reported significant privacy issues, including housekeeping disturbing them early in the morning or even entering the room without permission while occupied. There were also instances of plumbing problems, such as clogged tubs, low or no water pressure, and discolored water, which caused considerable inconvenience. Some guests noted construction noise from nearby sites, which could impact quiet enjoyment. While the hotel is generally well-maintained, some areas showed signs of wear and tear, such as stained lobby carpets. Other minor points include the absence of an in-room microwave and the lack of hotel slippers or toothbrushes/toothpaste, requiring guests to bring their own.