The hype
Travelers are consistently stunned by how quiet the rooms are given the chaotic location, but many mourn the loss of the old Kimpton perks.
The Muse New York
$200-400/ night
Book this if You want a shockingly quiet sleep within screaming distance of Times Square and don't mind paying extra for the privilege.
Why People Love It
- Soundproofing that actually works in the loudest part of NYC
- Spacious rooms (starting at 235 sq ft) that don't feel like closets
- Location is dead center for Broadway theaters and Rockefeller Center
Quick Take: The Kimpton ghost that haunts 46th Street—it kept the boutique look but lost the free wine hour and free pet policy.
Reviewed by @gabrielfelixphotography: I stayed in the Balcony Suite and it completely changed my NYC trip. Having a massive private terrace right above Times Square made me feel like I owned the city. The soaking tub was the perfect way to unwind after walking all day. 10/10 would book again.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'boutique' vibe feels a bit corporate now, and long-time guests notice the nickel-and-diming on fees that didn't exist before.
- You are seeing a Broadway show and want to walk home in 3 minutes
- You need a room with two beds that actually fits four humans
- Silence is your number one priority for sleeping
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though recent reviews mention occasional missed spots.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly sparkling, but isolated reports of drainage issues and one recent complaint of insects (Feb 2026) drags the score down.
- Maintenance: Rooms are well-maintained but showing slight age; HVAC units can be noisy.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-quality linens. Towels are standard hotel grade, nothing plush.
- Odors & scents: Neutral. No overwhelming perfumes, but no musty smells either.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Interior hallway noise (doors slamming)
- HVAC units in some older rooms can be clunky
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Muse Bar' next door is currently closed; on-site dining is limited to 'Little Opus'
- Valet parking is expensive (~$70/night); use SpotHero for garages on 46th St instead
- A jazz club is slated to open in the basement in 2026, which may change the vibe
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case you get a lower floor)
- Refillable water bottle (filtered water stations in lobby)
- Walking shoes (you are in the center of everything)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Executive Rooms on higher floors for better light and less street hum
- Interior-facing rooms if you want absolute vampire-level darkness and silence (but no view)
- Balcony Suites (rare in NYC) if you want fresh air, though views vary
Rooms to avoid
- Lower floor street-facing rooms if you are extremely sensitive to sirens
- Rooms near the elevator banks (hallway noise travels)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking specifically for the quiet reputation. Please assign a room on a high floor, away from the elevators. If an interior courtyard view is quieter than a street view, I prefer that.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is The Muse still a Kimpton hotel?
No. It was sold in 2022 and is now an independent hotel managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts.
Does The Muse have a free wine hour?
No. The beloved Kimpton wine hour is gone. You can buy drinks at the Little Opus bar.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. It is available à la carte at Little Opus, or you can use your $10 daily destination fee credit towards it.
How much is the pet fee?
$150 per accommodation, per stay. A significant change from the previous free policy.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes and Life Fitness equipment.
What does the destination fee cover?
Typically Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and a $10 daily food & beverage credit (verify at check-in as this changes).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Join the 'I Prefer' rewards program (Preferred Hotels & Resorts) before booking—it might get you free Wi-Fi or an upgrade.
- ✨
The basement is currently being converted into a jazz club (signed lease Oct 2025), so ask if construction noise is an issue during the day.
- ✨
The 'Executive 2 Double Beds' room is a secret weapon for families—it actually has space for luggage.
5 things to know before you go
💡The lobby smell—it used to be a signature Kimpton scent, now it's just... clean.
💡The 'view' from many rooms is just the brick wall of the building next door (but that's why it's quiet).
💡The elevators can be slow during peak theater checkout times (11 AM Sunday).
💡You can walk to Bryant Park in 5 minutes, which is infinitely better than Times Square.
💡The water pressure in the showers is surprisingly strong for an older building.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Muse New York is located and what's nearby.