The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the views and the rooftop vibe but consistently frustrated by the chaotic elevators and hit-or-miss housekeeping.
M Social Hotel Times Square New York
$180-350/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential 'I'm in Times Square' Instagram shot from your bed without paying $800 a night.
Why People Love It
- The 'Social City View' rooms offer floor-to-ceiling views of the Times Square ball drop zone
- Beast & Butterflies rooftop terrace is a legitimate hotspot, not just a hotel bar
- Location is dead-center: 2 minutes to Broadway theaters, 5 minutes to Central Park
Quick Take: A highly Instagrammable glass box that trades service and elevator speed for killer views.
Reviewed by @PretyLife: I stayed here for a weekend with friends and the vibe was electric. The lobby art is cool, but the real highlight is the terrace. Having a drink while looking down at the Times Square chaos was an unforgettable feeling. Definitely the spot for a fun, high-energy NYC trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the window, not the service. Expect long lines at check-in and a 'self-service' attitude from staff.
- You are a first-time NYC visitor who wants to be in the 'center of the universe'
- You prioritize a modern, renovated room aesthetic over white-glove service
- You plan to spend your evenings on a rooftop bar rather than in a quiet lobby
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Many reports of 'missed service' or 'rushed cleaning.'
- Bathroom hygiene: Decent. Grout is usually white, but check the shower drain for hair (a common complaint).
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure. Leaky toilets and peeling wallpaper are occasional complaints.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel grade. Crisp but not luxurious. Check for stains upon arrival.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like signature perfume; hallways can smell like 'old carpet' or faint smoke.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise (sirens, honking) on floors 1-15
- Mechanical room vibrations in 9th-floor rooms
- Hallway noise due to thin doors
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is late (4:00 PM) and lines are long; arrive early to drop bags but don't expect a room.
- The 'Destination Fee' includes a $10 food credit, but it expires daily — use it or lose it.
- The entrance is small and easy to miss; look for the elevator bank to take you up to the 5th-floor lobby.
What to pack
- Heavy-duty earplugs (Mack's Silicone Putty recommended)
- A travel steamer (irons are hit-or-miss)
- Slippers (carpets have seen heavy foot traffic)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Social City View King (High Floor) — ask for floor 20+ to clear the billboards for a view of the river and city.
- Corner rooms ending in '01' often have dual-aspect windows.
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms 901, 902, 903 (Mechanical noise hell)
- Any room on floors 7-10 facing 52nd St (Street noise is intense)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Social City View' room on the highest possible floor (20+ preferred). Please ensure I am NOT assigned to rooms 901, 902, or 903 due to sensory sensitivity to mechanical vibration.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the rooftop bar free for guests?
Access is free, but you still pay for drinks. It gets packed, so go early (around 5 PM) to snag a table.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No pool. The 'Social' aspect is the bar and game room, not a swim club.
Can I store my bags before check-in?
Yes, there is a luggage storage area on the ground floor, but it can be chaotic with piles of bags.
Is breakfast included?
No. The buffet is roughly $43/person and reviews say it's mediocre. Walk to a nearby diner instead.
Are the rooms clean?
Generally yes, but recent reports mention stained carpets and missed dust. It's 'turnover clean,' not 'deep clean.'
Is it safe at night?
Yes, the area is heavily policed and crowded 24/7. The main risk is pickpockets, not physical safety.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 5th-floor lobby has a 'Beast & Butterflies' terrace that offers the same view as the expensive rooms — you don't *need* a view room if you hang out there.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 2 blocks to 'Bibble and Sip' for superior coffee and cream puffs.
- ✨
There is a filtered water bottle filler in the gym — bring your own bottle to save $8 on hotel water.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'City View' might just be a view of the office building across the street unless you specify 'Times Square View'.
💡The elevators have a 'destination dispatch' system that confuses everyone and breaks frequently.
💡Housekeeping is often 'by request only' or every other day, even if they say daily.
💡The air conditioning units are motion-activated in some rooms, meaning they turn off while you sleep and the room gets hot.
💡There is an arcade area with foosball near the lobby that is surprisingly fun and usually empty.
Local Playbook
Map
See where M Social Hotel Times Square New York is located and what's nearby.