The hype
Great location and spacious rooms for NYC, but the elevators are a daily test of patience.
Element New York Times Square West
$150-300/ night
Book this if You want a kitchenette and free breakfast in the heart of the action without paying luxury prices.
Why People Love It
- Free hot breakfast buffet (rare for NYC)
- In-room kitchenettes with full-size fridges
- Rooftop terrace with Empire State Building views
Quick Take: A solid, functional base camp for tourists that is currently plagued by a maddeningly slow elevator situation.
Reviewed by @WayfaringAimlessly: I stayed here for a mix of work and fun. Honestly, grabbing a Junior's cheesecake and eating it on the rooftop with that view of The Edge was the highlight of my trip. The room had a full fridge too, which is rare for NYC!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will likely wait longer for the elevator than you did for your coffee.
- You are traveling with family and need a kitchen
- You prioritize free breakfast over luxury service
- You plan to be out exploring all day
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Good but inconsistent. Service is often every other day; you may need to request trash removal.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling. Grout and drains are usually well-maintained.
- Maintenance: Elevators are the main failure point. Rooms are modern but show minor wear.
- Linens & towels: Standard Westin 'Heavenly' quality—crisp and clean.
- Odors & scents: Neutral. No heavy perfumes, but occasional hallway food smells from kitchenettes.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Sirens/street noise (lower floors)
- Hallway noise from neighbors waiting for elevators
Before you book
Good to know
- No on-site parking; valet is ~$76/day. Use SpotHero for nearby garages (~$30/day).
- A $250 refundable security deposit is required upon check-in.
- Laundry machines are available but frequently reported as 'out of order'—check first.
What to pack
- Earplugs (it is still NYC)
- Reusable water bottle (filtered water tap in room)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Corner King Studios (more light, slightly more space)
- High floors (30+) for stunning city views and less street noise
Rooms to avoid
- Low floors (under 10) due to street noise
- Rooms directly near the elevator bank (noisy congregation point)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love a high-floor room (30+) away from the elevator bank for quiet. If available, a Corner King would be amazing.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. There is a rooftop terrace, but no pool.
Is breakfast actually free?
Yes, a hot buffet with egg wraps, fruit, and yogurt is included, but it gets extremely crowded.
How bad are the elevators?
Currently quite bad. Expect 10+ minute waits during peak morning and evening hours.
Can I cook in the room?
Yes, rooms have kitchenettes with a stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, and full-size fridge.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, dogs under 40lbs are welcome for a ~$50/night fee.
Does it have a gym?
Yes, a decent 24-hour 'Motion' fitness center with cardio machines and free weights.
Insider Tips
- ✨
If the elevator line is insane, take the stairs down if you're on a lower floor (1-10).
- ✨
Grab breakfast early (before 8 AM) to avoid the 'Lord of the Flies' scene.
- ✨
The filtered water tap in the kitchenette is a huge money saver—fill up before you head out.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Destination Fee' is mandatory but often includes a small food/beverage credit you must ask to use.
💡The dishwasher is tiny but functional—bring your own detergent pods if you plan to use it heavily.
💡There are free bikes to borrow, but navigating Midtown traffic on them is not for the faint of heart.
💡The rooftop terrace closes early (often 10-11 PM), so don't plan on a late-night hang.
💡You might see a 'bed bug' report from 2018 online; recent checks show no active infestation, but always check your mattress seams.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Element New York Times Square West is located and what's nearby.